Tony Snow bids farewell to White House press corps

White House press secretary Tony Snow, in his last televised briefing to news people yesterday, came up with answers to about the same sharp questions as when he started with the title on May 8, 2006, notes Grumpy Editor.

Snow, who ends his tenure tomorrow, fielded a number of questions relating to Iraq and wrapped things up with comments on global economy and free trade.

And with that, the smiling Snow, 52, said, “Thank you all” and blew a kiss to those in attendance.

A battery of lensmen followed him off the podium and into the audience where he had a parting friendly exchange with veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas, a Hearst columnist, noted for barbed questions that triggered lively exchanges.

Formerly a newspaper columnist and radio/TV broadcaster, Snow --- who is battling a second round of cancer --- said he was leaving his White House post because he had taken a major pay cut to become press secretary and that he could no longer raise his family on the salary he receives.

With his print and broadcast background, he understood the needs of the media and enjoyed a warmer relationship with the White House press corps than predecessors.