Tony Snow Dies at 53

Bush’s former press secretary was never shy about his cancer, but friends and colleagues alike were surprised by the news of his death Saturday. As the president’s mouthpiece, Snow knew scorn, but he also had the respect of a number of his critics. As The Nation’s John Nichols elegizes, he brought “a measure of dignity” to the Bush administration.

The Nation:

Even as he struggled with cancer, former White House press secretary Tony Snow told reporters: “I’m a very lucky guy.”

In fact, George Bush was lucky to have had Snow as his spokesman during the period when it became clear that, while Bush could not renew his failed presidency, he could be less of an embarrassment to himself and his country.

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White House / Chris Greenberg

Tony Snow waves goodbye on his last day as press secretary.