RIP, Tony Snow; Update: Brit Hume tribute video added
posted at 8:43 am on July 12, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Radio and television host Tony Snow, who breathed new life into the role of White House press secretary, died at 53 from complications of cancer:
Tony Snow, the former White House press secretary and conservative pundit who bedeviled the press corps and charmed millions as a FOX News television and radio host, has died after a long bout with cancer. He was 53.
A syndicated columnist, editor, TV anchor, radio show host and musician, Snow worked in nearly every medium in a career that spanned more than 30 years.
“The White House has lost a great friend and a great colleague,” said President Bush’s press secretary Dana Perino. “We all loved watching him at the podium, but most of all we learned how to love our families and treat each other.”
Snow joined FOX in 1996 as the original anchor of “FOX News Sunday” and hosted “Weekend Live” and a radio program, “The Tony Snow Show,” before departing in 2006. A sometime fill-in host for Rush Limbaugh, Snow said he loved the intimacy of his radio audience.
This weekend will bring many personal tributes, but allow me just a minor example. At the 2004 Republican convention, when I had been blogging for less than a year, I was introduced to Tony almost accidentally. I was shocked when he knew my blog, and maybe even more shocked at how he treated me — as a colleague, an equal in an arena where most of us bloggers felt like Cindarella among ten thousand stepsisters.
He wanted to interview me for his radio show, but he couldn’t work me in. Instead, we chatted off the air for a while, and he impressed me as a man who absolutely loved his work. His joy and his good humor shined through every word, as it did when he worked at the White House, and appeared on television and radio. Viewers and listeners got the authentic Tony Snow; he didn’t build a false persona for public consumption.
When Tony told the world about his illness and took a leave of absence, I sent him an e-mail wishing him well. I was only a little surprised to get a note back from him on his return, thanking me and complimenting me on my work. By that time, I knew what kind of man Tony Snow was, and I hoped his return would mean many years of us enjoying his work as much as he did. Alas, it was not in the cards.
My condolences and prayers go out to Tony’s family and friends. We lost a good man and a class act. Godspeed, Tony.
Update: Brit Hume narrates a tribute to Tony’s career, this morning on Fox:
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I’m glad that his suffering has ended, but we conservatives will miss him greatly.
Another shining light has been extinguished. :o(
DannoJyd on July 12, 2008 at 10:51 AM
The media takes another shot at conservatives. The AP press release of this was totally disgusting! see http://710knus.townhall.com/News/NewsArticle.aspx?UrlTitle=report_ex-bush_spokesman_tony_snow_dies_of_cancer&c=us&dt=07/12/2008&page=2?page=full&comments=true&submitted=true86f24850-2249-4cab-bd05-8739153f0c1d#commentAnchor
Steve McCullough on July 12, 2008 at 10:52 AM
This breaks my heart….I don’t think I’ve felt a national loss this deeply since the death of Ronald Reagan.
surrounded on July 12, 2008 at 10:52 AM
As Frat boy in my youth, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon we had to learn and recite “The True Gentleman”, although few could live up to the attributes written, it would seem Tony lived them daily.
.
THE TRUE GENTLEMAN
The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.
- John Walter Wayland
abinitioadinfinitum on July 12, 2008 at 10:54 AM
The AP really dropped down to the bottom…as usual.
DoctorDentons on July 12, 2008 at 10:54 AM
i have been checking the huffpo since i got up. So far there have been no comments posted on the story. They must have shut them off to avoid embarassment. RIP Tony:(
jesterstear on July 12, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I just read the news. My heart goes out to Tony’s family , friends and co-workers. I loved watching his show as he was one of my favorite anchors. He was a great guy with eternal optimism. This is a great loss.
Geronimo on July 12, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Speaking of the dispicable AP, how long until the Democrat run Congress opens its investigation into their assisting Iran with learning how to photoshop an image?
Good catch, Steve
DannoJyd on July 12, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Tony typified the adage that one should take his work, but not himself, seriously. He was known to belt out a mean version of the Sponge Bob Square Pants song.
mikeyboss on July 12, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I hadn’t seen that before. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
mikeyboss on July 12, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Godspeed Tony. You were dealt a lousy hand but you played it like a true poker pro and for all it was worth.
Skywise on July 12, 2008 at 11:18 AM
A Sad Day. Condolences to the family.
R.I.P. Tony Snow.
Texyank on July 12, 2008 at 11:18 AM
RIP Tony. He was great on FNSunday and as press secretary.
Any thoughts on Fox’s coverage vs. NBC et. al. for Tim Russert?
Vatican Watcher on July 12, 2008 at 11:19 AM
G-d Bless Tony.
Two class journalistic acts in a month. Very Sad.
Squid Shark on July 12, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I was fortunate to have known Tony and Jill a little. We attended Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia with the Snows and had many mutual friends with them. Our daughters attended Sunday School together and we had some lovely conversations about raising daughters. He was a great Christian and a great husband and father. I am totally devastated this morning. But I know Tony is with Jesus and knows the peace that passes all understanding.
I thank God today for allowing us to have Tony for a while. He made a difference in this world, and he will not be forgotten.
rockmom on July 12, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I’ve been through several comment sections and most are kind. Some are the usual BDS stuff but this one, from Steve McCullough’s link above, was PURE SOROS………
Sugar coated poison darts.
Limerick on July 12, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I sat down this morning with my coffee and pulled up Hot Air and there was RIP Tony Snow. NO! You said it best. I am just heartbroken.
Glynn on July 12, 2008 at 11:22 AM
That was wonderful! That is exactly how I saw Tony. Thanks for posting that.
Glynn on July 12, 2008 at 11:25 AM
How beautiful, and how fitting, thanks. I have a feeling I am gonna be brought to tears several more times today.
surrounded on July 12, 2008 at 11:33 AM
When Tony’s cancer was first announced, HuffPo went berserk with glee. It was the most disgusting thing ever. I am thinking they are trying to avoid that happening again.
Glynn on July 12, 2008 at 11:35 AM
AP Writter DOUGLASS K. DANIEL also posted it at Huffpo.
MM referenced it .
Lord I hate to dirty this thread by bringing that up.
Texyank on July 12, 2008 at 11:39 AM
It is an honor for me to share it concerning a man like Tony Snow.
abinitioadinfinitum on July 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Like everyone, I knew Tony had cancer, but I thought he was beating it… very sad news indeed. Tony seemed very intelligent yet humble, a great guy to have a beer and shoot the breeze with.
gmoonster on July 12, 2008 at 11:42 AM
God bless him. My father died at the age of 54 with the same cancer. That was many years ago and I had hoped that with advances in medicine Tony Snow might have escaped the same fate. It was not to be so. My prayers are with his family.
Terrye on July 12, 2008 at 11:45 AM
About two days ago I had seen a short clip of him on a news story, and I wondered how he was doing.
Now I know he is in the hands of the Lord.
We’ll all miss Tony.
Kimmer on July 12, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Very nice tribute, thank you. See also, “Tony Snow, 1955-2008″:
http://americanpowerblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/tony-snow-1955-2008.html
Donald Douglas on July 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I am so sad to hear this..
Sekhmet on July 12, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Vaya con Dios, Mr. Snow. God bless your wife and children.
Mrs. Happy Housewife on July 12, 2008 at 11:56 AM
VEry nice video from Brit Hume. Not over the top like Tim Russert’s death.
As far as the AP the rest celebrating…they’ll get theirs sooner or later.
SouthernGent on July 12, 2008 at 11:57 AM
This liberal will miss him greatly as well. He was a class act til the end.
crr6 on July 12, 2008 at 11:57 AM
What a sad day. God bless your family, Tony.
Troy Rasmussen on July 12, 2008 at 11:58 AM
We have lost a true gentleman…Our condolences to his family….May his memory be a blessing…
robo on July 12, 2008 at 12:16 PM
God bless his family. You can tell this was a team effort and to lose him is crushing. He was a great guy, fun to watch and listen to.
Good work, Tony.
ThePrez on July 12, 2008 at 12:17 PM
What impressed me most about Tony was how he handled his job as press secretary. He was a prime example of how to stand on principle and defend his/the President’s position forcefully without being a jerk and resort to ad hominum attacks,swear words, or ranting. Plus he showed enormous amounts of patience in dealing with the media, in particular Helen Thomas. Tony was a great role model in that regard. Our prayers to his family.
Mallard T. Drake on July 12, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I’d always enjoyed Tony for the honest approach he took but admired him even more when he co-hosted a concert featuring Ian Anderson (one legged flautist of Jethro Tull..) as seen on the video, a noted Brit leftist ..
May he rest in peace…
theblacksheepwasright on July 12, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Such a good man, such a sad loss. My heart is soooo heavy.
When a really good person leaves us it brings back memories of all the people we’ve loved and lost. Sigh.
Comments are closed at Huffpo. Don’t even tell me they were abusing Tony Snow’s memory.
ctmom on July 12, 2008 at 12:20 PM
My heart was broken when I heard this horrible news this morning. I remember commenting on Lucianne’s thread when his cancer was first announced many years ago and was amazed at the depth of feeling for him even then. I also remember listening to Tony’s voice on CNN discussing Ted Kennedy’s cancer diagnosis with Wolf Blitzer. He apologized for his scratchy throat, but the tone of his voice made me think he was really battling for his life, too. I will miss his humor, gentleness and integrity as he discussed his conservative views without the hate, rancor and sarcasm so many conservatives in the media display today. Maybe they can reflect on his personal and media legacy and try to emulate him from now on as a lasting tribute.
deedledee on July 12, 2008 at 12:30 PM
“Heavenly Father, please embrace Tony in your loving arms as you welcome him back home……. I know you have a tear in your eye as the rest of us do as we pray for his family and the pain of loss they are feeling. Please ease their suffering and let them rest knowing that he has no more pain, and he will always be with them……. always.”
God Speed Tony, life well done…….
Seven Percent Solution on July 12, 2008 at 12:31 PM
A greater man than Irish Tim
Has passed beyond the veil
And left us on the mortal side
To strive and win or fail
But we who hear the masters call
Must walk the narrow way
There is no morrow in this world
There’s only this today
So when today is just a dream
Our bread no more to earn
Beyond the gate and starry path
Whose travelers wont return
Beto Ochoa on July 12, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Tears this morning here in Beaver Utah…The sun is shining, the air is cool and sweet, the purple mountains….majestic….Thank you, Tony, for showing me how to see “majestic”. May you get that “highly placed interview” you richly deserve..
b4lucy on July 12, 2008 at 12:38 PM
didn’t realize he had degrees in Philosophy
jp on July 12, 2008 at 12:51 PM
RIP Tony.
benrand on July 12, 2008 at 12:52 PM
So sad, I was hoping he would beat the odds. When I saw some of the pictures the press was putting out there it upset me, as I saw him on with Bill and he looked so much better.
Really a sad day, RIP Tony and prayers and good thoughts to your family.
AprilOrit on July 12, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Very sad. Deepest condolences to his family.
He was a true professional and I’ll miss his always-insightful commentary. The tremendous grace with which he handled all challenges, including his tragic illness, stands as an example to us all.
Farewell, Mr. Snow. And thank you for all you gave us over the years.
Gilda on July 12, 2008 at 12:55 PM
anybody have a link to the AP Obituary for Tim Russert?
jp on July 12, 2008 at 12:57 PM
here it is, for a graceful AP Obituary….see the one AP released for TIm Russert
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obit_russert
just goes to show, exactly what type of people and their motives/bias and so forth that work in the MSM and brainwash americans….if they use a death of someone as Graceful as Snow to be as Disgraceful as they are in their Obit. for him.
jp on July 12, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Good-bye, Tim. Time to rest. You will be missed.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
newton on July 12, 2008 at 1:03 PM
This is a great Resume read of Snow’s career from Davidson College:
http://www2.davidson.edu/news/news_releases/0204_reunion-snow.asp
after college he worked in Africa for awhile, that must drive those ‘compassionate’ libs like the AP writer nuts.
jp on July 12, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Wonder why the comments are turned off at Huffpo last time I checked. Hmm.
RIP Tony. You were a true gentlemen.
moonbat monitor on July 12, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Just heard. Terrible loss. I’ll miss that keen mind.
argos on July 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. May he rest in peace.
nazo311 on July 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Very nice. Thank you.
Glynn on July 12, 2008 at 1:35 PM
Just woke up in time to hear Rush’s comments on FOX. It was like a splash of cold water in the face. I thought Tony had beat this thing. I am sad.
HawaiiLwyr on July 12, 2008 at 1:41 PM
I really liked Tony Snow. I found him to be a man of integrity and a credit to conservatives. You will be missed Tony. May you RIP and may God bless your family in its grief.
ihasurnominashun on July 12, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Tremendous man and an inspiration to us all. I’m so grateful he was on our side. God bless Mr. Snow and his family.
And I would also like to say thank you to Hot Air’s fine commenters on this sad day. You do this site proud.
Missy on July 12, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Very sad. RIP Tony.
phronesis on July 12, 2008 at 2:05 PM
RIP Tony Snow. Will miss your commentary.
Marc01 on July 12, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Terribly sad news. : (
Lord please be with his family. Thank you, Tony, for all you did for those of us who’ve lost nearly all faith in journalism.
capitalist piglet on July 12, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Sad. I loved watching and listening to this most awesome newscaster. Tony, you will be sorely missed.
Mike
Hammie on July 12, 2008 at 2:12 PM
I had the privelege of meeting and talking with Tony Snow two years ago in D.C. - and got a picture with him.
He was truly one of the most genuine and grace-filled people I have met. I have prayed for him everyday since then - actually, even before that pleasent meeting.
I will continue to pray for his family and him.
Thank God for people like him in our world!
God Bless him and his family.
grtflmark on July 12, 2008 at 2:14 PM
I have decided not to visit any of the left wing sites. I just don’t think I could bear it. I really don’t. That anyone could have anything bad to say at this time…well, you know.
Glynn on July 12, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Good man. Sad loss for all of us.
Huffpo not allowing comments. Comments at Kos…vile.
otcconan on July 12, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Moved to tears. Only the good die young. Damn!
Levinite on July 12, 2008 at 2:23 PM
God bless Tony Snow…a great guy and brave and honorable man.
Sgt. Hartman on July 12, 2008 at 2:35 PM
He didn’t get as many years as he (or those of us who admired him) might have liked, but he lived the years he had with dignity, humor, integrity, and grace.
May God bless and comfort Tony Snow’s family and friends, and may God bless and protect Tony Snow’s soul. Goodbye and good luck in your next adventures, Tony, and thanks for letting us share part of your life here.
AZCoyote on July 12, 2008 at 2:38 PM
Ditto Levinite…Oh how I wish we could end cancer!
I knew this was coming but it’s still, so sad. He was only 53.
My prayers go out to his loved ones; Tony is in a much better place now and will undoubtedly rest in peace.
Christine on July 12, 2008 at 2:41 PM
There are some people who are simply likable no matter what point of view they hold politically. Mr. Snow was one of those people. I don’t ever recall him belittling or besmirching anyone from his Fox slot, or his radio show, yet he managed to make his point. It was truly a well deserved appointment when he worked for the Bush administration. It was no wonder that the worse of our political culture attacked him and wished him ill. He was a kind soul,a brilliant man, and the world will be worse off without him.
Hening on July 12, 2008 at 2:42 PM
i just watched that tribute video, i almost cried
what a talented musician!
flute
guitar
sax
and those are only what ive seen so far, i wonder what else he played
what a loss. what a wonderfully multi faceted, multi talented man.
i know his type. he must have been the type that could walk into the room and make everyone smile, even during the worst of times, because theyd know that with tony, theyd have some fun. i know it
blatantblue on July 12, 2008 at 2:42 PM
WOW, you are so very talented!
abinitioadinfinitum on July 12, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Farewell to a good man.
sulla on July 12, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Tony will be missed, one of the good guys.
Chakra Hammer on July 12, 2008 at 2:59 PM
You know you’ve really made friends with people and really were liked when they can tease you about your dance moves in your eulogy. :)
- The Cat
MirCat on July 12, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Feare no more the heate o’ th’ Sun,
Nor the furious Winters rages,
Thou thy worldly task hast don,
Home art gon, and tane thy wages.
Shakespeare
RIP Tony. We all miss you.
fiatboomer on July 12, 2008 at 3:04 PM
The Bush Adminstration’s previouse White House Press Secretary,Scott McCellen could not be reached for comment.
Winebabe on July 12, 2008 at 3:13 PM
This life loses a gentle soul who was unusually well loved and well liked. My heart is heavy.
Jaibones on July 12, 2008 at 3:21 PM
A sad day. The bastard got him but he never gave up. Via con Dios mi Amigo.
second digit on July 12, 2008 at 3:24 PM
RIP TONY
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul;
he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup Runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of
the Lord forever.
God Bless
byteshredder on July 12, 2008 at 3:27 PM
You are not alone, hopefully that day will come in our time.
AprilOrit on July 12, 2008 at 3:31 PM
He’s a good man and a bright spot on the conservative side. I do think that his illness hampered the Bush administration when they most needed a spokesman. He’s already being missed as a voice for what’s right and good in this country.
May God bless his family and friends.
roux on July 12, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Rest in Peace.
aengus on July 12, 2008 at 3:37 PM
FWIW Scott Mclellan must feel like a snail today.
roux on July 12, 2008 at 3:38 PM
I don’t normally pay attention to the kooks, but especially not today… I don’t really care what negative things others have to say about Tony. I, along with everyone else, am just mourning the loss of a great man who will be missed by the world.
MsUnderestimated on July 12, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Sweet Jesus, the Wall Street Journal ran the AP story complete with the insults.
BigD on July 12, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Wretched, wretched news.
Weight of Glory on July 12, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Hearing of this today was rather erie for me. Everyday I turn my TV off before going to sleep, but last night I thought I’d keep it on and watch Special Report as I nod off. 7AM hit and I don’t know if I awoke to the “Fox New Alert” sound or if I awoke before it, but the next few moments had me shaking.
Tony had been an inspiration to my family. Five years back my Grandmother had been diagnosed with Colon Cancer and to this day she is still fighting it. Seeing how even during his treatment Tony would get up and talk on TV and stand infront of reporters helped her push on a little. She even wished she would run into him during her treatment since they both went to Sloan Catering Memorial here in NYC.
Tony was a real man of class, he didn’t try to BS the public and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. He can go down as the first TV personality that I’ve actually shed tears over.
We’ve lost more then just a TV personality today, we lost a great man who I think could have helped change this world for the better.
God won’t have to speak to us through out hearts anymore, he’s got himself the best Spokesman possible.
Rbastid on July 12, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Not surprisingly, the kooks at the Daily Kos are already celebrating his death.
Some people have no class nor shame.
Its Tommy on July 12, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Damn.
I just found out… I’m typing this through tearful eyes. I don’t know why this one is hitting me so hard. My dad died at 52, and I lost three dear friends to cancer last year.
I got to meet Tony at a Glenn Beck engagement and he was so genuine, so interested in what the people had to say. He did a fine job of handling both sides of the aisle, and while he may have lost just some of his edge while at the White House, his sincerity and passion for politics and America could never be questioned.
God bless you Tony, you will be dearly missed.
cannonball on July 12, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Wrote my own obituary for him in my journal, and am tearing up the more I think about this.
A truly wonderful man. He ought to be the standard bearer for how everyone should conduct themselves in the public arena. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He was always full of optimism and energy. Even when he engaged his opponents in debate, it was always about arguing the issue, never about attacking the person.
May he never be forgotten. God bless you, Tony.
Hawkins1701 on July 12, 2008 at 4:39 PM
A classy gentleman, I remember him well on 9/11 interviewing Colin Powell. Compare Tony Snow to that piece of shite Scott McClellan.
Hilts on July 12, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Having lost my mother to cancer (ovarian) at the young age of 51, I am understandable cancerphobic. Don’t look for a cure for cancer from the Islamic world.
Hilts on July 12, 2008 at 4:40 PM
So sad, I just got home and decided to see what as on Hotair before anything else and I see this.
RIP in Tony. My prayers for your family and loved ones, as they work through their grief. You will be sorely missed. IMO, you were a great example of how to avoid extreme rhetoric while presenting your views.
aikidoka on July 12, 2008 at 4:42 PM
At the Salt Lake City airport this morning, when the news came on, a woman, with a boy and a girl to each of her side, just stared at the TV. She didn’t seem to be of his political persuasion.
Then, her two little children, without words, both began to cry when the CNN announcer mentioned that Tony had left three children behind. Then, without a single word, the mother hugged both kids, and cried.
With my back toward the TV, and watching them, I began to cry.
The good ones die young.
Entelechy on July 12, 2008 at 4:50 PM
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