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Remembering Tony Snow

Posted: Saturday, July 12, 2008 4:20 PM by Ian Sager

By Lester Holt, NBC News anchor

Though I interviewed Tony Snow a number of times via a remote link, I never met him face to face. Like a lot of journalists, however, I had tremendous respect for Tony.  As a television commentator he was a thoughtful, engaged, and passionate observer of politics. As White House press secretary, he always presented himself as someone who had great respect for the job we do as reporters, while at the same time serving as a loyal, and effective advocate for the administration's policies.

When the news of his death broke this morning just as we were coming on the air for the TODAY show, my first thought was of the interview David Gregory did with Tony Snow a year ago. Tony talked about his struggle with cancer. He also talked about how it affected his family, and tearfully recounted the words he shared with his children. "I said, look I'm going to bounce your kids on my knee. That's what I'm going to do. And that's what I want to do." But what I remember most from that interview were the simple words that left no doubt as to what was most important to Tony Snow. Words that brought a tear to my eye then, and again this morning. "It's great to love people this much."

David Gregory will be on the broadcast tonight to share more from that interview, and to look back at the life and career of Tony Snow. I hope you join us for tonight's edition of NBC Nightly News.

 

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All that you said about Tony Snow is true,
and, to me, when he was press secretary he
was the face of The White House, a
remarkable man. I really did like him.

Of course, I will tune in this evening for
more information on Mr. Snow. I was saddened
by his death.

Phyllis Kunz

Tony Snow was everything you say he is, and
I was saddened by his death.  To me, when
he was press secretary he was the face
of the White House.  Of course, I will tune
in this evening, Mr. Holt, for more information
on this remarkable man who will be sorely
missed.

Phyllis Kunz







Phyllis Kunz
Good Evening Mr.Holt,How very sad to hear of the passing of Tony Snow. Here in Atlanta "Weekend Today" comes on at 8:00am so I learned about his passing from MSNBC News Live. Then later on Weekend Today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was far too young at age 53 and to the horrible disease of cancer. I remember the interview David Gregory had with him last year and I do recall that statement he made, "It's great to love people this much." It brings tears to me too. He will be greatly missed amongst all who knew him well. Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children. May they all find comfort and peace at this time.
Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Holt. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO
My heart goes out to Tony Snow's wife and kids.  No one can know what they have been through and what they are feeling.  God bless them.
I bet Tony Snow, and Tim Russert, and George Carlin are having a heck of a political discussion in Heaven right now!  They make up quite the "Cabinet," if you will.  
First Tim Russert at 58 and now another tough one ... Tony Snow has left us at age 53. You just never know who and when. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
I appreciated Tony Snow's presence and how he carried himself.  He had an air of class about him, even as I disagreed with certain points of view.  My heart goes out to his family at this time of loss.  
Our sympathy and prayers to the family of Tony Snow. Another great loss to the journalism of this nation.
Words are inadequate to express our sadness at yet another passing.
Why must the camera zoom in on and keep focus on Tony Snow when he is clearly near tears? The respectful thing to do would be cut away to Lester and let Tony have his privacy!  The media just cannot resist sensationalizing every story,like it wasn't enough reporting it in the first place! You people are ridiculous!
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Snow. What a class act, even if I didn't agree with his defense of the White House and its policies. May his family find comfort in how many lives Tony touched (and can you imagine the conversation Tony and Tim Russert are having right now----makes me smile!)
Lester - Too many young men are leaving us too soon.

I woke up this morning to hear about the death of Tony Snow.  Was there ever a more charming, smart and funny press secretary than Tony?  He could talk around a 'no answer' better than anyone.  He played in a rock band, he wrote like a professor and how he loved his family.  Enough to try to keep living for them as difficult as it was.  Now, Tony is at peace and everyone who knew or knew of him will miss him.

Late in the day word came that Bobby Murcer had died after his struggle with illness.  Again, a man that everyone loved and respected.  A family man, a sportsman and later in life a sports announcer. When Bobby returned briefly to the announcers booth at Yankee Stadium, 55,000 plus stood up to applaud.  

So we honor the lives of two very fine men who have gone much too soon.

RIP Tony and Bobby.  You will be sorely missed.
Good Evening Mr.Holt, A lovely tribute by Mr.Gregory about the passing of Tony Snow. Mr.Snow certainly was well respected and admired for his work. But more importantly he was a great husband and father. He held his own in the White House Press Room with all the reporters, yet Mr.Gregory got to know a different side of him and hearing him speak about him showed he obviously admired him very much. He will be greatly missed by many people. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends.
Thank you for the fine broadcast Mr.Holt. Peace to you and to all.

Lots of Love to all my friends. XOXO
I agree with Laurel Mr.Russert,Mr.Snow and Mr.Carlin are all having a great political discussion in heaven.
Condolences to Tony Snow's family. He showed us what courage is all about.

Lester--that was a fascinating ozone story tonight! Sometimes BAD NEWS situations can be remedied and that is GOOD NEWS! Thanks for that one!

@ Laurel--  I'm still here busily making plans for continuing an enjoyable retirement! This week I finalized a trip planned for next May, distributed tickets to my friends (I'm ticket central) for the 2008/09 season at the NJ Performing Arts Center, and polled my gang and ordered tickets for the Concerts and Lecture Series at the Met Museum of Art--so we are all good to go through next June. Why so soon? As you can tell from Brian, it's great to live in the NY metro area--there's always so much to do. BUT--there are an awful lot of us living here and tickets to the good stuff go FAST. I learned that the hard way. Plus--there has been big Nascar news this week--so I've spent a lot of time on Speed TV and Nascar.com. Week flew by! May I say--retirement is great! But none of us can figure out how in the world we ever had time to work!!!

@ Anna--  The Obama campaign won't be sponsoring a race car. See: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/25644371/. I didn't think it would ever come off when I first heard it--that team doesn't often make races (not fast enough) and is desperately seeking sponsorship (they need $$$). It's not very effective to put your logo on a racecar that doesn't even make the race! Interesting though, that the intended race was Pocono--an indication perhaps of how concerned the Dems are over Pennsylvania.

I have been reading a summary of, and commentary on, "King Lear"--which I am going to see performed tomorrow. Plenty of tragedy tomorrow, but please, none tonight as I watch the Nascar race.  Weird--Nascar and Shakespeare? I never have fit any mold!!

I too have gone to PickensPlan.com. I found it interesting and possibly doable. I agree with him that the problem is the enormous transfer of wealth. Until we stop or decrease that, we won't have money to do anything else--lke address climate change. The biggest problem with his plan may be getting the transmission lines built. No one wants one in their back yard! We'll see--but yes, Mr. Pickens--we have to do something and quickly. Probably most of the country is with him on that. Good for him! He's focusing attention!

@ Josh-- I've been thinking about your recent comments on petroleum. So the Iraq war really was about oil--but oil for our military! In light of that, Ted Koppel's recent comments to Charlie Rose, that it would be foolish to think we will withdraw all our troops from Iraq no matter who the next president is--make a lot of sense. But I'm wondering if any garrison we leave there shouldn't be in Kurdistan. American bases in Arab lands provoke continuous terrorism troubles. I cannot see a day when the military would (or for that matter could) EVER wean itself off oil. All of this strengthens the case for saving our off-shore oil for when we really need it for military or petroleum-as-raw-material-for-non-transportation (plastics, pharmaceuticals, etc.) purposes. There are other ways to power an auto--see T. Boone Pickens!

I was sad to hear Brian's report Philly had lost so much of its population. Other than NY, it is my favorite east coast city. Great restaurant town, great museums, lots of young people because of all the colleges and they give it life! And then there is all that history! It is always awesome to me to be in the very room where the founders adopted the Declaration and the Constitution. Fun town!

@ All--  Give a look to Fareed Zakaria's new program on CNN Sunday's at 1 PM. I think it's finding its legs--last week it was super! The discussion was about Iran. Try it--I think you'll like it!!

Best to all the "usual suspects"! Take care all--

@ Laurel:  Great minds think alike!  I was watched NN and thought to myself, I bet Tim met Tony in heaven with a big hug and a roar of laughter.   Heaven must have needed yet another angel.

Bests to Tony's family and children!
Hi All:

Okay, I know I am going to get shot for this link.

http://www.nypost.com/poll/pollb.htm

Please understand I find this humorous and don't live my days by surveys but I just have to ask, where's Richard on this survey?   Lisa, can you call the Post?

Vote and vote often.
"It's great to love people this much." What an unique words!!! Tony Snow may left us but he teaches us wisdom. May God put his departed soul rest in peace in haven. Our deepest sympathy and condolence for the family. Hope and pray that some how the family find some peace and happiness in there mind.  
Hi Lester

Who would have ever thought a run on a US bank but with the Leadership of the Bush Administration anything is possible. Look for more surprises to come as it's been 7 years of this crime wave.

I wasn't a Tony Snow fan but I do wish his family well during this time of their lost. With so many deaths we should all this of our own book of life and get it in order.

Looks like the World Leaders have moved on without the United States as France will host the Mediterranean Summit. I guess the World Leaders found out the White House ask German Chancellor Merkel to protest Senator Obama's visit to speak at Berlin's historic Brandenburg Gate. Funny as Ms. Merkel's spoke person said Obama didn't do anything for Germany yet President's Reagan, Kennedy and Clinton spoke at the sight with no problem. But Chancellor Merkel did allow Bush to transport kidnapped prisoners from Germany to Syria for torture and she is up for re-election so makes since to protest the Democrat Candidate.  Most of those Leaders who helped Bush commit crimes lost their elections.

Senator Obama called for change, Hillary won the most popular votes and the French First Lady is a Rock Music Star.  What a change in the role of First Ladies. Interesting background on the French First Lady as in many ways she has done it all and continues.

Have a great weekend all
Best to Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Claudia, Anne and Matt and to all the other regular bloggers on this site
A  true gentleman who will be greatly missed. Sadly there are few like him.  Always polite he handled his difficult job with tact and finesse, and at the same time he bore his illness and pain with monumental dignity.
I was absolutely riveted by your interview with
Pakistan's top diplomat.  Wow, you can hold your
own with any man on the planet.  I am properly impressed,
Mr. Holt.
Phyllis Kunz
Tony Snow, had he lived, should have been brought to trial for fruad as part of assisting the Bush administration to implement their plans of raping our country and tricking it into war so that Bush and his oil and corporate friends could profit greatly in Iraq. To memorialize Tony Snow as anything other than a conspirator in this great crime is digusting.
Tony Snow will be greatly missed. I watched him on Fox and when he guest host for OReilly. When he became press secretary I thanked God for finally putting someone who will upgrade the way the public perceive the current White House and who will be great at explaining George Bush and his policies to the people. Thank you Tony Snow for giving it your best. My sincere condolences to your family.
Dear Friends:

I loved Tim Russert, I thought Tony Snow's untimely death, poignant.  However, I must say that I found your coverage of both events rather short-sighted.  

Tim Russert's death, in MHO, deserved the lead and a closer on the day of his death as well as a tribute show of his own. But an entire newscast about it on the day he died showed that the news staff was more concerned about Tim's death than about doing their job of telling the rest of us what was going on in the entire world. We would have forgiven you if it wasn't your best newscast, but I tuned in to see the news, only some of which was about the dear man with the little white board.  (I considered Hillary dead in the water when Tim brought out the white board a few days earlier!)

On the day that Tony Snow died, so did Michael E. Debakey, the father of open heart surgery, a man who built one of the largest medical centers in the World, who developed the heart-lunch machine, who held numerous patents, and who trained surgeons for over 60 years. He also invented the MASH unit. He likely opearted on tens of thousands of patients.  He practiced what he preached and lived to be 99.  He still went to the office daily.  Did he get a mention?    

Balance, gentle people, balance. Your mission is to report the news that affects your viewers, not just yourselves.

The media has no more, and no less, than the real world when it comes to sudden, sad deaths:  Peter Jennings, Tim Russert, David Bloom, Tony Snow in your world.  Ellen Gover, Patsy Toon and Judy Guggenheim in mine.  We are all getting older and people will fall by the way, some more tragically than others.    

I suggest you comee up with some sort of "video obit" criteria so that precious airtime is allotted appropriately to the coverage of deaths -- within your profession and without.

Most respectfullly, Dixie Swanson
Tony Snow's utter humanity will be missed in this season of political savagery.  I appreciate the humanity of most of the commentors here.  Tony Snow's fingernail clippings have more humanity in them than a couple of the commentors here.
WE will miss tony snow as he was great but god needed him more.
Now, Miguel, there's no need for personal attacks on posters who aren't willing to confer sainthood on the late Mr. Snow. He was a right wing idealogue and enabler for the Bush regime to spread its falsehoods regarding Iraq, Gitmo, the economy, the aftermath of Katrina and every other screw-up that they refuse to be held accountable for. If he had lived and been in decent health, he should have been brought up on charges as well as the other criminals who are running BushInc. The MSM won't say anything about that, though.
David Gregory did an interview with Tony Snow late last year.  It was an excellent interview and I would love to see that video again.  Is that possible?

I greatly appreciate Mr. Holt's words and MSNBC's reaction in general.  It broke my heart when Tim Russert died as did Tony Snow's death.

Tony Snow went to his local high school reunion with a catherer and had a great time.  Most people would have never gone but Tony had a love for life that most don't.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
The passing of Tony snow is yet another painful loss to us all. I couldn't help but think to myself watching the re-run segment from Meet The Press with Tim Russert & Tony Snow, clearly showed the respect both men had for each other. I also couldn't help but feel how strange to see two young men at the prime of their lives and careers who would both be gone is such a short time. Just an example of how precious life is, and how quickly it can be taken.
Don't you edit your messages submitted?  Some of  these, out of respect for the Snow family, don't deserve to be in print.  But this is what I have come to expect from MSNBC. Tony Snow was a good newsman, White House Press secretary, and a good citizen, father and family man, and decent human being. Even when he expressed his opinions it was polite, civil, and with dignity.  We have lost a great man.  Please edit these horrible posts for at least the sake of Tony Snow's family.  Shame on you for not editing them out.  Your comment section states taht all comments must be approved.  
If you are writing something on this blog and it is so insensitive and disrespectful that you cannot even leave your entire name, you probably should not have written it in the first place.  One of the many problems with our society today is people's lack of decency. If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say it at all.  Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated.  
Thank you MSNBC for remembering Tony Snow. He was clearly a great man.
One of the many problems with our society today is that any dissenting viewpoint from the (seemingly, at least here) majority is met with intolerance and outrage. Mr. Snow was a public figure, and as such, is an acceptable target for those who rightly criticize him for his complicity in aiding the criminal Bush administration. His death from cancer, while being a sad event, doesn't excuse his words and actions during his tenure as White House spokesman. He was a right wing idealogue who willingly supported the Worst. President. Ever.


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