Tony Snow Undecided on White House Press Job

Newsmax.com ^ | 4-20-2006 | Carl Limbacher

[joyspring777]

Fox News Radio host Tony Snow said Thursday that he had yet to make up his mind about accepting a possible offer to succeed Scott McClellan as White House press secretary, saying his family would have "veto power" over any decision.

"I will tell you what I'm doing when I have a clue [myself]," Snow told his radio audience. "That does not happen to describe my state of mind right now. I don't have a clue so I'm not going to give you any news scoops."

Snow didn't deny a report that he had talked with the White House about the job and noted that if he decided to accept, they would make the announcement first.

The former speechwriter for Bush 41 weighed the pros and cons on the air.

"The most attractive thing about an offer from the White House at a time like this is not the glory of being treated like a piñata by Helen Thomas, but instead, you've got to put your money where your mouth is."

But Snow said the most fundamental consideration was his family.

[Final Authority]

My nominee, Retired General Schwartzkopf.

[pollywog]

Sounds like Tony has his priorities straight!!!! Family is SO IMPORTANT in making decisions like this.

[Final Authority]

Denny could use a regular job and besides, he could reference the repertoire as part of his future premium cable specials.

[flaglady47]

I want him to do it and I don't. Which is probably what most Freepers think. For his country it would be great, for his family and his health, it wouldn't. What a choice to have to make. Geez. I'd be confused about what to do too. I worry about his health. How much more stress could one have than looking at Helen Thomas everyday? That's more than most mortals could take.

[diverteach]

Personally, I'd like to see Ann Coulter get the job.

[Sunshine Sister]

Oh man wouldn't that be fun! I'd love to see Levin in the job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[surely_you_jest]

First, Tony, you already have a career. This job is simply a stepping-stone to something you already have.

Second, this is almost certainly a significant pay cut. Why?

Third, the working conditions suck.

Fourth, you have to deal with assholes. Every day.

Fifth, go back to "first".

[Kenny Bunkport]

Seriously, with Bush having only another 19 months or so of effectiveness leading up to the 2008 election season, I'd love to see the White House just let 'er rip by putting in a combative and effective press spokesperson -- someone who could put the newsies in their place (at least once the 2006 elections are over). What's Bush got to lose?

[pollyannaish]

I think Tony would do a great job and the country needs him. Your list, however, is 100% correct. I'd just like to say one thing:

I am SO glad the military does not use your criteria for service. ; ).

[jazusamo]

You put it very well. I have much respect for Tony Snow but I sure wouldn't want to have to make his decision right now.

[KevinB]

I didn't think about the cancer or Helen Thomas, hey aren't they about the same?

Helen Thomas is what the doctor throws in the pan during colon cancer surgery.

[adorno]

Wouldn't that headache of a job mean a pay cut for Tony?

Even if it means a pay cut, the cut would be temporary for another 2 1/2 years. After the current administration leaves office, a lot of those people, including Tony, would be worth a lot of money to media companies everywhere.

Besides, as a republican, wouldn't Tony make a little sacrifice to help out the administration? The job would be rewarding and challenging, but the bigger rewards could come later.

[Pippin]

LOL!

[bill1952]

a man must involve himself in the great issues of his time
at the risk of being judged by history not to have lived

[spectre]

I think Tony should respectfully decline the position for many reasons.

Living life in the fast lane won't be easy on him or his family. And then, there is his private life to consider. For example, he couldn't continue to post at FR or speak for himself.. as himself.

It's too confining..just say No, Tony :)

[Robin Hood]

I think I'd rather see General Honore. Can't you just see him making that wimpy WH Press Corps 'give him 20' just to ask a question?

[jackieaxe]

How about Bill Parcells? He's been know to tell a reporter "That's a stupid question..." when the time is appropriate.

[untrained skeptic]

I can't see how any sane person would want that job.

[Phsstpok]

Sixth, his country, his president and the world need someone like him in that role because the stakes are that high.

If you had a chance to turn the tide of the current madness on the left (and that includes ALL of the MSM, particularly the White House Press corps) would you say "no, I'm not going to do that?"

There is a thing called duty. Tony knows that.

If there is someone else he thinks can do a better job, or a even good enough job, then he is better off turning this job down for the reasons you list. If he knows, in his heart, that he is the right person to do this, then he should do this. His family (and certainly his fans) will understand. Speaking for one fan, we'll also support him, tooth and nail.

People often think that it is hard to do the right thing. -- It is NOT hard to do the right thing, it is hard to know what the right thing is. Once you know what is right then it is hard to NOT do the right thing.

Ben Kingsely in The Confession 

[mountainfolk]

I know that Tony would do a bang up job as WH press secretary and support his choice however he decides. The one thing I want to see in the new secretary is an emphasis on respect and professionalism from the reporters being given the opportunity to ask questions. Too many of the press have gotten the idea that these conferences are about them and they show off and are smart alecky to the degree that they do little to enlighten the public about anything of substance. I see no reason for follow up questions because they use the first one for a speech and the second to argue the answer. Give more reporters a chance to participate and cut off the ones who are openly belligerent and 'gotcha' oriented. Scott played his role well for what the administration wanted but we are moving to a new phase and it will be better implemented with a new face that the press will have to adapt to. Good luck to whoever takes the job.