[ohioWfan]

Quote of the Day (from Tony Snow's interview with the Pittsburg Tribune- Review)"

Trib: It seems like you are trying to get President Bush on TV and/or out in public speaking more. Is that true?

Snow: Yes we are.

Trib: Is that you doing that?

Snow: It is all of us. Look, he is the most effective advocate for himself. I spend a lot of time talking to him, to make sure that I have got the tone and the tenor of what he believes in, to make sure that I have the pulse and the points right. But it is not better than hearing him talking.

People want to hear from the President. I am a press secretary -- it's a great job, but nobody elected me. [Laughter] People want to hear from the guy that is making the decisions. And I think that the more that they see him, they like him. So I also think that it is important to get him in front of the press.

... Maybe the most grotesque misperception about the President has to do with the way he approaches his job. Also, the level of substance. Because he loves it and he is really smart about it. And it comes through a lot when he is sitting around having conversations or answering questions with reporters ... when they elicit things from him that might not occur to a speech writer or might not occur to him when he is doing a speech, it allows people to take a look at the President from angles that they haven't seen before and have access to nuances to which they have not been previously exposed.

... He is a really complex, extremely interesting, very engaging guy. And really, really smart. And for people to be able to see that -- look, I can sit around here and say that, I can pepper it with as many adjectives as I want, but if people see him answering questions, they can see him driving conversations himself.

**snip**

Trib: You said that this is a president who does not care about the "legacy" aspect, but that is not really true, is it? He really does.

Snow: The "legacy thing" in the sense of he does not sit around and say, "What is my legacy?" ... Instead, his view is, "If I don't do it, then people are going to ask, why didn't I do it? Why didn't he do his job?"

It is really fun to be working for somebody that says, "I am going to do this, because this is the right thing." And people have got to understand that he is very patient -- he is extremely patient about this stuff. And he really does trust in the fairness of the public. But he also understands that there are going to be times that there will be peaks and valleys in terms of popularity.

He is not taking on easy stuff!

In this administration we have been through a recession at the beginning, we had Sept. 11, which deepened the recession. You have had corporate scandals. We have had the worst natural disaster, at least in financial terms, in American history. And we have had two wars. And somehow we still have a vital economy ... . It is a pretty extraordinary thing. You don't have those successes by looking the other way of your problems.

Look, we had the Sept. 11 attacks and he said, "Cut taxes." And people said, "WHAT?" And he said, "Cut taxes -- we have got to get the economy going."

If you are looking at Saddam Hussein, and we are worried about a terror network, he (Bush) says, "Okay, we are going to have to do it." Everybody in Congress agreed originally, or nearly everybody. But even when people began to express doubts, he said, "We are sticking with it. It is the right thing to do."

I can't tell you how proud it makes me, and a lot of people here, to have a president that would not change just because someone said a pollster said X, Y and Z.

On the other hand, it's also not a president that is not going to say "I am sticking with it, no matter what happens." He understands his job is to do the job right, and if it means he has to adjust the way he does it, then he will do that, too.

He is very clear-headed about stuff. He does not want someone coming in to give him a briefing that paints a rosy scenario. ... It is a wondrous thing to watch when people occasionally try to do that, because he won't let them get away with that. He will keep at them and at them and at them, until he finds out what the real thing is.

[ohioWfan]

DOSE PING!!! Please refrain from posting or reposting photos or graphics until the ALL CLEAR!! Thanks!

[dinasour]

Woo hoo. #2

[RasterMaster]

All I can say is.....



"WOOF"!

[radiohead]

hi

[ilovew]

He's so darn cute! :)

[dmd25]

I have been a Tony Snow fan for a number of years. My dh and I are from Michigan. We first became aware of Tony when he wrote for the Detroit News--and enjoyed his writing very much. It was neat to have someone with whom we were close in age be so articulate and wise!

Later, he became more well known to us when he filled in for Rush. He was my favorite guest host. What a wonderful sense of humor (which we enjoy today during the press conferences!). I was impressed by Tony's kindness even when he disagreed with a caller. What I appreciated most about Tony when listening to him was his commitment to his family. That commitment came through loud and clear when he was on the air. His values and beliefs were rock solid. He was a man to be respected.

One story in particular sticks out in my mind. He and his wife did an extensive remodeling of their home. When the project was finished, or nearly so, they had a major house fire. I believe it was at Christmas time. I remember Rush having him on the air to talk about it. Tony's character shone through at that time. His family was safe, and that was all that mattered. Was it frustrating that they had to live in the remodeling mess only to have it burn up? Of course. But in the grand picture, it didn't matter because they were safe and what was destroyed was just stuff. I loved his perspective.

I enjoyed his show on Fox Radio over the last couple of years. His character was on display again during his cancer treatment. What an example of faith he was to everyone! No matter what some say, character does count, and Tony is clearly a man of character. I am sure that is one reason that our beloved president, also a man of great character, has Tony on his staff.

Thank you, Tony for your work for our country. Though we miss you on the radio, we are thrilled that you are in the position you are! Blessings on you and your family.

[freedom4me]

Ditat Deus is a state motto of Arizona. In Latin it means “God enriches”.


On this day of great economic news, we say, "Thank you, Lord, for giving us economic freedom." Truly, God has enriched us.

[lysie]

Thank you. This Dose thread is definitely a keeper!

[snugs]

Thanks for the dose and the tribute to Tony Snow

[NordP]

Tony, It is not an easy job you said yes to. We are so blessed to have you as our spokesman. I say our, because here at The Dose, we feel so close to our President. Miss Marple is right. We feel like he's our brother...or dear friend we could have dinner with and talk over old times. We are also so grateful for the fine the way you handle the tough issues, and the media. You have class and style, and don't back down. You have a gift Tony, and we are the grateful recipients of your marvelous talents.

Thank you for your service to your Country and for being so good at what you do.

NordP

[HungarianGypsy]

He didn't stop by to wish me a Happy Birthday either. I'm not voting for him next time.

[GregB]

How about a stop for Irey??????????????????

[luvie]

Sorry I got here so very late. This thread is awesome. I would love to see the two of them in action together. Tony understands this man better than anyone could. He is the BEST press secretary anyone has EVER had....but I am just a tad prejudiced. They are a good team! I think the president is feistier since Tony took over as press secretary!

[Watery Tart]

THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT.

[Watery Tart]

Navy pilot John Lussier: Ah, he's a stud. It was a great flight.

[Fawnn]

It's "Snow" good to have somebody "Snow" supportive working for our great president!

;)

[dmd25]

Dear Mr. President & Mrs. Bush,

These are two more recent pictures--but two of my favorites ever!

I have written to you several times (and you have been kind enough to reply twice!) to let you know of our family's support of you. Your picture (which I probably should update!) is on our refrigerator. We pray for you regularly. We are so pleased that our children (ages 17, 15, 12, and 7) have such a fine president and first lady to look up to.

Thank you for your service to our country. If you ever get discouraged, visit the Dose sometime to remind yourself that there are many people who are behind you and believe in you.

[LibertyLee]

I'm late to the thread, but as the temporary substitute on the Snowflake committee I was proud to help out when safeliberty asked for volunteers, just because it was for Tony and our Great President, George W. Bush.

I am awed by George W. Bush. He is such a down to earth guy. The nightly comedians get their laughs from every human thing he's done. But I cannot remember a President who reached out and touched the heart of Americans like this one. The Gipper stood out, of course...but he always was in the American Aristocracy, who thanks be to the Lord, was also a Conservative. George W. Bush came to office with a knowledge of what he wanted to do for the country. And then came 9/11/2001. I have never been prouder of my country and it's ability to bring out the best in her citizens. George W. Bush responded with an integrity and will of iron. He may change his tactics as the field requires, but he is strong that this country, Our USA, and our brave troops in the field, Will Prevail. No matter how many lose heart, whether it's just "him, Laura and Barney", he stands Tall. I am so impressed...

And Tony...

I always enjoyed Tony Snow...long before he even became Rush's Best Substitute Host, the Chicago Tribune would run pieces from his Detroit writings. When the internet came of age, his well reported and written columns graced Townhall and other publications for "smart people". Tony IS Smart, smarter than those who work with him, but he never ACTs it. He's a guy who listens. And is the best reporter in DC even now...and that includes Novak.

I talked to Tony four times on the air, twice when Rush wasn't there (it was always easier to get thru on the Rush line), and twice on Tony's show and Tony always treated me...and everyone else, including the crazies...with decency and respect.

When I was on the West Coast, Tony's show was on the radio at god-Awful 6 a.m....working at home, my brain would wake up to Tony gently educating, reporting and occasionally in good humor reminding callers of the facts.

Tony's illness coincided with my move to the East Coast, and frankly, I worried he wouldn't pull through. His constant reference to the faith he had in the prayers of his callers and the love of his family was an inspiration to me as I had several severe illnesses I have been battling.

When Tony would occasionally complain about the communication skills of those trying to get the President's Voice heard, I sometimes remarked on these very FReep pages he was kind enough to always participate in, that if he thought he could do better, he SHOULD. I never thought the opening would come, and if it came, I never thought his wife would let him...Lord knows, the man had a right to his private life...

The dignity he has brought to the zoo of the Press Room has been awesome. Tony NEVER puts down the reporters I want to punch...David Gregory and Helen Thomas. He LIKES these people...His grace, knowledge and good cheer, have been an inspiration to us all and I hope the President he serves.

Just before he took the job as Press Secretary, St. Patrick's Day rolled around, and he was giving away those Vermont Teddy Bears, looking for caller 17. Since I listen to XM which is usually on a 40 second delay, I didn't have a prayer I'd win the bear. But surprise of surpise, the phone actually rang instead of a busy signal and TONY answered HIMSELF...you're caller 17! Well, I didn't have a particular need for the Bear, but my Thai wife loves things like that, and I told him so and he said he was honored I listen and happy to send the bear off. He could have said anything or even left it to a staffer, but he did it himself, got all my information in the commercial break, and it came a few days later (and yeah, my wife was thrilled)... And now he's the Press Secretary to the best President I have known ...

So anyhow, Thank You Mr. President for being you and for picking Tony Snow as your Spokesman...and Tony...may you have save passage through the shoals and I just have a hunch you are destined for Greater Things...

Thank you and Thank Providence for putting you both where you are...