Tony Snow Has Died

just before lunchtime on Saturday, the 12th of July 2008 by Chad

Via AP News

Tony Snow, a conservative writer and commentator who cheerfully sparred with reporters in the White House briefing room during a stint as President Bush’s press secretary, died Saturday of colon cancer. He was 53.

"America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character," President Bush said in a statement from Camp David, where he was spending the weekend. "It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day. He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work.

Tony Snow was one of the few trustworthy talking heads in the media and government.

Snow was working for Fox News Channel and Fox News Radio when he replaced Scott McClellan as press secretary in May 2006 during a White House shake-up. Unlike McClellan, who came to define caution and bland delivery from the White House podium, Snow was never shy about playing to the cameras.

McClellan wasn’t that good, and I don’t really care for his recent "Hey look at me" behavior. So Tony Snow taking over was a breath of fresh air. Even though he left as press secretary last year, he was a high point in that much maligned government position.