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Helen Thomas
132quotes
Helen Thomas: A Pioneering Journalist's Life and Legacy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Helen Thomas was born Ellen Louise Wren on August 4, 1920, in Winchester, Kentucky. She is commonly known as Helen Thomas.
Birth and Death Dates
August 4, 1920 - July 20, 2013 (at the age of 92)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American journalist and author
Early Life and Background
Helen Thomas was born into a poor farming family. Her father, George Wren, was an immigrant from Greece, while her mother, Ellen (née Lattas), was of Greek descent as well. The family moved to Detroit when Helen was 7 years old. She showed an early interest in writing and journalism, contributing articles to the school newspaper at Cooley High School.
Major Accomplishments
Helen Thomas began her journalism career at the _Washington Daily News_ in 1942, becoming one of the first women to work as a full-time reporter in Washington D.C. She covered the White House for United Press International (UPI) from 1960 until her retirement in 2010. During her tenure, she earned a reputation for asking tough questions and pushing for greater access to the President.
Notable Works or Actions
Thomas was a pioneer for women in journalism, paving the way for future generations of female reporters. She covered many historic events, including the White House press corps' first trip on Air Force One with President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Her coverage of the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal helped to expose government corruption and bring about accountability.
Impact and Legacy
Helen Thomas's work had a profound impact on journalism and society as a whole. She was a fierce advocate for freedom of the press and the importance of holding those in power accountable. Her dedication to her craft inspired countless young journalists, including many women who followed in her footsteps.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Helen Thomas is widely quoted and remembered today due to her tireless work as a journalist and advocate for transparency. She was known for asking the tough questions that others avoided, earning her the nickname "Matriarch of the White House Press Corps." Her legacy continues to inspire journalists and citizens alike, reminding us all of the importance of seeking truth and holding those in power accountable.
Helen Thomas's life and work serve as a testament to the power of determination and hard work. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her career, she remained committed to her craft and continued to push for greater access and transparency until her retirement in 2010. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of journalists and citizens alike.
Quotes by Helen Thomas
Helen Thomas's insights on:
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The day Dick Cheney is going to run for president, I'll kill myself. All we need is one more liar.
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We got the vote, which we should've been born with, in 1920. Everything we've had to struggle for - it's ridiculous.
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I respect the office of the presidency, but I never worship at the shrines of our public servants... The Washington press corps has the privilege of asking the president of the United States what he is doing and why.
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I’ve always felt privileged to cover the White House and to have that ringside seat to history.
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I was in Independence, Missouri when Johnson signed the Medicare bill, with Truman standing there. Truman had first proposed Medicare, but couldn’t get it through.
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I’m a liberal, I was born a liberal, I’ll be one till I die. What else should a reporter be when you see so much and when we have such great privilege and access to the truth?
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Anybody who runs for public office today has got to know his life or her life will be an open book. I’ve decided that if you want to run for public office you have to decide at the age of 5 and live accordingly.
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I have a background and an understanding of what’s happened in the Middle East that a lot of people don’t have, because there’s been no interest.
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