Documentary Feb. 8 on the Long Career of the Controversial Helen Thomas

An announcement from the Darien League of Women Voters:

On Sunday, Feb. 8 The Darien League of Women Voters and the Darien Library will present the film, Thank You, Mr. President, which documents the career of long time White House correspondent, Helen Thomas.

Thomas, who died in July 2013 at the age of 92, was best known as a pioneer in political reporting. When she began her career in the 1950’s, women reporters were routinely assigned articles on local social events; years later many female journalists credit Ms. Thomas with paving the way for them to report 24/ 7 on every issue of vital importance throughout the world.

The program begins at 2 p.m. at the Darien Library in the Louise Parker Berry Community Room. It is free and open to the public.

Thomas, the first female member of the White House press corps was known for her forthright, intense questioning of every president from Kennedy to Obama. The film includes original footage of interaction between the press corps and each of the presidents during 1961 – 2008 as it traces the career of Ms. Thomas, who was the longest serving White House journalist.

While her outspoken and aggressive manner may have earned Thomas success, it also was responsible for the abrupt end to her career. According to The New York Times, in 2010 Thomas made anti-Semitic remarks on Israel and the conflict with Palestine as she was leaving a White House ceremony.

Her comments, considered indefensible resulted in widespread rebuke from colleagues, political leaders and the public. She was forced to retire, dropped from speaking engagements and her name was removed from many journalism awards.

The Darien League of Women Voters condemns Ms. Thomas’ remarks in 2010. However, we believe that the film, which describes the long historical arc of her career and examines the relationship between the White House and the press corps, is a subject worthy of review and discussion.

Photo (by a White House photographer): “President Barack Obama presents cupcakes with a candle to Hearst White House columnist Helen Thomas in honor of her birthday in the James Brady Briefing Room, on Aug. 4, 2009. Thomas, who turned 89, shares the same birthday as the President, who turned 48.”