A Man Who Loved People, the Gritty Nature of Life and All of the Human Comedy
By Juan Williams
NPR Senior Correspondent/FOX News Political Contributor
Tony Snow and I traveled parallel paths through Washington. We are a year apart in age –Tony is a year younger at 53 –and both loved politics and debate.
Our love of debate may have been due to the fact that we both studied philosophy in college (Tony went to Davidson, I went to Haverford). And before joining FOX News we both spent time as editorial writers. Tony wrote editorials at the Greensboro Record in N.C., and the Virginia Pilot in Norfolk before becoming the editorial page editor of the Newport News Daily Press and then writing editorials for The Detroit News. We got together when he came to Washington to be the editorial page editor of The Washington Times. I was working as a White House correspondent, editorial writer and columnist for The Washington Post.
But being philosophy majors in the news business and caught in Washington’s political storms didn’t guarantee that we’d be friends. After all, he was a true red conservative, a white guy born in Kentucky and raised in Cincinnati while I am moderate to liberal black guy from Brooklyn, N.Y.
It turned out none of that mattered because Tony and I loved to argue.
Tony was the first host of “FOX News Sunday” and I remember being one of his first guest panelists. We had done some local political discussion shows and even sat across from each other on CNN’s Crossfire. When “FOX News Sunday” got going he called me up and literally said he wanted a good argument. So off we went to an old stone house in a garden in the Georgetown section of Washington. It was an odd site for the first studio of “FOX News Sunday” but it fit Tony’s sense of politics as a good discussion among friends at the dinner table.
And the debates, the conversations, the needling that started even before FOX News did not stop until Tony died early today.
Once at an Orioles baseball game a man came over and stared at us as if he was hallucinating. Then he said our names out loud. When we nodded to confirm that yes, it was really the two of us he broke into a big smile. He said he thought it was us but he had told his friends that it couldn’t be because we argued too much on FOX News to spend time hanging out at a baseball game. Then he shook our hands and asked for pictures.
What the viewer couldn’t see by watching Tony on FOX News or in the White House press room is that Tony Snow, the human being, was bigger than the political arguments and debate that define Washington. He knew tough times and real grief. His mom was nurse who died of colon cancer when he was 17. His father was a social studies teacher and Tony followed that path when he traveled to the backwoods of Kenya after college to teach science and geography. He went home to Cincinnati to teach math and art and also to work with disabled kids.
That love of all kinds of people and life and arguments also included a love of music. He was no great shakes as a musician but Tony had no fear in getting on stage to play the flute (his best instrument, I think} the guitar or the sax. In fact he did play with Jethro Tull, which gave him one hell of a thrill.
It tells you something about Tony that his wife was not a fellow journalist or political player. Jill is a lovely, unpretentious and strong woman he met while working in Detroit. He loved his kids, obviously, but even when his Virginia house caught on fire he had funny stories to tell about reassuring the family about the wild, scary world behind the walls, — bad electrical wiring — and rebuilding and then deciding to find a house in rural Maryland so he could have more family time.
So, behind the sharp debate, Tony was a man who loved people, the gritty nature of life and all of the human comedy.
Oh, and I should mention we both loved basketball. Tony could dunk a ball from a running start while I could just grab the rim. He would rib me about being a black guy who couldn’t dunk although he was five inches taller. He also poked fun at my favorite but woeful pro-basketball team, the Washington Wizards and I would give it to him about his rag-tag home town football team, the Cincinnati Bengals.
One day when he became White House press secretary he had me over to lunch in his office. Half way through lunch I said to him that it was cool to have a job that gave him free lunches. What free lunch, he asked. He said he’d paid for it. After the laughter I told him he couldn’t buy lunch for me, a working journalist. He said he was buying lunch for a friend. I told him it was just like Tony to be looking out for a friend, even in a town where friendships tend to be matter of political convenience.
It was just that attitude that allowed Tony to change the role of press secretary in the Bush White House. He argued the president’s case with the press. He was not defensive about it. To the contrary he told me time and again that he was having a great time as Bush’s press secretary. Tony got the job at a time when the Iraq war was going badly, when the President’s party had lost control of both the House and the Senate, and the public approval ratings for the Bush White House were at an all-time low. Tony made the briefing his stage for taking President Bush’s case to the press and the American people. And you should remember that before he took the job Tony was critical of President Bush, describing him as “something of an embarrassment” among conservatives. Nonetheless, Tony was up to defend the President and make the case with his TV skills and his warm, persuasive and witty ways.
It went so well for Tony at The White House that he once called me up from the road to tell me he was getting “rock star” treatment from conservative audiences. He ended up on the front page of The New York Times because Republican candidates, aware of his popularity, had him appear at fundraising events for their campaigns. No press secretary had ever done that before — largely because no press secretary had that kind of following before Tony got the job.
We became friends when Tony came to Washington to work for The Washington Times and I was at The Washington Post. We met in a small studio at Howard University discussing local Washington politics with national politics as filler. The show had a heavy dose of black issues because most people who live in the city are black. What initially fascinated me about Tony was his total lack of fear in getting down and dirty on black politics. He never had a problem being the one conservative on a panel of pundits. To the contrary he loved the intellectual fight and usually was on the offensive even as a white guy talking about local corruption and political shenanigans among black Washingtonians. By contrast, most white journalists did not even accept invitations to come on the show.
It was that love of engaging the debate without fear that set Tony apart for me. He loved to argue and we became friends because we loved to argue with each other. He could argue without pretense or holding a grudge. To show just how human he could be despite his high rank as White House Press Secretary he loved to take time with kids. He had met my youngest son a few times at FOX’s Washington bureau and at a ball game.
One day while riding in the car the news came on and from the White House came the voice of the Press Secretary. My son, Raffi, and I were talking when he held up a hand and said: “That sounds like Tony Snow.” I told it was Tony. He said “Our Tony Snow is the Press Secretary.” I said that was right but in my mind I was wondering how many people felt that they were not listening to the press secretary but to “our” Tony Snow.
Juan, perfect tribute. Never would I even have had the chance to meet Tony (nor you for that matter) but the warmth you convey, and that he exuded, along with his authenticity and humility make it quite easy to miss him along with you.
What an outstanding tribute and story of friendship. Thank you for sharing it.
I am heartbroken over the death of Tony Snow. I loved to listen to him when he filled in for Rush. He will truly be missed.
Of course, I do not know Tony Snow personally, but I feel like I just lost a member of my extended family. Never have I been so comfortable watching someone on tv as I have watching Tony. He was a proud American, funny, friendly, always smiling and a joy to watch. This country has lost one of our most precious assets. He had so much to offer, such a smart man. I was so proud of him when he took the white house job and I always tried to listen to his radio shows as much as possible. He was a fountain of information, so passionate about his work. For me, just an average American, I learned so much from him. Rest in peace, Tony. You and your family is in our hearts and prayers.
Dear Juan Williams,
He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed. He really was “our Tony Snow”.
May God Bless Tony , Jill and their kids. And you too.
Thanks Juan for the stories. Yes, we all think of him as “our” Tony Snow and we will all miss him. Can’t say that about too many people when they are gone. He made a difference and never just took up space. We found it interesting that he married outside “the business”. A wise man as well as a nice one maybe. Our thoughts are with his family. How lucky they are to have had a husband and father like Mr. Snow was. Makes you look forward all the more to heaven….doesn’t it? And inspires you to make your life count while down here. Thanks again, Mr. Williams.
A&N
We all have to recognize and admire the courage, talent for the job, professionalism and loyalty of this journalist and White House Press Secretary. May God bless Tony Snow and may his family share his legacy of honor.
What can I say…. As a political junkie, I loved Tony Snow he was such a wonderful journalist, press secretary and human being. He made me a better person politically and reminded everyone that family comes first. What a great discussion and debate it will be in heaven between Tony and Tim…
God bless his family
He will be missed.
Jessica, OH
While we are avid watchers of Fox News, few of us ever stop to think about your relationships after the cameras turn off. While reading this article I was able to get an insight of just exactly how much you loved Tony Snow in a completely real way–in a real people kind of way–without the gloss and glam of the newsroom. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Oh my! Heaven’s gain is, indeed, our loss. We not only have high gas, expensive food, rather uncertain economic climate, warming of the North Pole, unspeakable violence, disputed wars in too many places, a sitting President who is disliked or even hated in some circles (not by me or mine), but now we have no “our Tony Snow!” May our loving God welcome him Home and give him a new, healthy body with the assurance that his family, loved ones, colleagues and friends will carry on to make the both of “them” proud.
I tend to think that the Almighty must have felt the need to surround himself with a few good human beings and, who better, personifies “good’ in all its manifestations than Tony. His presence on earth reminded us that despite all the current evil it is still possible to be good. His wife and children were lucky to have him as a husband and as a father and all of us were elevated a notch or two by having him amongst us mere mortals.
What a sad day in America. What a loss to his family and friends. As a viewer and fan for years, I will most miss his wonderful infectious smile and approachable demeanor, you could actually imagine him being a welcome guest in your home. I will miss his presence.
Juan…I am sorry for the loss of your personal good friend…
I have watched you share stories today about him….and its made my heart just brim extra warm thru the tears that I have shed over a man I never met…
Thank you..
Juan, your article is moving. I am glad that a liberal and a conservative can be friends, I, too have a liberal friend and that friendship rises above politics. May God Bless you and your family and May God Bless Tony’s family.
JUAN WILLIAMS I KNOW YOU ARE A LIBERAL BUT I REALLY LIKE YOU !!! I BELEIVE YOU WOULD PUT THE SAFTEY OF OUR NATION FIRST ! I ENJOY WATCHING YOU ON FOX AND I WATCH IT 24-7. I APPRECIATE ALL YOU BRING TO THE SHOW, JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW.
Tony Snow, Always the Gentlemen, Debater and a man of Character. The SMILE for Fox News.
Press Secretary for the President of the United States - A Man who loved his country, family and
friends.
He will be missed. God Bless his Family.
Mr. Snow was very impressive, as a Cancer patient He was also a roll model. I have stage 4 cancer, and seeing him smile and never seeing him complain, makes me want to try to emulate him.
I hope word will get to his wife and kids, that he has been a roll model for me during my illness. May God be with you all!
Hi,
I just want to say how sorry I am to hear about Tonys death.I know he’d been sick for awhile,but it’s still a sad day.I loved to watch Tony on Fox News on Sunday.Tony was the one person I really trusted.When Tony said it you knew it was gospel.I didn’t know him on a personal level,but he was welcomed in our home every Sunday.You could just look at his face and just knew he was true blue.I will miss him and I will keep his family in my prayers.
Thanks for listening,Debbie from NC
Thank you for that beautiful tribute. He was a great man, and although my politics are more in line with his than yours, I so appreciate your honest portrayal of a warm human being whose values are those that should really count for us. Wonderfully done, and your friendship with Tony Snow is obvious in almost every line.
Tony Snow, is a roll model for cancer patients. He never complained and seemed happy. I have stage 4 cancer and I wish to emulate him during my illness. I hope you will let his family know how I feel about him. God bless his family and you to Juan!
Juan -
Thank you so much for sharing your special memories of Tony and your wonderful, unique and respectful friendship.
We lost a tremendous national role model this morning. We are also sorry for your loss in Tony Snow as a true friend of yours.
Your tribute caused me to reflect on the politically diverse foundations that my family, my husband’s family and our collective friendships have cultivated through the years. We were both raised in families with strong representation on opposing sides of the political spectrum. Needless to say, both my husband and I have developed our own political assessments through the years and about 40 years of life experience!
We are faithful Fox viewers for the sole reason that we know that our minds will receive a much needed mental work-out. We love the sparring and know that we are all the better for watching your intense barrage of facts and ability to deliver your messages in a genuine and humorous manner.
Juan, you already had our respect and viewership, but I would also like to ‘Thank you’ for your recollection of stories that were based solely on a true friendship and deep mutual respect that you shared with Tony. Friendships like yours and Tony’s are rare. Tony (and yourself) are examples of what we need more of in this country.
Our family extends our condolences to Tony’s family. We lift them up and honor Tony’s memory in his untimely passing. Please also know that all of your coverage keeps Tony alive as an example that we should all aspire to during our lifetimes.
With great respect -
Erika Grace
Safety Harbor, Florida
I’d like to leave my condolences of Mr. Snow’s passing. I am honored to say that I have met and worked with Mr. Snow. When I was asked about his passing this morning and what word I would use to describe him, the only one that came to mind was “decent”. I am very proud to have met and worked with Mr. Snow, and my heart goes out to his family and friends at this time.
What a fitting tribute.
A great loss of a good human being. Tony Snow had the ability to make one comfortable and confident regardless of whether you agreed with him or not. (I found I usually did). Its obvious he loved this country and his life. We, the country, will will greatly miss him.
I truly enjoyed listening and watching Tony Snow. Reading all that has been written about him, it appears that he will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He will also be missed by those who didn’t know him. My heart and prayers go out to his wife and two kids. Godspeed Tony!
Juan,
That was a lovely tribute from a true friend. We’ll miss Tony, a great American.
Somehow I knew you and Tony Snow got along. You, too, are a decent person who respects diverse opinions. Our country needs a whole lot more folks like both of you instead of all the glory-seekers and huge egos who are screaming over others for attention.
Fox News Sunday, has never been the same. The Whitehouse was never better represented in my memory. He will be missed.
I heard Tony say that Juan Williams was the professional colleague to whom he felt closest. That raised Juan in my estimation, because I trusted Tony’s values.
The thing I’ll remember about Tony Snow was his relentless positivism. Whenever I would get depressed about the political situation the country was in, I could always count on Tony to lift me up–to remind me of the hope that exists in a faithful existence. I’ve been praying for him for months, and I know that he’s in that place in which we all hope to land–no fear, no pain, no tears; a place where all our questions will be answered and love will be rewarded. God Bless You Tony Snow!!!!!
Hugs and prayers to Tony’s family.
He was one beautiful and loving person.
A great American.
Truly will be missed.
Godspeed, Tony.
The flute is waiting for you.
Sharon Butts
Dear Juan, I want to thank you so very much for sharing some of the personal side of your relationship with Tony. I think it is important for us to see that there still are good and caring
people in Washington. Tony never lost the common touch. Far more than most, he treated his
adversaries with a respect that seemed to be firmly grounded in respect for himself, and his
faith in God. His mental clock seemed to ba always aware of the finiteness of time and the
transcendence of the eternal.
Today has been a day of slow grieving, all day long. I’ve heard the praises and the snide
back-stabbing from various sources. I appreciate your transparency about your relationship,
because it demonstrates that it is still possible to disagree on issues, but still care about each
other as people. It is the testimonies of pople like you, who share stories of his compassion
and personal caring, that remind us of what we have truly lost in his passing.
God bless you, sir.
Dan C.
I am so moved by your tribute to Tony Snow. You have such a beautiful way of summing up what I am thinking. He had such a profound affect on my life.
The world was a better place with Tony and I am certain that heaven is full right now if only for the moment of his arrival.
His passing brings on such conflicting emotions. Going to miss him.
Thanks for your words and God bless his loved ones.
Kimberly
I have been watching Fox News since the year 2000 and thought Tony Snow was the best commentator I had ever heard and watched also the best Presidential Press Secretary. I told my husband who got me hooked on Fox News that the youth today should look to Tony Snow as a role model rather than these Hollwood over-rated Stars, Rap entertaineers or todays over-paid athletes. He epitimizes the best that a person can be in his job, his love of family and his Christian beliefs. I cried today for the loss of a very special man.
I am going to miss Tony..My heart and prayers go out to his friends and family..He is a hero to me living his life with such courage..He miss be missed enormously..God Bless Tony Snow
I am one of Newts liberal liberal liberals but I could listen to Tony Snows point of of view. He never yelled at his viewers he simply presented a point of view for consideration with civility. It was never about agreeing or disagreeing with him. He had a point of view that was worth taking the time to listen to. To all of you at Fox who knew him we to the left also share your grief. To his family and children he put more into a shorter lifetime than most of us ever come near to doing. It was quality of life not quantity that marked the man. What a legacy.
Respectfully sharing your loss
Carol Lloyd
Lake Wales Fl.
It was nice to hear about the private Tony Snow from a colleague that knew him well. I like to watch the Sunday morning pundits and Mr. Williams and Mr. Snow were always the best, and most civil. Whether you agreed with Tony Snow or not, you had to respect him and the way he lived his life. He made the world a little better than he found it.
Juan-
What a great tribute. My family too felt he was “our” Tony Snow.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Snow’s passing. Reading Mr. Williams’ words made me smile through the sadness. It was refreshing to read that Mr. Snow’s television personality was true to real life. I have not been impressed with many news, political, or media personalities. Tony Snow was one of those exceptions because of his love of life, integrity, wit, compassion, and faith. My prayers go out to his family, friends and Fox News. He will be missed.
that was a wonderful piece, mr. williams, and i thank you for writing it. he was ‘our’ tony snow.
God loves Tony Snow and so do we. He was such a knowledgeable gentleman. We wish for his family comfort in knowing he was so respected and loved.
Mary McGarry
thank you for what you wrote about tony snow’s life and his passing this morning. you are correct - he was ‘our tony snow’. thank you.
He will be missed by the American people regardless of party, color or TV station. He was a man for the country. A true friend and such a fighter against cancer, we looked up to him in our family because my only daughter has cancer and he gave her hope and courage. Thanks Tpny Snow
I’m a Middle of the road democrat and Tony Snow was a pretty conservative republican. I would notice that I would get upset with some of his points of view,( which were totally different from mine), but he always made it not an argument but a discussion. He had such dignity and grace that I always listened to his point of view. If (God Forbid) other conservatives had his style and humility maybe I would consider voting for a Republican some day.
Rest in peace! You will be missed!
Thank you for your insight into a great man. His humor and compassion and intellect all came through
the TV and the radio. I first heard him on Rush Limbaugh and Fox News, and he argued partisan conservative philosophy the way it should be. It seemed like he understood what made this country great and he wanted to tell the whole world. So they could do it too. I thank God for people like Tony Snow RIP
YET ANOTHER GREAT LOSS IN THE FIELD OF MEDIA. DID NOT AGREE WITH SNOW OR RUSSERT ALL THE TIME BUT LOVED WHAT THEY DID WITH A PASSION. I WILL MISS THEM AND HAVE GREAT RESPECT..BEST WISHES AND GOD`S SPEED TO THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. GOD BLESS AMERICA TO THEIR FAMILY.
PHILLIP
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the entire Fox News family. After watching coverage of the death of Tony Snow today and then reading some of the forum blogs, I can tell how deeply you all must feel his loss. At a time like this, all sorrow and support seems to be offered to the family…and rightly so, but it is so obvious that his loss cuts sharply at the Fox network and I want you to know we are sorry for YOUR loss also. It must have been a real priviledge to have so wonderful a friend.
Although I am not American, I share the sadness with you. We only had the chance to watch WH press briefings regards US politics from local news. However, He amazed me how defended Bush’s policies that no one can put the words together like him. Watching Tony Snow giving briefings was quite a show.
American were so fortunate to have such a true character. He will be missed.
Tony Snow is the epitome of greatness as a human being, as husband to his lovely wife, father to his three beautiful children and as a civil servant to this great country.
His faith in GOD never waivered through the adversity he faced fighting the cancer that took his and his mother’s lives.
Tony is a true “PATRIOT AND WARRIOR”. As much as it hurts, his families, friends and fans, we celebrate his passing because he showed us humility, love of GOD, love for our great country, love for his families and friends and optimism despite the continued struggle fighting his dreaded disease.
Tony Snow you would be sorely missed not only by your loved ones, but also every human beings whose lives you touched, including me.
To Tony Snow’s families especially his wife and children hang in there and may God bless you always. He is now with our Creator and his great mother.
Tony you are trully a gem and a great man and no one can ever replace you in our hearts and mind.
All day it’s been sinking in that Mr Tony Snow would not be coming back to the air waves to bring us the news from his viewpoint. He always was down to earth made sense of all subjects he talked about. He was not full of ego like some TV personalities. Snow is cold but not Mr. Tony Snow, he came across as so warm and friendly like someone you knew in your neighborhood. Someone who you could approach and he would give you his time even if he was busy. For viewers like myself who didn’t know him personally but knew him from the programs he appeared on, we felt as though we knew him. It’s so sad that he left us so early in his life. He packed in so much in his 53 years. My heart goes out to his co -workers especially to his wife and children. Losing a parent at any age is hard but at their ages it must be so terrible to grasp. I hope the people Mr. Tony Snow worked for will see that his family are taken care of. Mr. Snow worked so hard until the end to make sure his family had some security. People will miss him from wherever they come from either Washington DC or other parts of the world. He will be remembered as fair and one of the best young men in journalism who knew what was most important in life and was not embarrassed to express it. Thanks Tony rest in peace.
What a wonderful tribute, Juan! The world has been a better place because of Tony. He always managed to convey his love of people and America while on TV and as Press Secretary. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and his personal friends. He will be missed by everyone that had the privilege of listening to him.
Just as Tony touched all households through TV, so do you Juan. Our’s is a diehard conservative household and I remember the first time I told my husband to turn the TV up louder so that I could hear you speaking. I was told that you were a *gasp* liberal! My reply was I didn’t care, because you made SENSE. From that time on, my husband always lets me know when “your man, Juan” is on TV so that I’ll be sure to listen. He listens too, but don’t tell anyone!
Very few people have that impact on society.
Tony Snow is the epitome of greatness as a human being, husband to his lovely wife, father to his three beautiful children and as civil servant to this great country.
His faith in GOD never waivered through the adversity he faced fighting the cancer that took his and his great mother’s lives.
Tony is a true Patriot and Warrior. As much as it hurts his families, friends and fans, we celebrate his passing because he showed us humility, love of God, love for our great country and optimism despite the continued struggle fighting his dreaded disease.
Tony, you would be sorely missed not only by your love ones, but also every human beings whose lives you touched including me.
To Tony’s families especially his wife and children hang in there and may God bless you always. He is now with our Creator and his great mother.
Tony, you are trully a gem and a great man and no one can ever replace you in our hearts and mind.
Tony Snow is the epitome of greatness as a human being, husband to his lovely wife, father to his three beautiful children and as a civil servant to this great country. His faith in God never waivered through the adversity he faced fighting the cancer that took his and his mother’s lives.
Tony Snow is a true “PATRIOT AND WARRIOR”. As much as it hurts, his families, friends and fans, we celebrate your passing because you showed us humility, love of GOD, great love for our country and optimism despite of continued struggle fighting his dreaded disease.
Tony Snow you would be sorely missed not only by your loved ones, but also every human beings whose lives you touched.
To Tony Snow’s families, especially his wife and children hang in there and may God bless you always. He is now with our Creator and his great mother.
Tony, you are trully a gem, one of a kind and a great man, no one can ever replace you in our hearts and mind.
I always agreed with Tony Snow. Maybe sometimes that made us both wrong, but I don’t think that Tony was wrong much. He inspired me. He made me want to reach higher. He made me want to be a better person. “And he did all that while I watched him on television. Whan an honor it must have been to have known him.
God bless you, Tony Snow! This is for the family- his wife, Jill, and children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi. I never met or spoke to your husband/father, but he made a great impact on my life. I used to always listen to his radio show on my way to work in Tampa, Florida. And, to be honest with you, I felt disappointed when he took the Bush Press Secretary position since I would no longer be able to listen to him every day. Tony Snow was a great man. On the radio, he was a passionate conservative, but never blustery or full of himself. I learned a great deal from him. I will miss him and this nation is a bit weaker without his great wisdom and knowledge. To the family, I pray for you and hope you can get through this difficult time. Just know that your husband/father made a great deal of difference in the lives of Americans who never even met him. I will mourn him, miss him, and pray for his family. God speed, Tony! We will celebrate your life and courage!
Juan, I don’t agree Tony Snow was a man who loved people, but ‘he’ might have been gritty, and perhaps even a human comedy….
Dear Juan Williams,
Thank you so much for your wonderful tribute for Mr. Snow. My heart is heavy and sad with his passing. You were a good and loyal friend.
Thank you.
Carol Patterson
This article is wonderful. It is especially good and meaningful with it coming from Juan, who has a different perspective on issues than Tony. From the first time I saw Tony on TV he became “my” Tony. I respect both Tony and Juan; each of them understands the real important things in life. Very few people have the ability today to discuss an issue on its merit without it becoming personal. The main thing wrong with Washington is that nearly everyone looks at others as the enemy if there is disagreement. What ever happened to friends being able to disagree?
Tony will be greatly missed and we are lucky to still have Juan!
What a warm and touching tribute to his friend, Tony. Just the kind of friend you look forward to meeting for a beer after work.
A rare cat in journalism or politics-we will miss this good man.
Neither my wife nor I ever met Tony Snow in person, but from the first time we heard him, he was welcomed into our home. As a fellow journalist, I relished his integrity and sense of humor. He was a man to be admired and respected — and his passing will leave a giant hole in the journalistic firmament.
Our prayers go to his family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Dolores and Deacon Jerry End
A wonderful tribute to a good man. Thanks for sharing this with us, Juan.
What a beautiful memorial. Thank you for sharing your story. It further confirms what I thought of Tony Snow as a viewer and listener. God bless Tony, his family and all his friends as we all mourn the loss of such a special person.
Very nice Obit. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend.
Thank you Mr Williams for sharing a side of you and Tony. I pray people from both sides of the political spectrum read this. This is the “REAL STUFF” and you expressed it so eloquently.
A wonderful piece, written by a class act, about a class act. May Tony rest in peace. He showed amazing courage, especially in fighting his illness.
Tony was one of my favorites. A class guy who did a terrific job in all his endeavors.
I wonder if others are as outraged at the AP story of his death. It contains cheap shot after cheap shot. I pulled the following quotes from the piece:
- 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.
- During daily briefings, he challenged reporters, scolded them and questioned their motives as if he were starring in a TV show broadcast live from the West Wing.
- Critics suggested that Snow was turning the traditionally informational daily briefing into a personality-driven media event short on facts and long on confrontation.
I’ve seen a few obscure mentions of this shameful business .. but I’m surprised that there’s not a little more outrage .. I guess I shouldn’t be.
In any event, rest well Tony.
Juan,
While I sometime disagree with you views, I have always appreciated your good heart and it is evident that your good heart recognized and resonated with the heart of Tony. With men like you and Tony we can work through our differences of opinion. Tony was a good man, and you are a good man!
Beautiful tribute Mr. Williams.
A very nice tribute from an obvious good friend and colleague.
Thank you for a wonderful tribute to a friend.
Thank you Juan for your memory of Tony. He sounds exactly like I imagined him to be. I’m sorry for “our” loss. Civility in politics I’m afraid has taken a big step backwards with his passing.
Thank you for one of the most thoughtful and moving tributes I have ever read. My condolences on the loss of your friend.
Thank you Mr. Williams for you telling us of your friend.
Beautifully written piece about a friendship. Thanks so much for the insight.