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.

[COBOL2Java]

Press Secretary Mark Levin to Helen Thomas: "Get outta the Press Room, ya big dope!"

[deport]

If he takes the job, he'll be in for a seriesly hugh pay cut.

---

But a hell'va upside in two years after the stint is over, imo.

[Right_in_Virginia]

I think we need Tony unencumbered by loyalty and unmuzzled by the administration. I always look forward to his analysis - I'd hate not to have it.

I agree Tony's analysis is always spot on. But, the vast majority of the time he's commenting on the administration's inability to get a clear, concise message out. Here's his chance to do something, other than talk, about it.

IMHO, Tony should take the job for a year or fifteen months and help the administration regain its footing. Sign a deal with Fox radio and return after completing this much needed public service.

[Cobra64]

I agree. The question will be whether he wants to be numero uno on a news network like Cronkite and the others in the old lamestream media. Regardless, I think Tony should do what's best for him, and his family.

[rightwingintelligentsia]

I saw Tony's interview with Bill O'Reilly tonight. BOR was strongly encouraging him to take the job, and it seemed that his selection was likely. I think he'd be excellent in the role, though I will also miss his 'unleashed' commentary--not to mention his role as a FReeper.

[Right_in_Virginia]

BOR was strongly encouraging him to take the job, and it seemed that his selection was likely.

As it stands now, if Tony doesn't take the job, it will be recorded as a defeat for the President, further marginalizing him and his administration.

[evad]

Press Secretary Mark Levin to Helen Thomas: "Get outta the Press Room, ya big dope!"

Mark Levin to Magnus Uno Clymer:
"David, yer a moron!"

[luvbach1]

Yes, I overlooked the later rewards. Based on what he said on O'Reilly, it looks like he'll take it if offered.

[speekinout]

I can't think of a single reason for Tony Snow to take that job.

I can. First of all, the failures of the Bush admin. are not in what they do, but in how it is reported. Tony is very good at looking calmly at facts, and reporting what is most important, rather than latching on to sound bites.
Second, the job needs someone who knows the press - and Tony does.
Third, and most important, Tony knows that Americans sometimes need to sacrifice something for the good of our country. Our military do it all the time, and Tony is one of the first to applaud them. Their families also sacrifice for us. This might be the time when he and his family can do what we need.

If Tony knows someone who is better for the job, then he should say who that is, and turn it down. I don't know who that would be.

Lastly, I think that a stint as Press Secretary could be a big career boost for him - maybe so, maybe not. But doing service to the country is always a satisfaction, I'd think.

[luvbach1]

Tony said on Mr. O's show that the position would allow him more time with his family.

[luvbach1]

Megan Kendall, perhaps?

Pretty, sharp, and a Republican too?

[BunnySlippers]

Government jobs are low paying compared to the entertainment industry (meaning news). Yes, but it prestige. I'm guessing he has some money from his previous gigs.

[RS]

Wrong move ... The White house Press Secretary is not a repoprter and is not in a position to express his own opinion - That is simply not the job.

It would be a total waste of his talents.

[potlatch]

Did you watch him on O'Reilly today?

[InterceptPoint]

Just my opinion but I don't think Tony is tough enough for this job. Way too nice a guy to throw to the wolves in the Washington press corps. We need a real take no prisoners type. I wish I could name one (sorry but Ann Coulter and Laura Ingraham are busy.)

[Holden Magroin]

I'd rather see Brit Hume as White House Press Secretary. Tony Snow can't read a teleprompter.

[clawrence3]

I think Tony Snow would make a GREAT Press Secretary. Ari Fleischer was effective as a "nice guy". Another famous journalist, Bill Moyers, also served as White House Press Secretary for LBJ from July 1965 to February 1967 - here's a complete list of all Press Secretaries going back to 1937:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House_Press_Secretary

[nutmeg]

FoxFan ping!

Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my FoxFan list. *Warning: This can be a high-volume ping list at times.

[Salvation]

I wonder about his recent bout in the health area.

[teldon30]

Tony Snow.......Milquetoast personified!