Scott McClellan: His Final Day, Before Snow Arrives

By: E&P Staff The gods of good timing may not have been smiling on Tony Snow, as he will be taking over as White House Press Secretary on Monday, with possibly some explaining to do about Porter Goss's sudden departure as CIA chief, and who knows what else. In any event, Friday was Scott McClellan's last day, and the press pool made nice at this final briefing, often tipping their hats in tribute.

There was this typical exchange:

'I want to first go on record as saying that I appreciate the way you have treated us, all of us fairly and professionally over these years."

"Thank you. It's been an honor."

Asked if he had any advice for his succesor, McClellan said, "Tony Snow is a very capable individual, and I wish him all the best. He is someone who is coming into this job looking forward to working with you all, and looking forward to continue to build upon what we have done over the course of the last five-and-a-half years. I think that the most important way to continue to reach out to the American people is for the President to continue to be out there doing the events that he's doing, where he's taking questions, he's visiting with real Americans, and hearing what's on their minds. And sometimes there's a disconnect between what might be covered in Washington and what the American people are most focused on. And I think you sometimes see that in some of those town hall-type settings that the President participates in.

"And so, our greatest asset is the President, and that's why it's important to continue to provide access to you all to him, and to keep him out there in those kind of settings.

"Scott, what are your thoughts on this being your last day?"

"Well, in terms of the advice, my advice to Tony is, have fun and enjoy this. It is a great job, and there are certainly challenges with it, but it is very rewarding. And I'll talk more about the end -- about some of this, too."

When another reporter wished him good luck on the lecture circuit, McClellan replied, "Thank you. I will miss you all in this room, too -- individually, at least." Laughter followed.

At the close, McClellan took a minute to thank his staff, his wife, and others, and then concluded:

"Finally, I want to thank each of you in this room and each of you in the White House press corps that aren't here today. Thank you for all you do to keep the American people informed. Thank you for all you do to hold those of us in elected office accountable for the decisions that are made. Keep after it. Keep up the good work. You are a terrific bunch of professionals, and it has been a real honor to serve with you all. Thank you."