I've always liked Tony Snow. He's very smart, well versed in all things political, and has a calming demeanor. But if he is named the White House press secretary, the press will go nuts for one reason and one reason only: Fox News. They absolutely loathe Fox News and everything they believe it stands for. They hate the fact that Fox News continues to enjoy unrivaled success in cable news as what they perceive to be a conservative news outlet. I don't believe there is any doubt that Fox's news commentary is dominated by center-right hosts, but their news reporting is honest and fair, something that cannot be said of their nearest rivals CNN and MSNBC.
Strategically, I'm not sure if it is the best move because even though the press corp is hostile towards this White House, a little outreach wouldn't hurt. This is practically a thumb in the eye to the MSM. I used to be of the mind that you could basically write off trying to work with them because of their inherent hostility, but that strategy obviously hasn't worked on Scott McClennon who basically stonewalled them at every corner and provided as little information as possible -- somtimes even muddling the issues even more.
If Tony Snow is appointed, there is not doubt it will be fun. We shall see.
Update: Hotline has some of the details behind the possibility of Tony becoming press secretary. In part, they say:
Fox Newser Tony Snow is said by Republicans familiar with the negotiations to have asked for guaranteed access to the president's ear and to an unusually large degree of latitude to reconfigure the WH press operation. That pleases the new chief of staff, who wants to relegitimize the press podium in the Brady briefing room. But Snow, not content to be a herald, also wants near-complete control over what he says from the podium, be it bromides, platitudes or substance.This would be good. Tony needs to be able to freelance a bit from the podium. I trust him, cut him loose.
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