Apparently, Tony Snow was a top-flight individual.

According to those who knew him well, the late White House press secretary was a special person – intelligent, honest, trustworthy, modest, considerate, loyal, reasoned and fair-minded. He was a musician and a writer, someone who was able to have sincere beliefs, standards and philosophical positions and yet be cordial and respectful with those who differed with him.

As White House press secretary, his job was to present the White House and the president’s positions on most every conceivable topic. He met daily with representatives of the country’s major media, who peppered him with tough, penetrating and often hostile questions, sometimes accusing the president or Snow of not being truthful.

He didn’t get mad and he treated those questioning him with respect as he tried to explain the reasoning or background of the president’s actions or policies. He was tested time and time again, day after day, and yet he was able to maintain his composure and not lose his temper.

Following his death, after a long battle with cancer, many relatively unknown facets of his life became known, all of which added even more to his stature as an individual.

Numerous representatives of various media, many of whom did not share Snow’s political beliefs or personal standards, were quick to note what a special person he was and how he would be missed in the Washington, D.C., scene.

The current U.S. presidential election is likely to increase in intensity, with both sides becoming more shrill, mean-spirited, bitter and rigid in their beliefs. This being the case, there is great need for Snow-like individuals in both the Republican and Democratic parties to urge their party leaders to conduct themselves in a manner that sets an example for others, reflects credit on their respective parties and candidates and encourages thoughtful discussion of the issues facing this nation.

As it is, and has been in past presidential campaigns, the rhetoric becomes increasingly bitter, mean, strident and ugly as Election Day draws near. Unfortunately, this is likely to be the political environment in the next three months. Many Democrats have an almost fanatical dislike or hatred of President Bush. In their eyes, he can do nothing right. According to them, he won the election over Al Gore by a questionable judicial decision relative to the Florida vote count, and all the ills this country is facing today are a result of Bush’s actions or inactions. They try to blame Bush for the more than 4,000 American troops who have lost their lives in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Democratic hopeful, Barack Obama, will be the first African-American to be nominated by his party for this powerful position. His position on many, if not most, major issues is directly opposite those championed by the Republican Party. This includes tax policies, health care, education, foreign policy, energy, immigration and the environment.

It is unfortunate, but race is likely to be a behind-the-scenes issue in this election. Various polls show at least 90 percent of African-American voters support Obama, as well as a very high percentage of liberal voters.

Extremely strong beliefs and feelings surround this election, and it is disturbing to think what the reactions will be on both sides of the political fence regardless of which candidate wins.

It could be ugly. This is why high-profile individuals in both the Republican and Democratic parties need to urge reason and tolerance after the long political battle that goes back almost to the day and time Bush was declared the winner of the 2000 election.

If the Democrats don’t win, and if Obama, the almost miracle candidate, doesn’t pull off one of history’s most amazing presidential election victories, there are bound to be some very angry and frustrated individuals.

Likewise, if Obama should win, there could be ugly repercussions.

It’s not a healthy possibility, and there is greater need than usual for leaders in both parties to demonstrate their true leadership by urging their respective political allies to behave in the proper manner. Americans must accept whatever decision is made by the voters. There is no justification for retaliation or letting emotions turn into bad actions.

It’s time for the Tony Snows in both parties to come forward.