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White House press secretaries don't usually get a round of applause in the briefing room, but Tony Snow's return today was different. He's back after learning five weeks ago that his colon cancer returned and that cancer cells are now attached to his liver. Five weeks ago, the outlook was grim from the White House and his friends. Today, after we sat for an interview that will air tonight on Nightly News, he said the day he made his condition public, he initially got it wrong, telling his own press office staff the cancer was inside his liver. As I said, the cancer is attached, which doctors have told him is an important difference. It's rare, I joked with him today, that a press secretary inadvertently makes something sound worse than it is!
Nevertheless, this is a serious time for Tony, his wife and three kids. He begins chemotherapy this Friday and faces an uncertain future. He's forced, he said, to look at life in small chunks of time rather than gazing out at a seemingly endless horizon.
A lot of people focus on the sometimes contentious relationship between the press and the press secretary, but today, it's useful to take a step back. The debates in Washington -- particularly over the war -- are vitally important. But so too is Tony's individual fight for survival, and that requires no skepticism or follow up from reporters.
Tony will now balance the difficult job of leveling with his kids about what he's going through and how it's affecting THEM with his desire to kick off a national conversation about living with cancer. He's got a survivor's story to tell and hopes to God he can keep on telling it.
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'Mr. Excitement'
Tony, you are an inspiration to me and my family. We are with you in spirit as you take on the cancer. I would like to tell you that my life was changed because of you...I'd been told since I was a young girl that Republicans were cold-hearted, mean-spirited, and not motivated to act for the good of the common man. I believed it. Then I began listening to you and realized that conservatism was about the ability to be logical and reasonable, sans anger and with great compassion, and to really look at the entire picture as one endeavored to understand complicated issues...it is not about simply reacting emotionally to every issue. Because of your words, I began researching conservatism and cannot imagine ever going back do the grim, dark side of the political spectrum. Thank you for your incredibly informative, clearly presented explanations of everything from Halliburton to Bastiat. You are a brilliant, remarkable man, and I and my family feel so fortunate to have you "in our (virtual) world" these many years. Hang in there--you will beat the cancer.
Donna R., CA (Sent Jul 2, 2007 5:10:36 PM)
Tony,
Save your reputaton, and possibly your life and career. Separate yourself as far as possible from the Bush administration.
Lou Romestant, Akron, Ohio (Sent May 3, 2007 9:23:01 AM)
I'm rooting for you Tony! Stay strong and keep on keeping on!
Anonymous (Sent May 1, 2007 5:38:56 PM)
Tony: Three years ago I was given three to six months to live due to cancer. I kept a positive attitute and I am back to work. Thank God that my cancer has not spread. Keep thinking about the best of life and pray to God and he will hear you. I wish you the best.
Ray Slinger
Ray Slinger, Milton, MA 02186 (Sent May 1, 2007 2:52:38 PM)
What all of these other people are saying, that goes for me, too.
Good Luck, Tony!
(Sent May 1, 2007 1:52:35 PM)
Your passion for your work is certainly admirable, your personality is a plus and I'm sure you will carry on with faith, hope and courage. The best to you and your family.
Jean Rocki, Essexville, Mi (Sent May 1, 2007 1:11:45 PM)
I am a colon cancer survivor.If I could do it, I know YOU can. You are an inspiration,Tony.
Sidney Lane,Ft.Worth,TX May 1
(Sent May 1, 2007 10:40:55 AM)
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you once again engage in your pursuit for a cancer free life. By returning to your demanding job in the spotlight, it gives hope to those undergoing treatment for cancer that they may continue to lead a productive life. May God be with you and your family through this challenging time. It will be a pleasure to watch you succeed every day!
Nancy K. Owen, Salisbury, MD (Sent May 1, 2007 9:31:49 AM)
I send best wishes to Tony Snow. I highly disagree with the decisions of this disasterous administration - but will be rooting for Tony every step of the way. Note that in the middle of all the nay-saying on Elizabeth Edwards cancer announcement, Tony gave her immediate support and encouragement. Way to go Tony, as always a class act.
Amy, Augusta GA (Sent May 1, 2007 9:19:13 AM)
What an inspiration to all the world Tony Snow has become. Politics have no place in this matter and He makes it so. As a Cancer and Heart Attack survivor I too know how precious each and every minute on this earth is. I ask that all the world pray every day for this fine man and his family as well as all the victims of diseases. I hope that all the world will join me in daily prayer for an end to this terrible war and for world peace. May God guide all those who make important decisions on world peace. God Bless you Tony, my prayers are with you daily.
James H. Archer, Caldwell, Ohio (Sent May 1, 2007 9:07:27 AM)
Mr. Snow I wish you and your family only the best continue to trust God . I myself am also a cancer survivor.
Marilyn Carter, College Park, Georgia (Sent May 1, 2007 8:24:56 AM)
When you have to come to grips with a life-threatening illness, it puts everything else into perspective. Tony Snow exudes grace, dignity and courage in dealing with a diffciult situation and merits our deepest respect and admiration.
(Sent May 1, 2007 7:28:56 AM)
Even though you came from that unfair and unbalanced nervework,i wish you the best..when you come back to work.consider msnbc!!!
dave walker,n. dartmouth,ma. (Sent May 1, 2007 4:47:10 AM)
I've been a fan for many years and hope for you the best in this difficult time.
Joe, Lone Tree, CO (Sent May 1, 2007 4:19:32 AM)
Tony,
I wish you and your family the best. Stay strong, you'll come out of this with flying colors. Our prayers are with you and your family. May god, Bless You and your family as you fight this head on. The Marines always have a saying. "You can take every things away, but you can't take away my pride".
Good Luck.
SgtMaj Michael J Niuatoa // Olosega // American Samoa (Sent May 1, 2007 12:32:43 AM)
Tony,
I do believe you will heal, and probably sooner than later if you take yourself out of this cancerous administration which will never heal themselves, those around them, and the nation.
(Sent May 1, 2007 12:23:34 AM)
My Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.
God Bless you and your family at this time with love and strengh.
CV
(Sent Apr 30, 2007 11:27:15 PM)
My Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.
God Bless you and your family at this time with love and strengh.
CV
(Sent Apr 30, 2007 11:26:35 PM)
God Bless you MR Snow the country is behind you to get well
Ronald Blom (Sent Apr 30, 2007 10:55:04 PM)
Tony, as i watched your return to work. I want you to know you touched my heart. I will pray for you and your family as you fight your illness. I think it would be difficult to fight this alone as you stated today. You won't face this alone. You have the country praying for you! Knowing you are surrounded with prayer will make you a stonger person. GOD BLESS
Sharon Wheeler (Sent Apr 30, 2007 10:52:06 PM)
As a cancer survior myself I knw what he is going thru. I will be praying for him
sue sonnen winneconne wi (Sent Apr 30, 2007 9:39:56 PM)
I'm glad he's doing OK. I don't want anyone to have cancer; not even evil, war-mongering proselytizing Republicans.
Brett Yernandez (Sent Apr 30, 2007 9:27:10 PM)
His body should focus on getting healthy and not spreading Bush's lies.
Yernar Y, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Apr 30, 2007 9:19:30 PM)
Mr. Snow,
Whatever you decision, know it's yours. May God keep you in the palm of his hand.
fm
fred mirbach (Sent Apr 30, 2007 9:13:28 PM)
Welcome back Tony. You are a class act. You have the guts to beat this thing and you have a whole nation praying for you.
Duane D'Arcy, Traverse City, Mi (Sent Apr 30, 2007 8:27:54 PM)
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