By BYJACKNEWORTH CHANNELSURFING
Fifty years from now, when historians look back at the Bush administration, my guess is there will be a lot of finger pointing. Never shy about taking credit for his policies, “I’m the decider,” George Bush will undoubtedly be the recipient. Many conservatives incorrectly point out there would have been no invasion of Iraq without Democratic votes. But the fact is 57 percent of all Democratic legislators in the house and senate voted against the authorization.
I would hope that the fourth estate, the press and media, would get their fair share of responsibility. Reporters and editorial boards, fearful of being labeled unpatriotic, not only didn’t ask the tough questions, they seemingly endorsed the war. Years later the New York Times wrote an open apology to its readers for having failed in their duty. The most damaging example was Judith Miller who, with incredible access to the administration, seemed to promote the buildup to war rather than report on it. Her critics joked that Miller wasn’t a reporter, she was a stenographer.
One of the most venerable members of the press, the dean of White House reporters, Helen Thomas, stood practically alone in her relentless tough questioning. If historians point any fingers it ought to be for her integrity and courage when surrounded in a sea of complacency. Still working, Thomas, who turned 88 on Aug. 4, has been a reporter for over 60 years and has covered nine presidents dating back to JFK in 1960.
As part of their prestigious “Documentary Series: Life Changing,” HBO examines the life and work of Thomas in “Thank You Mr. President: Helen Thomas at the White House.” The film is in black and white and runs a far too short 40 minutes. It was directed and co-produced by Rory Kennedy, the Emmy-winning youngest child of the late Robert Kennedy.
“Victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is an orphan.” — After the Bay of Pigs invasion President Kennedy said
The film traces Thomas’ journey from modest beginnings. Born in Kentucky, the daughter of illiterate Lebanese immigrants, Thomas rose to the top of her profession. She gained a reputation as a fearless journalist who stood up to the most powerful men in the world. Reflecting on her storied career, Thomas offers insights into the distinct personalities and foibles of the presidents she has covered, and remembers many of the scandals that have rocked the White House.
When Helen Thomas began her career, political journalism was not highly accessible to females. Generally, they were given “the woman’s point of view” stories, often covering the First Lady, her fashion choices and how she might redecorate the White House. In the beginning Thomas covered Jackie Kennedy. But, through tenacity and talent, she was able to become part of the White House press corps.
Many years later Thomas would become the first female White House Bureau Chief for UPI. Among the exceptional archive footage, is that of President Nixon congratulating Thomas on her achievement. Thomas candidly admits she was uncomfortable with Nixon’s praise because she had planned on asking him a very tough question regarding Watergate. Moments later, in typical Thomas fashion, she asked the question anyway. One day, during the depth of the scandal, Thomas encountered Nixon and wished him good luck. He answered, “Pray for me, Helen.” Nixon resigned the next day.
Though barely a teenager, I’m old enough to remember Thomas at JFK’s many press conferences. In those days they were far different than the scripted ones of the Bush administration. JFK was at his wittiest best in these free-for-all question-answer sessions and he had great fun with and admiration for, Thomas. Thomas admits it was mutual.
The phrase “Thank you, Mr. President,” originated during the presidency of FDR. A reporter was given the responsibility for uttering those words when the time allotted was up and signaled to everyone the press conference was over. Starting with JFK, Thomas was given that honor. (Until Bush demoted her status, among many snubs he sent her way.) In one particular JFK press conference, when Thomas says those words, the camera reveals the comical reaction on JFK’s face, indicating he was indeed relieved it was over.
I would think Thomas’ unlikely success would be an inspiration to many, especially women. The film lacks the drama of longer, more controversial HBO documentaries I’ve seen in the past. And yet, listening to Thomas’ many recollections of the nine presidents she covered, “Thank You, Mr. President” is undeniably a valuable oral history of the people who have occupied the most powerful office in the world and those who have had the courage to question them.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 16, 2008. Read the original PDF.