(Danville, California)
First it was Tim Russert; now it's Tony Snow. One was unexpected; the other we kind of knew was coming. Still, both deaths are a shock to the journalism community. Russert was 58; Snow, 53. Both died much too young, well before their prime. Death is hard to take at any time; but, in a Presidential election year, when we all expected to see a lot of Tim and Tony, missing them is even harder.
I had the good fortune to know both men, not as good friends, but as professional colleagues. One was a tried-and-true Democrat; the other, a hard-core Republican. I respected them both deeply for their passion, their intellect and their integrity.
I have great memories of interviewing Tony a number of times when he was host of "Fox News Sunday." We would have him on KTVU the Friday before, for a preview.
Ironically, the last time I spoke with both Snow and Russert was in January. Tim was at the Iowa Caucuses in Des Moines. Three weeks later, I had dinner with Tony in Concord, CA, when I introduced him as the featured speaker before a crowd of 500 at the annual Contra Costa USA Dinner. He was fantastic!
We had a lot in common. We were both professional journalists. We had both worked in politics. We had both played in rock bands in our 20s. We had even worked as stand-up comedians; and we had both lost our moms to cancer when we were teenagers. Despite all the ups and downs of life, we counted our blessings.
We talked a lot that night, and Tony was especially encouraging, because I had just lost my job two weeks before and was professionally devastated. He was so encouraging and supportive. He had lost media jobs, too. He was thrilled that I decided to strike out on my own and cover the Presidential race as a freelancer, because he knew it would be an uphill fight in the world of entrenched media empires.
Days later came this note to me in the mail. It may be hard to read, so I'll transcribe it:
"Dear Mark: It was a real treat to meet you in person at last, and to get time to talk about everything from stand-up to politics to the wild and ruthless business of broadcasting. As one who has been through the 'getting fired' business, let me share one consoling thought: Something better, and probably something unexpected, will come your way. That just seems to be how these things work. Your talent, drive and ability will shine through. I know how tough it is now, but hang in there: It will get better. Thanks for doing such a great job last night. I hope our paths will cross again soon. Best, Tony."
Here was a guy who was losing his life to cancer, but he was consoling me for losing my job on TV. That dose of humility and reality will carry me a long way. I will treasure the handwritten note forever.
But my greatest memory is of March 22, 2007, when Tony held the White House briefing the day after Elizabeth and John Edwards had announced the return of her cancer in the midst of his Presidential run. Here is what Tony said to a national TV audience from the briefing room:
"A couple of things up top. As you probably know, Senator John Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, have announced that she has a recurrence of cancer, and that they will still continue a full and vigorous campaign. First, our thoughts and prayers are with Elizabeth Edwards. Also, as somebody who has been through this, Elizabeth Edwards is setting a powerful example for a lot of people, and a good and positive one. She has been on top of diagnosis and followup. When you have cancer it's very important to keep checking. She's being aggressive. She's living an active life. And a positive attitude, prayers, and people you love are always a very good addition to any kind of medicine you have. So for Elizabeth Edwards, good going; our prayers are with you."
Snow also said, "When you see an Elizabeth Edwards saying, 'I'm going to embrace life and I'm going to move forward,' that is a wonderful thing."
From the other camp, came a response. John Edwards told "People" magazine that he and Elizabeth were praying for Snow, adding: "Tony has been an incredible example for people living with cancer and cancer survivors."
That was simply an exchange of kindness, class and leadership from both side of the aisle. Cancer is an equal opportunity killer. It could care less whether you are Republican, Democrat, Green, etc. When it strikes public figures, they have two choices: Wall themselves up in privacy and self-pity, or become public advocates for education, early detection, research and beyond. The nation is fortunate that the Snows and Edwardses chose the latter.
Tony was optimistic about his prognosis. In our last conversation, he talked about living long enough to see his kids grow up and provide him with grandchildren. Feeling equally optimistic, I invited him back to Contra Costa County to tell us all about those grandchildren, and we would dissect the political world at the same time. I can't believe that conversation was just six months ago, and now he's gone. He was so strong, and so ready to keep fighting.
Like Tim Russert, Tony Snow was a devout family man who loved his wife and children. Today our prayers are with Tony's wife Jill, their two daughters and their son. God Bless them! With Sunday upon us, I can't help thinking that Russert and Snow are in Heaven, hosting a spiritual Sunday joint edition of "Meet the Press" and "Fox News Sunday" from the great beyond. What a show it would be!
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