Tony Snow has a verbal facility I envy

Steve Inskeep interviewed Tony Snow on NPR.  It was an interesting display of style.  Inskeep was on the attack:  You deflect questions by actually focusing on what reporters say, rather than what they mean.  (Implicit was the "How dare you?")  Are you hiding information from us?  Will you hide information from us?  Why won't you answer our questions? 

In the perpetually tense relationship between a press corp and a White House press secretary, some of Inskeep's pre-emptive hostility might well have been merited.  I don't presume to judge.  What fascinated me was how adroitly Snow handled Inskeep.  Essentially, he kept him honest, by pointing out poorly phrased questions and redundant questions (what we lawyers call "asked and answered").  He listened well, kept his answers to the point, and displayed an impressive wit and humility.  I envy that kind of verbal facility. You should listen to the interview and see what you think.