Snow quashes suggestions that he is leaving over his battle with cancer.
(SALEM, Ore.) - Where do you begin when analyzing Tony Snow's recent decision to leave his post as the President's official Spokesman?
The former FOX reporter says he is leaving the White House because of failing finances, but many are speculating that Snow's September 14th departure almost has to be connected to his ongoing bout with cancer.
He is the latest of the President's men charging the exit door well ahead of schedule. Critics say their haste is to be expected after what many call the most failed presidency in U.S. history.
Doctors diagnosed Snow who is 52, with colon cancer in 2005. This year it spread to his liver, but he said Friday that treatment had halted the cancer's spread and "I'm feeling great."
Snow will not be remembered for the intensity and hostility of his predecessor Scott McClellan, but there were still many noteworthy moments during his time as Press Secretary.
Snow had what can only be described as a "combative press conference" with White House reporters over the President's decision to commute a prison term for top Vice-Presidential aide Irving Lewis "Scooter" Libby, who had been sentenced to 30 months in prison for obstruction of justice.
Earlier, Bush had vowed to fire any White House staffer that was convicted in the case. Snow was accused of "insulting the intelligence" of one White House reporter, when he denied that Libby's ability to avoid his prison sentence was motivated by party politics.
Many insiders in Washington, D.C. say the only reason Libby walked without paying his debt to the public is because of his potential to leak much bigger information about Dick Cheney and Karl Rove's illegal dealings to the press.
President Bush made these comments about Snow's announcement to step down early.
"I sadly accept his desire to leave the White House, and he'll do so on September the 14th. He is -- it's been a joy to watch him spar with you. He's smart, he's capable, he's witty. He's capable of -- he's able to talk about issues in a way that the American people can understand."
Even the President brought cancer into the conversation, which Snow is going to significant effort to deny. Bush says Snow will be come out ahead in his personal struggles.
"And I don't know what he's going to do -- I'm not sure he does yet, either. But whatever it is, it's going to be -- two things: One, he'll battle cancer and win. And secondly, he'll be a solid contributor to society."
The outgoing spokesman is married and has three children. He says that his $168,000 salary from the White House isn't enough.
Snow told reporters that his family took out a loan when he came to the White House and that loan's now gone, adding that "Cancer has nothing to do with this decision."
The ultimate irony?
No doubt the associated costs of healthcare play into Snow's early departure, whether Tony mentions it or not.
It may even be predictable, if you asked Michael Moore about it, or if you have watched his latest controversial video release.
Moore's recent documentary "Sicko" details the astronomical costs of the U.S. healthcare system while comparing the national picture with that of other countries, the last you would expect, that provide affordable care for their residents, places like Cuba.
Now it looks like even the White House Spokesman has apparently been priced out of the game.
The former FOX reporter began his stint as the White House Press Secretary in April, 2006, replacing Scott McClellan. Snow's term would have ended in January 2009. His replacement will be Dana Perino.
Snow Resigns: Saying He's Broke After Working for Bush White HouseSalem-News.com