Former Press Secretary Tony Snow Dies

Image cribbed from Free Republic, where Tony Snow was revered and idolized

When Sen. Jesse Helms died last week, I publicly pondered, "What do you do when a person you totally revile passes away?" In the case of Tony Snow, you might think I'd feel the same way, but I don't. While I take issue with his career choices, he seemed like a man of great intellect and humor. As a non-political talk show host, he probably would have really made a splash (without ticking anybody off).

53 is just way too young to go. And it somehow seems unfair that both Tim Russert and Tony Snow--very political animals--would be deprived of seeing the outcome of this fall's election. There is a noteworthy difference between the deaths of Russert and Snow. Russert's death provoked an outpouring of fond rememberances from colleagues, to the point of over-saturation on the news channels. I read several mentions in the blogosphere, but never got the feeling that bloggers and commenters were actually grieving.

By contrast, conservative bloggers and commenters are very, very upset by this. Their reaction seems deeply personal in a way I don't quite understand. As you can tell by the graphic above, conservatives--at least those who consider their political ideology to be a core identity--loved Tony Snow. And they really seem to be feeling grief today. Ordinarily I might say something snarky about that, but right now that doesn't feel right. RIP, Tony Snow.

[Excerpt]

Tony Snow, Former Bush Press Secretary, Dies at 53

Tony Snow, a former press secretary to President George W. Bush who brought his outspoken style as a Fox News commentator to the White House, died in Washington early today of cancer. He was 53.

"It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day,'' Bush said in a statement. "He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work. . ."

Read more at: Bloomberg