Tony Snow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Snow
|
|
|---|---|
Snow in June 2006
|
|
| 25th White House Press Secretary | |
| In office May 10, 2006 – September 14, 2007 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Scott McClellan |
| Succeeded by | Dana Perino |
| White House Director of Speechwriting | |
| In office February 19, 1991 – January 20, 1993 |
|
| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Chriss Winston |
| Succeeded by | David Kusnet |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robert Anthony Snow
June 1, 1955 Berea, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | July 12, 2008 (aged 53) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Jill Walker
(m. 1987) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Davidson College (BA) |
Tony Snow (born Robert Anthony Snow) was an American journalist, writer, and musician. He was best known for being the 25th White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush. This important job meant he spoke for the President and answered questions from reporters.
Tony Snow worked in the White House from May 2006 to September 2007. Before that, he was a chief speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush from 1991 to 1993. He also had a long career in broadcasting and writing newspaper columns. He hosted shows on Fox News Channel and had his own radio program.
Contents
Tony Snow's Early Life and Education
Tony Snow was born in Berea, Kentucky, on June 1, 1955. He grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. His dad was a teacher and a guidance counselor. His mom was a nurse.
When he was 17, his mother passed away from colon cancer. This event likely influenced his later health journey. Tony became interested in journalism and politics early on. He was even the editor of his high school newspaper!
After high school, Tony went to Davidson College in North Carolina. He earned a degree in philosophy in 1977. He also studied physics and economics in graduate school.
Tony Snow's Career Journey
Tony Snow had a very interesting career, working in journalism, radio, and government. He was known for his clear way of explaining things.
Starting in Journalism
Tony Snow began his career in newspapers in 1979. He wrote editorials for different papers, like The Greensboro Record and The Washington Times. Editorials are articles that share the newspaper's opinion on important topics.
He also wrote columns that appeared in over 200 newspapers across the country. This meant many people read his thoughts and ideas.
From Print to Broadcast Media
Tony Snow moved from writing for newspapers to working in radio and television. He appeared on many news shows. He was a guest host for The Rush Limbaugh Show and a commentator for National Public Radio.
In 1996, he became the first host of FOX News Sunday. This was a popular show where he interviewed important people and discussed current events. He also hosted Weekend Live and filled in on The O'Reilly Factor.
In 2003, Tony started his own radio show, The Tony Snow Show. It became very popular across the country. He stopped hosting it when he got the call to work for the President.
Working at the White House
Tony Snow worked for two different U.S. Presidents. His first job in the White House was for President George H. W. Bush. He was the chief speechwriter, helping the President write his speeches. He also helped with media relations.
In 2006, President George W. Bush asked Tony Snow to be his White House Press Secretary. This is a very important job. The Press Secretary speaks for the President and the White House. They hold daily briefings with reporters, answering questions about the President's actions and policies.
Some people were surprised by his appointment because Tony had sometimes criticized President Bush in the past. But President Bush said he liked that Tony wasn't afraid to share his own opinions. Tony Snow started his duties on May 8, 2006.
He was known for his calm and clear way of speaking. He often brought a sense of politeness to the job, even when dealing with tough questions. He left the position in September 2007. He said he would miss the daily press briefings.
Tony Snow's Personal Life
Tony Snow was a talented musician. He played many instruments, including the trombone, flute, saxophone, and guitar. He was part of a band called "Beats Workin'". The band played publicly and sometimes performed with famous rock musicians.
Illness and Passing
In February 2005, Tony Snow was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had surgery and returned to work a few months later. In March 2007, while he was Press Secretary, he had to take time off again for more cancer treatment.
Sadly, the cancer spread. Tony Snow passed away on July 12, 2008, at the age of 53. President George W. Bush praised Tony, saying he brought "a certain civility to this very contentious job."
Tony Snow is remembered for his career in journalism and his time serving in the White House.
