Snow Relishes Final Joust With Reporters

"That may not be the point to you," Snow said, "but it is to the people who are fighting."

As feisty as the sessions have been, Snow clearly relished the give-and-take. He was known more for the clarity of his arguments than the precision of his statements, but colleagues credit him with helping to strengthen the president's public defense.

Battling a recurrence of cancer, Snow looks more haggard these days, his hair thinning and his face gaunt. But as he leaves for what he says are financial reasons, he seemed genuinely nostalgic, calling the job "the most fun I've ever had."

"I'll miss it," he said in a tone that, unlike most press secretaries on their last day, suggested he really meant it. "I love these briefings."

But Snow has made optimism and positive energy in the face of adversity a trademark and plans to speak and write on his struggles with cancer. "Life will continue," he said, "including for me."

Helen Thomas, for the last time, interrupted his prepared spiel.

"Any regrets?" she asked.

"No, not really," he said. "The only regret is that I'm not able to stay longer."

Snow also engaged in one final showdown with the more colorful denizens of the briefing room, including radio reporter Lester Kinsolving, who is known for his off-topic questions. When the briefing ended without Snow calling on him, Kinsolving shouted for attention.

"Is this a meltdown, Les?" Snow asked.

"This is your last briefing," Kinsolving complained. "You want to go out well."

"Les, please be as rude as you want," Snow said with a smile.

But he gave in and agreed to stay for more questions. He did not really seem to want to go. "This will be an open-ended commitment," he said with a laugh.

This one, though, did come to an end.