SNOW JOB AT THE WHITE HOUSE; TONY SNOW THAT IS

Today President Bush announced and introduced Fox News commentator and conservative radio talk show host Tony Snow as the new White House Press Secretary. Snow is replacing retiring Scott McClellan who is leaving after a fairly unremarkable two and one half year hitch as Press Secretary. Snow is not a stranger to the White House. He was previously director of speech writers and in media affairs for George H.W. Bush the 41st President and current President's father. Snow is a staunch conservative and supporter of the President but also one who has, as a conservative, been critical of Bush over certain issues that trouble the conservative base. Though at times critical of the President he has been considerably harder on Democrats and their liberal ways which will make him more than a match for the predominately liberal press corps. Snow brings with him definite advantages as Press Secretary. Being a well known television news personality who also has a political background, Snow will handle the press in ways that McClellan never could and with a finesse that will add a great deal of credibility to his statements that McClellan lacked. Additionally Snow will be involved with policy in the Bush administration which will add to his credibility because he will be in on the decision process rather than just relaying what he has been told as was the case with McClellan. Personally I am looking forward to Snow behind the podium facing the press because of his candor and the fact that the press will not be able to bully him for he knows who they are and where they are coming from politically and professionally. Snow's first encounter with Helen Thomas the hard headed wrinkled liberal who has been with the press corps since Lincoln ought to be an interesting exchange. Snow will do a much better job of detailing the administrations agenda and expressing to the press what is happening at the White House because of his ability to communicate which again was a weakness of McCllelan. Snow will also have the capability of expressing why policy and programs are as they are because of his involvement in the process which again will give him distinct advantages in his handling of the press. McCllelan at times appeared lost when confronted with certain tough or twisted questioning which will not be the case with Snow. The press will not be able to twist him into a corner as they did McClellan. An excellent choice by the President and an exceptional spokesman for the White House.

Ken Taylor