Press Secretary Tony Snow Resigning

Telling the White House press corps, "It’s been a joy to watch him spar with you," President Bush announced Friday that his press secretary, Tony Snow, will be resigning. Snow will be replaced by his deputy, Dana Perino, 35.

Snow, 52, has been battling cancer while manning his post behind the podium at the White House, but he said that cancer is not the reason he is stepping down from the lectern. He had announced recently that he was planning to leave the White House before the end of Bush’s presidency because he needs to make more than his current salary—$168,000—and he can earn much more than that making speeches.

Before he was tapped to be the White House press secretary, Snow was a syndicated conservative talk show host on Fox News Radio. He did not have much experience as a press secretary, although he had worked in the White House as a speechwriting director and spokesman for the senior President Bush. In his talk show, he had been sharply critical of Bush on occasion.

As Bush’s press secretary, Snow became very popular for his positive outlook and good-natured attitude toward everyone, and his witty repartee with the media. However, some reporters complained that Snow’s snappy showmanship seemed more important to him than being accurate and prepared for briefings. Some senior White House aides referred to the briefings as "The Tony Snow Show."

President Bush, however, had nothing but glowing praise for his departing assistant. "I sadly accept his desire to leave the White House," Bush told reporters. "He’s smart. He's capable. He's witty. He's able to talk about issues in a way that the American people can understand," Bush said. "I don't know what he's going to do. I'm not sure he does yet either.
"But whatever it is ... it's going to be two things — one, he'll battle cancer and win, and secondly, he'll be a solid contributor to society."

In 2005, Snow had his colon removed after being diagnosed with cancer, and he underwent six months of chemotherapy. Four months ago he had more surgery to remove a growth located near the site of his original colon cancer, and the growth was determined to be a recurrence of the cancer. After going through another round of chemotherapy, he returned to work looking leaner, his hair grayer and thinner.

He is the latest in a group of White House officials to leave the administration before the end of Bush’s term. Friday was the last day at the office for departing political strategist Karl Rove.