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Gerald Herbert/AP
Tony Snow in a White House press conference.
Tony Snow in a White House press conference.
Former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow Dies at 53
July 14, 2008 07:00 AM
Conservative writer and commentator Snow, who served briefly in the Bush administration, passed away early Saturday of colon cancer.
30-Second Summary
Snow died at 2 a.m. at Georgetown University Hospital, according to the Associated Press.
“America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character,” President Bush said in a statement from Camp David. “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.”
Snow was as a journalist and editorial writer for several publications, including the Greensboro Record in North Carolina, The Detroit News and USA Today, before becoming the first host of the TV program “FOX News Sunday” in 1996.
He worked for the Fox News Channel and Fox News Radio before succeeding Scott McClellan as President Bush’s press secretary in 2006. He had previously served in the White House as a speechwriter for George H. W. Bush in 1991.
Snow served only 17 months as press secretary, but his tenure was notable for his partisanship and outsized personality. He resigned in September last year, citing the need to earn more money than a government job could offer.
“With a quick-from-the-lip repartee, broadcasters’ good looks and a relentlessly bright outlook—if not always a command of the facts—he became a popular figure around the country to the delight of his White House bosses,” reported the Associated Press.
Snow had previously undergone operations on his colon in 2005 and 2007. He is survived by his wife and three children.
“America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character,” President Bush said in a statement from Camp David. “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.”
Snow was as a journalist and editorial writer for several publications, including the Greensboro Record in North Carolina, The Detroit News and USA Today, before becoming the first host of the TV program “FOX News Sunday” in 1996.
He worked for the Fox News Channel and Fox News Radio before succeeding Scott McClellan as President Bush’s press secretary in 2006. He had previously served in the White House as a speechwriter for George H. W. Bush in 1991.
Snow served only 17 months as press secretary, but his tenure was notable for his partisanship and outsized personality. He resigned in September last year, citing the need to earn more money than a government job could offer.
“With a quick-from-the-lip repartee, broadcasters’ good looks and a relentlessly bright outlook—if not always a command of the facts—he became a popular figure around the country to the delight of his White House bosses,” reported the Associated Press.
Snow had previously undergone operations on his colon in 2005 and 2007. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Headline Links: ‘Cancer Claims Ex-Bush Press Secretary Tony Snow’
Snow reportedly said while working in the Bush administration that the post was “the most exciting, intellectually aerobic job I’m ever going to have.”
Source: San Luis Obispo (The Associated Press)
“Let it be known, Tony Snow ... was probably the first—and to date the only—White House press secretary who played a raucous blues flute,” reports NPR’s David Folkenflik.
Source: NPR
Reactions: President Bush
A statement made by the president on the passing of Tony Snow expresses concern about Snow’s wife, Jill, and their three children. “I came to know Tony as a very smart and capable man. He had good values. He was an honest guy. You know, he had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to laugh, he loved his country, and he loved his family.”
Source: MarketWatch
Reference: White House announcement
In April 2006, the Bush administration released a transcript of President Bush’s remarks following the appointment of Tony Snow as press secretary. “As a professional journalist, Tony Snow understands the importance of the relationship between the government and those whose job it is to cover the government. He’s going to work hard to provide you with timely information about my philosophy, my priorities, and the actions we’re taking to implement our agenda.”
Source: The White House
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