My friend Tony Snow is once again fighting for his life, his cancer having returned. You may remember, the White House press secretary underwent six months of chemotherapy after cancer was found in his colon two years ago. His mother died of cancer, and Tony was very aggressive in treating his condition.

Now cancer lesions have spread to his liver and Snow is once again facing a painful struggle to defeat the disease. But if anyone can beat the beast down, it's Snow. He is a courageous guy.

I worked with Snow at the Fox News Channel, and often gave him jazz for the button-down conservative views he put forth as an analyst. "Snow," I would bellow on the air, "where's Dick Cheney hiding?" Stuff like that. Snow would give it right back to me with a wry smile. Even die-hard liberals liked the guy's style. He has charisma.

Snow was perhaps President Bush's best hire. One of the reasons I cut the Bush administration some slack is that Snow answers my questions on and off the record. And if Tony Snow tells me something, I can bank it. He doesn't lie or mislead, ever.

Snow would never work for people who "lied" to get us into a war for "oil." He would never defend policies that he deemed dishonest or harmful to Americans. He has three young children, a smart wife and a loyal extended family. He loves them as he loves his country, with passion and selflessness.

So, I believe what Snow tells me, and I believe he's looking out for all Americans. There is no question the Bush administration has failed in Iraq. Snow knows it but has not given up, unlike many Americans. He believes, and I do, too, that America tried to do a noble thing in Iraq, but the religious and social hatred that envelopes that country has prevented victory.

When I examine the other side, the Bush-haters and far-left zealots, I compare them to Tony Snow. If I'm in a foxhole, if my life depends on another person, do I want Snow or Howard Dean?

I think you know the answer.

I truly wish I could do something for Snow and for Elizabeth Edwards, for that matter. But there's little to be done. Cancer took my father as I sat there powerless. It takes millions of people.

But Snow will fight hard with dignity and faith. During his first go around, I often talked to him during his strenuous treatment and rehab. Never once did he mention pain or his ordeal. He was always optimistic and directed the conversation outside himself.

There is no explaining life. Snow is a good man who does good things all the time. By all accounts, Elizabeth Edwards is a good woman. Both are now in battles beyond their control for reasons no one knows.

But I do know one thing. Tony Snow makes this country a better place. He deservers your prayers and respect.

Veteran TV news anchor Bill O'Reilly is host of the Fox News show "The O'Reilly Factor" and author of the book "Culture Warrior." To find out more about Bill O'Reilly, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com. This column originates on the Web site www.billoreilly.com.

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