Tony Snow, R.I.P.

By Michelle Malkin  •  July 12, 2008 08:30 AM

snow.jpg

Heartbreakingly sad news this morning. Tony Snow has died. He was 53. He was a true mensch, multi-talented–and one of the kindest people I had the honor to meet in the news business.

Tears:

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 and Snow’s former deputy, 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.

“It’s a tremendous loss for us who knew him, but it’s also a loss for the country,” Roger Ailes, chairman of FOX News, said Saturday morning about Snow, calling him a “renaissance man.”

Indeed, he was. Here’s Tony jamming with his band at the National Press Club:

And here’s the statement from the White House:

“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi. The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character.

Tony was one of our Nation’s finest writers and commentators. He earned a loyal following with incisive radio and television broadcasts. He was a gifted speechwriter who served in my father’s Administration. And I was thrilled when he agreed to return to the White House to serve as my Press Secretary. 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. His colleagues will cherish memories of his energetic personality and relentless good humor.

All of us here at the White House will miss Tony, as will the millions of Americans he inspired with his brave struggle against cancer. One of the things that sustained Tony Snow was his faith – and Laura and I join people across our country in praying that this good man has now found comfort in the arms of his Creator.”

Doug Powers: “Stay classy, Associated Press.”

The AP just can’t help but take a swing at a conservative who just died:

With a quick-from-the-lip repartee, broadcaster’s 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.

Classy. When all is said and done though, being accused of not always having a command of the facts by an Associated Press writer is like Joe Hazelwood calling you a lousy boat skipper, and as such doesn’t really qualify as an effective insult.

Tony’s humanity always shined in his writing. This is from a column he wrote for Christianity Today last July reflecting on his bout with cancer:

Blessings arrive in unexpected packages—in my case, cancer.
Those of us with potentially fatal diseases—and there are millions in America today—find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God’s will. Although it would be the height of presumption to declare with confidence What It All Means, Scripture provides powerful hints and consolations.

The first is that we shouldn’t spend too much time trying to answer the why questions: Why me? Why must people suffer? Why can’t someone else get sick? We can’t answer such things, and the questions themselves often are designed more to express our anguish than to solicit an answer.
I don’t know why I have cancer, and I don’t much care. It is what it is—a plain and indisputable fact. Yet even while staring into a mirror darkly, great and stunning truths begin to take shape. Our maladies define a central feature of our existence: We are fallen. We are imperfect. Our bodies give out.

But despite this—because of it—God offers the possibility of salvation and grace. We don’t know how the narrative of our lives will end, but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator face-to-face.

Second, we need to get past the anxiety. The mere thought of dying can send adrenaline flooding through your system. A dizzy, unfocused panic seizes you. Your heart thumps; your head swims. You think of nothingness and swoon. You fear partings; you worry about the impact on family and friends. You fidget and get nowhere.

To regain footing, remember that we were born not into death, but into life—and that the journey continues after we have finished our days on this earth. We accept this on faith, but that faith is nourished by a conviction that stirs even within many nonbelieving hearts—an intuition that the gift of life, once given, cannot be taken away. Those who have been stricken enjoy the special privilege of being able to fight with their might, main, and faith to live—fully, richly, exuberantly—no matter how their days may be numbered.

***

Previous Tony Snow blog posts.

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Comments


  1. #101
    On July 12th, 2008 at 1:14 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    MNUSMCDavid said:

    Sorry could’nt find transcript.

  2. #102
    On July 12th, 2008 at 1:30 pm, GraniteMan said:

    Tony Snow was the BEST!

    Fair, Balanced and a great gentleman-He won’t be replaced.

  3. #103
    On July 12th, 2008 at 1:36 pm, RedRepub said:

    God bless Tony Snow’s family. I really hoped he would beat cancer.

    A favorite memory:

    No one could handle Helen Thomas like Tony.

    “Thank you for the Hezbollah view, Helen.”

  4. #104
    On July 12th, 2008 at 1:40 pm, emjem24 said:

    Rob said:

    I don’t have a lot of people in my life who I respect and like, but Tony was one of those people.

    Always amazing to see people think media stars are members of their family or something. TMZ makes a living off this belief… the power of television.

    Rob,

    First of all, where do you get off misrepresenting my remarks? Do you have a problem with fellow Conservatives relating to other Conservatives in the public eye? I feel the same way about Rush Limbaugh. What, exactly, is your problem?

    No, I do not feel that media stars are part of my family. Rarely, if ever, do I give a darn about celebrities. I also don’t watch trash television like TMZ and for you to make such a statement reveals a lot more about you than perhaps you’re willing to admit. Tony Snow was more than a media celebrity or star. If you ever listened to him on the radio you’d get that.

    Again, either put my comments into context or don’t bother trying to misrepresent them. :sad:

  5. #105
    On July 12th, 2008 at 1:49 pm, Vince said:

    Nothing but conservatives in Heaven. Tony is going to a better place.

  6. #106
    On July 12th, 2008 at 2:11 pm, Jarhead said:

    I will offer my prayers and Holy Communion for Tony & the Snow family at Mass. R.I.P.

  7. #107
    On July 12th, 2008 at 2:17 pm, GaMidnightRider said:

    It is sad day indeed. The world has lost a truely honest, kind, gentle, inspiring man. he was truely someone who could inspire you by his actions and words. He will be missed but never forgotten.

  8. #108
    On July 12th, 2008 at 2:29 pm, Red State Skeptic said:

    Rest in peace. The guy was always a class act, and I always enjoyed his presence and commentary even when I disagreed with him.

  9. #109
    On July 12th, 2008 at 2:39 pm, kjs said:

    Common sense man has been called home.

  10. #110
    On July 12th, 2008 at 2:43 pm, 29Victor said:

    He has gone on to his great reward, to live free from pain and worry in the arms of his beloved Savior.

    Our prayers will be with his family.

    Thank you so much Michelle for the link to the CT article. Tony was an amazing man.

    Douglass Daniel of the AP, on the other hand, is a different story. What an amazing example of the trashy, leftist reporting of today’s MSM. What an unbelieveable contrast between a kind, Christian man who never (publicly) said a mean word about anyone and an unprincipled hack taking a cheap shot at this man in his obit.

    The attack, however, almost seems fitting. One of Tony’s tradmarks was his classiness and kindness compared other commentators and to the MSM. Mr. Daniel, by expressing his malace so crassly, gives us one last example to reflect upon what set Tony apart, what made him a much, much better man than the Mr. Daniel’s of this world.

  11. #111
    On July 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm, ich dien said:

    I had to remember the words which Gordon B. Hinckley said as he approached the end of his life of 90+ years. “The best is yet to come.”

    Mr Snow was a great man in a world of small men and women.

  12. #112
    On July 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm, Micheleeroo said:

    Oh, such a loss not only for his family but all of us. We will miss him. I used to love hearing him fill in for Rush. And thank you, Michelle, for posting the video of him playing all those instruments. i’d heard him refer to himself as a rock n’ roll flute player, but hadn’t until just seeing this gotten to hear him play. He was a really good flute-player, in addition to being a really good everything. God bless Tony Snow.

  13. #113
    On July 12th, 2008 at 2:59 pm, MacEamonn said:

    I feel like I just lost a good friend or family member! We’ve all lost a great conservative commentator and Great American!

  14. #114
    On July 12th, 2008 at 3:13 pm, sausage said:

    Tragic… God bless him and his family.

  15. #115
    On July 12th, 2008 at 3:36 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    I knew the mean spirited liberals would be out.

    That’s the difference between the thoughtless liberals and the thoughtful conservatives.

    It’s really too bad half the country is run by them.

    I loved reading Tony Snow’s columns in the 90s.

    R.I.P.

  16. #116
    On July 12th, 2008 at 3:38 pm, KCK said:

    Snow was an original. RIP.

  17. #117
    On July 12th, 2008 at 3:46 pm, havok said:

    Tony had a rare talent to be 180 degrees opposite of you on something yet remain polite and respectful. That is something lacking in our society. Go look at daily-kos and you see the true nature of ‘liberal tolerance’ which is actually pure facsism.

  18. #118
    On July 12th, 2008 at 3:54 pm, trinitytim said:

    Even though I never met Tony, I considered him to be a friend. Enjoy your rest Tony because you have earned it.

    May God bless your family and may He give them the peace that passeth all understanding.

  19. #119
    On July 12th, 2008 at 4:01 pm, txmom3 said:

    May God Bless Tony & his family

    I really enjoyed watching him on Tv he was such an intelligent man

  20. #120
    On July 12th, 2008 at 4:25 pm, Rob said:

    emjem24 said: Snow was more than a media celebrity or star.

    Don’t worry, he will be replaced soon and you can have a new bestest friend.

    Out, Out – “ Robert Frost…

    “They listened to his heart.
    Little – less – nothing! – and that ended it.
    No more to build on there. And they, since they
    Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs.”

  21. #121
    On July 12th, 2008 at 4:25 pm, melinda said:

    Today, America mourns the loss of a great American. The news industry has lost a colleague. The uninformed have lost a trusted voice.

    Rest in Peace Tony Snow. May God watch after your family and friends during this difficult time- and shed some of your strength on them.

  22. #122
    On July 12th, 2008 at 4:51 pm, mistressjustice said:

    Tony Snow was all class, passion and brains. This death is just a damn shame. I feel really bummed out. I don’t share Snow’s political beliefs, but I admire his intelligence and passion.
    I remember listening to him battle it out with Hannity over the Immigration Reform bill. Snow was really letting Sean have it, and impeaching the hell out of him.
    My favorite Tony Snow memory was watching him on Real Time With Bill Maher. He was out-numbered 3 to 1, and looking frail, but he debated his ass off with wit and tenacity. Again, I disagree with his politics, but he was a shining star on HBO that night.
    Tony Snow was one of my favorite Republicans, and I feel bad to see him leave us at such a young age. At least his suffering is over, and I hope that his family can find peace and strength.
    R.I.P Tony Snow. You were one of a kind.

  23. #123
    On July 12th, 2008 at 5:08 pm, tiefelj said:

    I really enjoyed Tony’s TV and Radio show when I could listen and watch.
    Sad indeed, but Tony, say “Hi” to Charlton Heston.

  24. #124
    On July 12th, 2008 at 5:16 pm, 24Klady said:

    I will miss his reasoned arguments, wit and charm, intigrity, and loyalty to his beliefs – something the MSM, for the most part, sorely lacks. I’m willing to bet his only wish for his numerous fans was for them to get a colonoscopy or donate for research to cure this ugly disease.

    RIP Tony

  25. #125
    On July 12th, 2008 at 5:27 pm, ChristmasGhost said:

    What an incredibly sad day….I cannot even imagine how his wife and kids must feel if all of us who were never fortunate enough to even meet him feel the loss of Tony as such a blow…..
    My thoughts and prayers are with his family…..surely he is in a better place….if anyone deserves to be he does…..

  26. #126
    On July 12th, 2008 at 5:34 pm, ChristmasGhost said:

    Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
    Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
    Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
    Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

    Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
    Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
    Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
    Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

    He was my North, my South, my East and West,
    My working week and my Sunday rest,
    My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
    I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

    The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
    Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
    Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
    For nothing now can ever come to any good.

    — W.H. Auden

  27. #127
    On July 12th, 2008 at 5:39 pm, meatpieandtatters said:

    A class act in a league of his own.

  28. #128
    On July 12th, 2008 at 5:41 pm, latinconservative said:

    Vaya con Dios Tony Snow…..

  29. #129
    On July 12th, 2008 at 5:43 pm, meatpieandtatters said:

    #115…you just missed an opportunity to emulate the patience and class that Tony exemplified.

  30. #130
    On July 12th, 2008 at 5:45 pm, Bogtrotter said:

    The mold got broke after Tony Snow was made. A true class act all the way.

    I agree with JT, the comments on Daily Kos are dispicable. I went to DU to see what they were saying as well. Many postings there. One in particular caught my eye. It had to do with DU’s owner, a guy named skinner, instructing moderators to delete offensive comments. (shoving them down the memory hole). But they are not doing it fast enough to avoid looking like total creeps, as you would expect.

    RIP Tony, you will be greatly missed.

  31. #131
    On July 12th, 2008 at 5:49 pm, allrsn said:

    We lost a good one.

    If the AP said I was not IN COMMAND of their false facts, I would take it as a badge of honor.

  32. #132
    On July 12th, 2008 at 6:06 pm, Shay said:

    Our considerable loss, but heaven’s gain. Dear God, please comfort his family and give them peace.

    I knew he was multi-talented but I had no idea he could play the flute! That was awesome, thanks, Michelle, for putting that up.

  33. #133
    On July 12th, 2008 at 6:10 pm, 29Victor said:

    IF

    If you can keep your head when all about you
    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
    If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
    But make allowance for their doubting too,
    If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
    Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
    Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

    If you can dream–and not make dreams your master,
    If you can think–and not make thoughts your aim;
    If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
    And treat those two impostors just the same;
    If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
    Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
    And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools:

    If you can make one heap of all your winnings
    And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
    And lose, and start again at your beginnings
    And never breath a word about your loss;
    If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
    To serve your turn long after they are gone,
    And so hold on when there is nothing in you
    Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

    If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
    Or walk with kings–nor lose the common touch,
    If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
    If all men count with you, but none too much,
    If you can fill the unforgiving minute
    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
    Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
    And–which is more–you’ll be a Man, my son!


    –Rudyard Kipling

    This seems to describe Mr. Snow to a tee. Tony was someone I would be quite glad to have my boys grow up to be.

  34. #134
    On July 12th, 2008 at 7:08 pm, Die Hippie, Die said:

    I’m comforted by the knowledge that somewhere in Heaven Tony, Jesse and Charlton are enjoying a cold one as they look down upon us.

    Ein Prosit!

  35. #135
    On July 12th, 2008 at 7:15 pm, Southern Partisan said:

    RIP Tony Snow, a great American. We will always remember you, and pray for your family.
    Until we meet again+

  36. #136
    On July 12th, 2008 at 7:54 pm, ArmsnAmmo said:

    WOW! He was the guy who REALLY GOT HOOKED ON FOX! I very much enloyed him as the Press Man for the PREZ also. He was a young man and showed his courage woth his fight with cancer. I am sure that he will be missed by more than me. GODSPEED and FLOWING SEAS!

  37. #137
    On July 12th, 2008 at 7:56 pm, terrig said:

    Rob, you’re a pig. Go back to DU where you belong.
    This is especially upsetting to me as my daughter started chemo this week and has been terribly ill since. Probably won’t be on much for awhile but was able to catch a few hours break thanks to ex-inlaws and ex-husband and actually got to talk to hubby today as well.
    I actually got to talk to Tony Snow about 15 years ago when he was subbing for Rush. The topic at hand was a case in NY I believe where a teacher had continually failed the Praxis (or whatever they were calling it at the time) and was losing his/her (sorry don’t remember) job and was suing. I stated I had no problem with taking such a test and doing it yearly if I had to. If I don’t know the content of what I’m teaching, I shouldn’t be teaching it. We spoke for a few minutes (a lifetime in radio speak) and he was just a genuine nice guy.
    He suffers no more and for that I am glad. I feel sorry for his family and friends. I am sure he’s debating with Tim Russert as we speak. Perhaps they will be hosting a “round table” in heaven.

  38. #138
    On July 12th, 2008 at 7:56 pm, Brenda said:

    I loved watching Tony I will miss him. My heart goes out to his family.

    I would like to think that Tony Snow and Tim Russert are sitting around a table talking politics. It makes me smile to think of it.

  39. #139
    On July 12th, 2008 at 8:07 pm, zorro said:

    Did anyone catch Bret Bair on FNC relaying his uncle’s email to him concerning Tony? The words are from John Walter Wayland, 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.”

    I think we can all agree that these words describe Tony Snow, a true gentleman.

    Bret Bair was in tears afterwards, so was I.

  40. #140
    On July 12th, 2008 at 8:10 pm, dakine said:

    Tony Snow always came off as a very cool cat to me. The kind of guy you’d enjoy sitting around knocking back a cold one with talking politics, sports, whatever. You can always tell how well liked someone in the world of politics, journalism, commentary, etc. is when folks from the opposite political persuasion go out of their way to say nice things about that person when they die. Same thing happened with Tim Russert. Sad day.

  41. #141
    On July 12th, 2008 at 8:17 pm, MsUnderestimated said:

    Tony was one of those people who although you didn’t really know him personally, he felt like a dear, close personal friend. The nation mourns the loss of a wonderful human being today, and the Kingdom of Heaven receives a mighty warrior.

  42. #142
    On July 12th, 2008 at 8:36 pm, Rob said:

    terrig said: Rob, you’re a pig. Go back to DU

    I am sure your daughter is so proud of your grace and sweetness. I don’t belong to Ducks Unlimited by the way.

    I watch the news for news. I don’t become their friends. Sorry. If you hadn’t attacked me I would leave you to your pity party.

  43. #143
    On July 12th, 2008 at 9:23 pm, atheling said:

    Rob:

    You are a piece of trash. Go pollute another site with your vicious sarcasm.

    Assh**** like you are the ones who deserve the misfortune that Tony endured. I hope you’re the only one at your wake, you insolent guttersnipe.

  44. #144
    On July 12th, 2008 at 9:29 pm, zorro said:

    Please, for this particular thread, let us all be civil with each other.

  45. #145
    On July 12th, 2008 at 9:38 pm, atheling said:

    zorro:

    Guttersnipes who stoop like Rob do not deserve civility. It’s like throwing pearls before swine.

  46. #146
    On July 12th, 2008 at 9:44 pm, tre said:

    Only 53? That’s too young!

    Go with God Tony. Say “Hello” to Chuck Heston and John Wayne for me. I’ll see you someday.

  47. #147
    On July 12th, 2008 at 10:05 pm, Rob said:

    atheling said:

    Rob:

    You are a piece of trash. Go pollute another site with your vicious sarcasm.

    Assh**** like you are the ones who deserve the misfortune that Tony endured. I hope you’re the only one at your wake, you insolent guttersnipe.

    Interesting to have you write back to me. I have never said anything bad about TS, I don’t know him any more than I know Brittany Spears.

    However, if someone at, say, the Daily Kos said something about TS like you just said about me, I am sure you would be up in arms…interesting how double standards work, huh?

  48. #148
    On July 12th, 2008 at 10:09 pm, terrig said:

    Rob, go to hell. You have no idea what my life is like. Go suck on a lemon. I never said he was a friend, just seemed like a nice guy. Something you’re not. You belong at Democraptic Underground, guess you’re not too smart?

  49. #149
    On July 12th, 2008 at 10:14 pm, terrig said:

    BTW mean one, you laugh at those of us who have to deal with things you cannot fathom. I hope that one day you do not have to suffer what parents of children with cancer and those who are disabled suffer. You are a poor excuse for a person. Pity party, who wants your pity. You are a sad individual.

  50. #150
    On July 12th, 2008 at 10:15 pm, Very Rev. Archimandrite Gregori said:

    I was shocked when I heard the news this morning. It seems the good die young.
    “His soul shall abide in abundance, and his generation shall inherit the earth.”

  51. #151
    On July 12th, 2008 at 11:19 pm, foxforce91 said:

    On July 12th, 2008 at 10:05 pm, Rob said:

    Look, you are trying to bait some conservatives into a fight because you’re angry. I’m sorry at whatever abuse you suffered that makes you go onto message boards to troll for fights. We liked Tony Snow. I get why you and people like you wouldn’t; he was fair, he was smart and he had class – something that your parents neglected in you. I’m sorry for that in your life. In the meantime, just crawl back under your rock and let us feel badly as one actual journalist died today, leaving the field with useful Marxist tools such as Dan Rather. Tony Snow never used an obviously falsified document to unseat any politician he disagreed with – he was better than that. And he had a quick wit and tongue – something that must cheese off every liberal as every retort they ever have is so predictable it’s like a chant or a bumper sticker. Tony Snow assumed that we were as smart as he was. Now we’re left with a murder of idiots disguised as “journalists”.

  52. #152
    On July 12th, 2008 at 11:27 pm, rommsey said:

    Rest easy sir. Thank you for your service to the United States people.

  53. #153
    On July 12th, 2008 at 11:34 pm, atheling said:

    On July 12th, 2008 at 10:05 pm, Rob said:

    Interesting to have you write back to me. I have never said anything bad about TS, I don’t know him any more than I know Brittany Spears.

    However, if someone at, say, the Daily Kos said something about TS like you just said about me, I am sure you would be up in arms…interesting how double standards work, huh?

    Wrong. Your analogy does not hold.

    1. Tony Snow was a decent man of integrity. You are not.

    2. Tony Snow never sniped and mocked others’ misfortunes. You do.

    You’re a worm, Rob. Your parents (or is it parent?) did a crappy job in instilling any sense of decency or humanity in you. So go back to the rock you crawled out from.

  54. #154
    On July 12th, 2008 at 11:59 pm, cjean said:

    This was posted on Free Republic (a close family with Tony) by NordP and I thought it might be good to cross post here too:

    When my Mom died (Feb 24th) I asked all her friends…well everyone that knew me or her…instead of sending flowers or gifts, or even cards, please: Perform five random acts of kindness in her honor. These can be anything from holding open a door for someone behind you, or letting someone in front of you in traffic, etc. My Dad used to cut coupons and would put them near the items in the grocery store–you could be a coupon angel even….ANYthing kind. Then, either silently or aloud say, “This act of kindness was done in ____ honor. God Bless _____.”

    A friend of mine who staffs for a local Hospice told me that her boss was so impressed with that idea, that they officially put it into their program. She said, “The families of those with cancer so often —don’t know what they can do to help. This gives them something to do for the living, too….to do something good, in their loved one’s honor. It brings beneficial energy and hope.” I was thrilled that my Mom had a small part in that. Also, I got reports back from her friends that they felt her near them, when they did their act of kindness…it was weird and very wonderful.

    LET’S ALL DO FIVE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS IN TONY’S NAME!!!

  55. #155
    On July 13th, 2008 at 12:04 am, Lifeofthemind said:

    Just for the record, I knew Tony Snow slightly. That is to say that I interviewed with him for a job 20 years ago, spending a couple of days at The Washington Times. It is my fault that I didn’t focus on what was needed and get the job. My memory was of just how impressive Snow was and what a pleasure it would have been to do good work for him.

  56. #156
    On July 13th, 2008 at 12:16 am, DarkKnight said:

    R.I.P. My prayers and condolences to his family.

  57. #157
    On July 13th, 2008 at 12:31 am, CC said:

    Foxforce91: Very nicely said.

    Tony was the epitome of a gentleman, and was able to combine his natural class with a great sense of fun. He was one of those rare people whom one instinctively likes, and I felt a sense of personal loss when I heard the news.

    Bye, big guy, thanks for the great memories. There won’t be another one like you.

  58. #158
    On July 13th, 2008 at 1:28 am, DavidHughes said:

    Never visited DailyKos before today, and never will again. It is so much more evident to me now exactly what the problem is in this country. More people should aspire to be like Tony Snow— straightforward, inquisitive, and most of all, respectful. I have an email I received from him a few months ago, and I will cherish it always. While it may have been a sort of blanket response he sent to all well-wishers, the fact that he took the time to reply at all makes him more of a man than most of us will ever hope to be. I missed seeing him on Fox News Sunday, then missed him in his role as Press Secretary. Now I will miss him as the kind of person we need more of in this world. God bless Tony and his family.

  59. #159
    On July 13th, 2008 at 2:22 am, rlongenbach said:

    I had the privilege of meeting Tony in person during the run up to the 1992 election. He represented GB 41 during an on-campus debate.

    I spoke with him afterward, and even though GB lost that election, he still believed in America, and spent some time with him in his office in the Old Executive Office building one cold morning in December of that year. He was a wonderful human being, very kind, and a wonderful family man. My prayers go out to his wife and kids. He will be sorely missed by all those who have known him, including me.

  60. #160
    On July 13th, 2008 at 2:31 am, foxforce91 said:

    On July 13th, 2008 at 12:31 am, CC said:

    Thank You. I’m sad he’s gone. What a great guy. Truly a gentleman and a scholar: a class act all the way. Anyone who interacted with him felt the same way regardless of where they sat politically. The entire press corps seemed to love him and why not? He was frank and witty without being condescending. We’ve truly lost someone of merit. People who would disparrage him clearly knew nothing of his character. Look at all of the people who offered prayers for his health on this message board whom he emailed back; he was that kind of guy. He never put himself above us – he was one of us – or at least he felt that way and that’s why so many feel they knew him. How many so-called journalists can you say that about? He’s the last of a rare breed.

  61. #161
    On July 13th, 2008 at 3:05 am, alaskangrizzly said:

    Who let the KosKid Rob in here?

    Mr. Snow was an amazing man, and the world needs far more like him. Godspeed Mr. Snow.

  62. #162
    On July 13th, 2008 at 3:06 am, vatodio said:

    Tony,

    May God be with you.

  63. #163
    On July 13th, 2008 at 7:28 am, Lifeofthemind said:

    There should be lines. This could be considered a test. May I respectfully suggest removing Rob‘s account and banning his ISP number?

  64. #164
    On July 13th, 2008 at 9:16 am, zorro said:

    Great idea cjean, five random acts of kindness. I like it and will do it today. Thanks.

  65. #165
    On July 13th, 2008 at 9:34 am, ELINVESTI8 said:

    I always liked what I saw in Tony Snow on television and thought he was a kind and gentle soul. After hearing his friends and colleagues describe him after his passing I am sure of it now. May he rest in peace in heaven with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!

  66. #166
    On July 13th, 2008 at 9:55 am, Joshua P. Allem said:

    We’ll miss you Tony!

  67. #167
    On July 13th, 2008 at 10:50 am, securitymom said:

    I live in the same neighborhood at Tony and often saw him in the grocery store. So many people would say “Hi, Tony” and he’d say hi back – he was a great man. He will truly be missed.

    Thanks to Michelle for posting his story on living with cancer – it was wonderful.

  68. #168
    On July 13th, 2008 at 12:06 pm, diaphanous said:

    Good guy. Will miss him. Bless his wife and children.

  69. #169
    On July 13th, 2008 at 1:43 pm, Turbodog said:

    I really hate cancer :(

    He was good dood :(

  70. #170
    On July 13th, 2008 at 3:41 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    I am sad by this news. Tony was a great man and will be missed. :cry:

    As a cancer survivor, I know the battle and what the family has been/is going through (I watched a lot of people die from cancer).

    They will be in my prayers.

  71. #171
    On July 13th, 2008 at 4:04 pm, mistressjustice said:

    Why go over to the Dailykos looking for negative comments to get upset about? What’s the purpose? There will always be fringe partisen nastiness. It will be interesting to see how some of the folks here will behave when Rev’s Al and Jesse pass on. Deranged partisen hate, is what it is…poisonous for the soul.
    Moreover, look at comments 81 and 138 and you’ll see conservatives and in at least one case a so-called Christian, wishing Tony Snow’s deadyly fate on other people like Mr. McClellan and “Rob”. Sick stuff…..wishing cancer on people….whether it’s Kos or hypocritial phony MM posters.

    Tragedies like this bring out the worse in people, and that’s sad considering the class and dignity in which Tony Snow lived his life. Why poison THIS thread with negativity? I just don’t understand people sometimes.

  72. #172
    On July 13th, 2008 at 4:23 pm, Paul-Cincy said:

    On July 13th, 2008 at 4:04 pm, mistressjustice said:
    Why go over to the Dailykos looking for negative comments to get upset about? What’s the purpose? There will always be fringe partisen nastiness. It will be interesting to see how some of the folks here will behave when Rev’s Al and Jesse pass on. Deranged partisen hate, is what it is…poisonous for the soul.
    Moreover, look at comments 81 and 138 and you’ll see conservatives and in at least one case a so-called Christian, wishing Tony Snow’s deadyly fate on other people like Mr. McClellan and “Rob”.

    mj, you’re contradicting your own advice, cherrypicking the thread for negativity. If we’re not supposed to do it at Kos, don’t do it here. If you have values and integrity.

  73. #173
    On July 13th, 2008 at 4:39 pm, mistressjustice said:

    Paul I just don’t understand the behavior. I expect kos to trash Snow, so I’m obviously not going to go over there looking to be offended. I read this thread because I’m I a site member, and I read all the comments. I’m not cherrypicking, and I obviously only cited two examples of ugliness. I just don’t think it’s needed to take this time to trash Kos, when members of your own group are wishing cancer on people. This thread got unnecessarily ugly, and for what. Question my values or integrity, but I’m not wishing cancer on people, and I had the integrity to honor a man, whom I never agreed with politically.

  74. #174
    On July 13th, 2008 at 4:51 pm, purplepeep said:

    I remember when Tony Snow was on Laura Ingraham’s program last year to try to sell the Amnesty thing as part of his job. You could tell his heart just wasn’t in it.

    A fine man has passed on much too soon.

  75. #175
    On July 13th, 2008 at 5:12 pm, Marshall Russ said:

    Many tears in this house watching the tributes to a sweet man who loved God, his wife and family, and his country.

  76. #176
    On July 13th, 2008 at 5:14 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    mistressjustice said:
    Paul I just don’t understand the behavior. I expect kos to trash Snow, so I’m obviously not going to go over there looking to be offended

    I did’nt go over to KOS to be offended, I went over there and posted the blog to show the difference between the KOS vitrol and the stark difference of MM posters for example Tim Russert’s passing that’s the difference we can respect someone and their family even if we disagree.

  77. #177
    On July 13th, 2008 at 5:20 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    Oh, and again God Bless them both, they were both good news men, that deserve our respect and condalances to the men and their families.

  78. #178
    On July 13th, 2008 at 5:27 pm, purplepeep said:

    mistressjustice said:
    I obviously only cited two examples of ugliness.

    I think there’s an important point you’re missing, MsJustice. I think you are correct that you can go most anywhere on the internet and find commenters who say (at the least) “unkind words for the dead”.

    But – and ya knew there was a “but” a comin’ – what you’ve cited where commenters, they come and go and are booted if they get too nasty.

    With Kos, “diarists” are given their own parcel of the site to vent hate in headlines. Of course Markos, their Fuhrer, himself is no slouch himself; upon hearing of Americans brutally murdered in Iraq his words were “screw them!”.

    So we’re talking about people who are given “respectable power” and the free reign to expound with hateful glee anytime a conservative passes on.

    For example, on the death of Jessie Helms:

    The Atlantic -
    Jesse Helms At An Obama Rally

    Or “The Wonkette” -
    Jesse Helms Finally Dead

    So we’re not talking about anonymous commenters in some thread.

    Contrast such examples with Michelle’s reaction to the news that Ted Kennedy is suffering from an extremely serious brain tumor.

    (Here’s Michelle’s post in it’s entirety)

    Kennedy diagnosed with brain tumor

    “Put aside your political differences and join me in keeping Sen. Ted Kennedy and his family in your prayers as they grapple with the news of his malignant brain tumor diagnosis.”

    Suffice to say that she is not exactly politically sympatico with Ted Kennedy.

    Now I wouldn’t expect someone like Rusty, a fellow wandering blindly in mindless relativism, to differentiate between some commenter thoughtlessly spouting off and VIP writers/bloggers who regularly exude joy at the death of conservatives but I do suspect you can make that important and telling distinction.

  79. #179
    On July 13th, 2008 at 5:36 pm, RogersUmp said:

    I saw Tony over Thanksgiving. My family was visiting my dad and his wife in Florida and we were out dancing. I saw him with his family and he looked great! He was enjoying time with them. I wanted to tell him I appreciated his work and enjoyed his press conferences at the white house but didn’t feel right about interrupting him wiht his family. It was amazing how he just blended in and it was as if no one knew who he was. Thanks for the great clip Michelle! He will be missed!

  80. #180
    On July 13th, 2008 at 5:46 pm, BayStateRepublican said:

    I will miss Tony on TV very much and know he is in a better place right now. His sister and my wife are commenters on another (non-political) blog. Tony was a class act and didn’t suffer from the intellectual dishonesty we see in the talking heads today.

    As for bitter Troll in our midst, I think he’s unable to understand how we provincial types can identify with a media personality. Word is he’s been resentful ever since he learned that Captain Kangaroo wasn’t a real “Captain”. Ruined him for life.

    Until we meet again, Tony ;)

  81. #181
    On July 13th, 2008 at 6:11 pm, CO2 Producer said:

    Another one of the good guys rides into the sunset. I wish him and his loved ones the best.

    In response to MJ (#166), I see your point. It’s easy to hate. Apparently it’s not as easy to be kind. Rejoicing in someone’s death or wishing anyone dead is not funny, witty, or an effective argument. (Well, I would consider Hitler, bin Laden, and Saddam exceptions. By the way, Mad Libs, Bush is not Hitler.) The point applies to both sides. I wish I could prevent some on my side from saying stupid things, but I can’t. I understand, however, that emotion gets the best of people when they comment here or at other blogs. When someone says something ignorant and without substance, it emotes a knee-jerk response in others. Simple to do under the guise of anonymity.

    That’s why we Righties check up on Kos, to reaffirm that such hateful, cruel, deranged people exist. And the examples there are aplenty. It’s like keeping one eye on the enemy at all times, like yin and yang. Never turn your back on ‘em. This site is a rebuttal to Kos and HuffPo. Of course we’ll be watching them. They’re watching us.

  82. #182
    On July 13th, 2008 at 6:23 pm, BKennedy said:

    Rest in Peace Tony Snow.

    Wow, 53 years old, he was only a little older than my parents.

    Who wants to bet that since Tony Snow never showed an inkling to support worldwide socialism, the Lettter Networks will not turn his death into a media self-love fest like they did with Russert.

    Russert and Snow are gone, both before 60. If objective journalism wasn’t dead before, it dcertainly is now.

    Couldn’t believe the AP. This from the same people who wrote a picture caption that got the situation completelely backwards solely because of their hard-left agenda. Forget the bad skipper analogy, this is like Stalin criticizing people for altering photos.

    A bad skipper can make a mistake, the AP are liars by design.

  83. #183
    On July 13th, 2008 at 6:38 pm, atheling said:

    Sorry, folks, but I’m furious at these leftards who play the double standard.

    I refuse to be courteous to any of them when they are discourteous to us.

    I am a firm believer that when you are at war, and the enemy hits you, you hit them back harder. That’s the only way to win.

    The leftards play dirty. They will stoop at any level to win. The only way we can win this and to win back our country is to hit them back harder. They do not deserve courtesy or tolerance because it is only seen as a weakness, and they take advantage of it.

    Again, my apologies, but I can’t let this lie.

    And I hope Mr. Snow is praying for our country, because we need it.

  84. #184
    On July 13th, 2008 at 7:00 pm, BayStateRepublican said:

    So right atheling, the only thing the school yard bullies understand is a good kick in the groin.

    BSR

  85. #185
    On July 13th, 2008 at 8:51 pm, Barry F. said:

    I got a chance to watch some of the coverage on FNC last night on On The Record. Greta had quite a few people on with their recollections of Tony and his work over the years.

    In regard to Tony’s balanced approach and journalistic integrity, Newt Gingrich was talking about how Tony had made him mad early on in 1996, when he was hosting Fox News Sunday and Newt was on there. Apparently, Tony was taking Newt to task on one of his positions in the interview and Newt remarked about it during a break that they were supposed to be on the same team. He said Tony replied that he was out to give a full report, not a lop-sided one and, if he did anything because they were on the same team, he would be even tougher, because he doesn’t want anyone claiming that he was throwing Newt softball questions, because of the “R” after his name.

    I wish more journalist were like that, regardless of their political affiliations or leanings.

    It was a terrible loss yesterday, with Tony’s passing. But, he remained upbeat all the way through his battle and was planning to beat it this time around, while he was in the hospital.

    My wife and I were talking last night, while I was watching On The Record and I told her that his passing has bothered me more than any other high-profile person in a long time, because I just always got the feeling that he was the guy next door and you could sit down and just talk to him, if you ever met him, without pretense, etc. She intimated much the same sentiments about him.

    Unfortunately, once Great went off, I had to change it, because Geraldo came on. He had the first bit I watched dedicated to Tony Snow and even talked positively about him. But, his show went off into other issues and, as I have stated in other posts on Michelle’s site, I can’t help but change the channel, when Geraldo is on and opens his mouth much.

  86. #186
    On July 13th, 2008 at 9:13 pm, Barry F. said:

    Ugh! Great Greta

    It must be time for me to log off and go to bed. *sigh*

  87. #187
    On July 13th, 2008 at 9:27 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    RogersUmp said:
    I saw him with his family and he looked great! He was enjoying time with them. I wanted to tell him I appreciated his work and enjoyed his press conferences at the white house but didn’t feel right about interrupting him wiht his family

    Barry F. said:
    because I just always got the feeling that he was the guy next door and you could sit down and just talk to him, if you ever met him, without pretense, etc.

    That remind’s me of my wife and I went to dinner on the Country Club Plaza here in KC and George Brett was eating at a table next to ours. I wanted to say hey George how are you but I did’nt he looked at me and I him but we never said a word to each other, 3 years later I went to a fund raiser where George was tha main attraction I took a baseball and held it in my hand but could’nt bring myself to ask him to autograph it. I did’nt have to George came up to me and said I remember you how are you doing, I said fine with a confused look and he said you don’t remember? I said remember what? he said a couple of years ago I saw you at a restaraunt on the Plaza and you let me eat my meal uninterupted that’s the only time anyone has let me do that before or since they always want an autograph. I put the ball behing my back and he said give me that ball I’ll be more than happy to sign it for you, I said thanks George he said no problem why don’t you come have dinner at my table tonight and I did. Derrick Thomas was the same way I had a buddy that bowled on his league and he was teaching Derrick how to bowl, he alway’s gave me a hard time if I did’nt bring him something to sign for my kid’s.

    I think Tony appreciated people like you RogerUmp you showed him a great amount of respect by not bothering him like so many others had probably done.

    BarryF, this is why I go off on those telling me that the well to do are different than us because in my experience most of them are just like us because they have been where we have been at one time in their life and appreciate the little guy and I think that is the way Tony was.

  88. #188
    On July 14th, 2008 at 2:40 pm, RedDog said:

    I’m sure it’s been said earlier but I will say it again. To have come in contact with a person like Tony Snow is an honor and a privilege. It is a great disappointment to have his name spit upon by the likes of the AP “reporter” and his friends on the left. God forbid that we should treat them similarly.

  89. #189
    On July 14th, 2008 at 8:54 pm, sillygatboy said:

    God love him, God bless him, America and the world needs him. God make his face shine on him and give him peace.

    Too soon gone, too late appreciated.

  90. #190
    On July 15th, 2008 at 4:09 pm, emjem24 said:

    Rob said:

    emjem24 said: Snow was more than a media celebrity or star.

    Don’t worry, he will be replaced soon and you can have a new bestest friend.

    Rob,

    Again, what exactly is your problem? Do you know how to distinguish between simple admiration/respect and familial love? And to use a Robert Frost poem like that.

    It’s pretty apparent that you neither liked nor respected Tony. So why even bother posting?

    To compare Tony Snow to the likes of gutter snipes such as Paris Hilton or Britney Spears is missing the point. I guess, in your estimation, that Conservatives should admire no one, just as liberals should admire no one.

    Just continue pondering your one-way looking glass. I’m sure it will provide you much comfort. :roll:

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