Covering The President: Helen Thomas And The White House

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June 7, 2010: White House reporter and Hearst columnist Helen Thomas retires after covering the White House since 1960. Thomas had been at the center of a media firestorm after saying that the Jews should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home. Poland. Germany. And America and everywhere else.” The 89-year old Thomas retired after 50 years in the White House, during which she covered ten Presidents.

Above, President Gerald Ford holds a press conference with Thomas and others on September 30, 1976. White House Chief of Staff Dick Cheney looks on from the left.

Wikimedia Commons: Library Of Congress

August 23 1962: President John F. Kennedy addresses the AMVETS convention in New York City by telephone, from the Oval Office. Thomas, third from the right, is also present.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

August 4, 2006: President George W. Bush wishes Thomas a happy 86th birthday.

Wikimedia Commons: White House photo by Eric Draper

August 4, 2009: President Obama brings Thomas cupcakes to celebrate her 89th birthday.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

August 4, 1995: President Bill Clinton helps Thomas celebrate her 75th birthday.

Newscom/UPI

December 3, 2007: Caroline Kennedy with Thomas at the AARP The Magazine’s 2008 Inspire Awards held at the New York Public Library.

Newscom/Zuma

May 28, 2009: Actress Mary Tyler Moore, who played a reporter on TV, meets Thomas at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Newscom/Zuma

November 12, 2008: White House Press Secretary Dana Perino welcomes Helen Thomas back to the White House after an illness.

Newscom/BS

July 11, 2007: Thomas takes her seat in the front row of the newly remodeled Brady Press Briefing Room.

Newscom/Sipa

October 25, 2006: Thomas waits for President George W. Bush to hold a news conference in the East Room of the White House.

Newscom/KRT

November 12, 2008: Thomas asks a question at a press briefing.

Newscom/BS

November 14, 2008.

Newscom/WENN

March 24, 2009: Thomas, prior to President Obama’s second primetime news conference.

Newscom/Zuma

February 9, 2009: Thomas asks Obama a question during his first press conference as President in the East Room of the White House.

Newscom/UPI

July 11, 2007.

Newscom/Sipa

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