Much has been written about the class, style, professionalism and good humor of the late Tony Snow. Had Snow, 53 when he died, not been preceded in passing by the lionized Tim Russert, the outpourings of homage would have been more voluminous.
During his 1½ years as White House press secretary, Snow remained well respected and well liked, no minor accomplishments for anyone acting as the Bush Administration’s point man to the gotcha-obsessed, Beltway media.
Further context for Snow’s value is the juxtaposition with his predecessor and successor. He was preceded by ineffective-flack-turned-disillusioned-opportunist-memoirist Scott McClellan. He was succeeded by the lightweight Dana Perino, who has yet to recover from confusing the Cuban Missile Crisis with the Bay of Pigs.
It’s rare that a press secretary can so tangibly upgrade those around him. That speaks volumes for Snow – and the Administration he represented.