Tony Snow dead at 53

Tony Snow, a conservative writer and commentator who cheerfully sparred with reporters in the White House briefing room during a stint as President Bush’s press secretary, died Saturday of colon cancer. He was 53.

“America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character,” President Bush said in a statement from Camp David, where he was spending the weekend.

“It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day. He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work.”