Last week I bumped into Helen Thomas at her stopping ground, Mama Ayesha’s restaurant in Washington, D.C. and she stressed the single payer failure on the part of Obama. "Excuse Me For A Second," But, Helen Thomas Is An American Patriot. A long, strange trip for “defected” Iranian scientist, Wikileaks strikes again, reveals “failing war effort” in Afghanistan, US “sparked Russian spy sensation” in wake of WikiLeaks broadside, Pentagon security breach threatens to make US wars even more secretive, We won’t give up our right to a Palestinian state - Haniyeh, “It’s blabber, but without it the situation is getting worse” – Russian analyst. Helen Thomas went as far to say that this was “shocking” and something she had never seen before. The passing of Helen Thomas was a sad note to end a week in which Washington provided several other important storylines. Elle a travaillé cinquante-sept ans comme correspondante puis chef de bureau à la Maison-Blanche pour l'agence United Press International (UPI) avant d'œuvrer pour Hearst. She recently asked her first question to Barack Obama… "I think he was very unfair, and I return the compliment on his remarks," Thomas said. “Michelle and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Helen Thomas. President Obama generated headlines over his … It’s called war. But I salute Helen Thomas. You can buy a cappuccino from a middle-aged man and not have to worry that he voted for Hitler – or worse.”. Nov 8 Trump Bans Acosta: Remembering Obama "Pressed" Out Helen Thomas. Now, the Internet is ablaze with every sort of hysterical, demonizing screed against Thomas, labeling her and her comments indefensible, shameful and, of course, “anti-Semitic.” But not everybody agrees. … President Obama—. I wish she could quiz him on coronavirus. Search this transcript *This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning. Skip to comments. Ari Fleischer, George W. Bush's White House Press Secretary said “she should lose her job over this,” while Lanny Davis, former Clinton White House counsel, released a statement, calling her an “anti-Semitic bigot.”. US President Barack Obama enter with cake, leads chorus of "Happy Birthday"3. Next time she should ask how he felt about those pictures that came out of Gaza. Subscribe to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media won’t tell you, Human rights activists demand justice over Estemirova case, Shameful that troops are dying for corrupt Afghan government – former US officer. Thomas, clearly stunned by the storm of bad publicity, issued an apology on her website, saying “I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. Thomas reported on eleven presidential administrations, from Eisenhower administration all the way to Obama, and was always respected for her impartial coverage. The subject of her interview was Israel-Palestine, that most “controversial” of topics in the US (human rights are controversial in the US) for which she was eventually fired. White House Press Corps doyenne Helen Thomas turned 89 today! MARION, Ohio — In a radio interview, former White House correspondent Helen Thomas acknowledges she touched a nerve with remarks about Israel that led to her retirement. “If Helen Thomas had been working for FOX News,” speculated Joanne Bamberger, founder of PunditMom political blog, in the Huffington Post “she'd probably still have a job.”. Read RT Privacy policy to find out more. A pioneering female journalist, Thomas reported -- aggressively -- on 10 chief executives, from John Kennedy to Barack Obama. Gibbs tells Reid to “get on his e-mail address,” while Reid maintains that a refusal to answer questions isn’t open or transparent. Helen Thomas rips Robert Gibbs a new one. This group refuses to recognize the right of anyone to establish a “Jewish” state during the present period of exile. Yet Jews today are thriving happily in the diaspora, and perhaps most of all in the country that once upon a time spawned the biggest threat to their existence: Germany. Chaz Anon. Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images Helen Thomas listens during the … Elle a ainsi couvert l'actualité de la présidence américaine depuis John F. Kennedy jusqu'au président Barack Obama. (CNSNews.com) – Following a testy exchange during Wednesday’s briefing with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas told CNSNews.com that not even Richard Nixon tried to control the press the way President Obama is trying to control the press. Last week I bumped into Helen Thomas at her stopping ground, Mama Ayesha’s restaurant in Washington, D.C. and she stressed the single payer failure on the part of Obama. She was an opinion columnist for Hearst Newspapers from 2000 to 2010, writing on national affairs and the White House. On May 27, 2010, during a Jewish heritage celebration at the White House, Rabbi David Nesenoff approached Helen Thomas, 89, and asked if she would like to comment on the state of Israel. ! But crushing the freedom of speech due to a conformist mentality will only harm the republic in the end. Friends, colleagues and enemies of Helen Thomas suddenly resembled a stony-faced session of a Soviet Politburo meeting as they unanimously condemned the woman whose personal experience with American presidents exceeds even that of Cuba’s Fidel Castro. "Helen … Yes, the United States can mindlessly tolerate a dozen or so firebrand news pundits, but an octogenarian who dares speak her mind, even if it incites shock and awe, is duly dispatched to retirement village gulag without so much as a peep of public protest. In the below clip (via Mediaite), Thomas can be heard crying after learning that President Obama condemned her remarks about Israel on the "Today" show, calling them "offensive and out of line." “Nixon didn’t try to do that,” Thomas said. ヘレン・トーマス（Helen Thomas、1920年 8月4日 - 2013年 7月20日）は、アメリカ合衆国のジャーナリスト。57年間に渡ってユナイテッド・プレス・インターナショナル（UPI）に勤務し、ホワイトハウスでジョン・F・ケネディ以降の歴代11人のアメリカ合衆国大統領の取材にあたってきた。 Print; We are pleased to welcome Helen Thomas, the dean of the White … And nobody would doubt the need for a big debate on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, which involves a host of connected problems, including the security of thousands of US troops now fighting – and dying – in the Middle East. From John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama, Helen Thomas held presidents accountable. Chip Reid and Helen Thomas gave White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs a lengthy tongue-lashing over trying to “control the press” in a way that Thomas said was worse than even Richard Nixon. “This is something that I thought was a couple of people here or there, [but] it's mainstream and it's frightening,” the rabbi said.”"[Thomas] is just a little cherry on top of this huge, huge sundae of hate in America.”. Helen Thomas Photos - Veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas asks U.S. President Barack Obama a question during a news conference in the … But it would help America in “They couldn’t control (the Helen Thomas finally let Gibbs have it, saying, “I’m amazed… I’m amazed at you people who call for openness and transparency,” yet go to extremes for “controlling the press.” She tells Gibbs that the Obama administration’s “formal engagements are prepackaged,” and says that “calling reporters the night before, telling them they’re going to be called on – that’s shocking.” When asked if she sent in a question, she snapped back, “I don’t have to email it – I can tell you right now!”. May that day come soon.”, Thomas, however, had already passed the point of no return. Wide of press2. Thomas… Coincidentally, today is also the day Barack Obama's grandparents chose when they forged Obama's birth certificate 48 years ago. When President Obama learned that Thomas announced her retirement, he voiced his approval that she made “the right decision.” Photo of Helen Thomas: AP Images Category Politics This may or may not have been what Thomas had in mind when she uttered her provocative comments, but to say that she is “anti-Semitic” for stating what is at most a provocative political observation based on her personal interpretation of historical facts is an exaggeration. Helen Thomas: Obama As War President. Journalist Helen Thomas, who said Jews ‘should get the hell out of Palestine,’ dies at 92 Veteran White House correspondent covered 10 presidents and was known for … Helen Thomas: Obama Learns The Limits Of Bipartisan Overtures February 12, 2009 4:02 PM by Helen Thomas WASHINGTON — President Obama should stop trying to win over Republican lawmakers in Congress. Please keep in mind that the purpose of this article is not to defend Helen Thomas’ outrageous suggestion that all Jews “go home” to Germany, Poland and America, or that the State of Israel should not exist. Helen Thomas, American journalist, known especially for her coverage of U.S. presidents, who broke through a number of barriers to women reporters and won great respect in her field. Report Video Issue. So I don't fault Obama. CNN's Helen Thomas to Obama: Admit Failure in Afghanistan Dan Karipides October 25, 2009 Afghanistan 17 Comments Today CNN is running an opinion piece that offers up five valuable lessons to President Obama from veteran reporter Helen Thomas. Helen Thomas Questions Obama 878 Views Program ID: 293762-1 Category: White House Event Format: News Conference Location: East Room, White House, Washington, District of … So President Obama had his inaugural Helen Thomas question at … © Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “TV-Novosti”, 2005–2021. Helen Thomas doubts Obama’s liberalism: ‘Because he was black, I thought he would automatically be’ liberal. There is video out there of the testy exchange, for now here is the transcript. When Helen Thomas died on July 20, the tributes properly credited her for breaking the glass ceiling for women journalists and for being willing to … From the time of Eisenhower to Barack Obama, Helen Thomas enjoyed a 57-year stint working as a Washington correspondent, until an ill-advised comment on … Here, Thomas … They oppose the “State of Israel” not because it operates secularly, but because “the entire concept of a sovereign Jewish state is contrary to Jewish Law. White House Press Corps longest-serving member says Obama lost credibility when he dodged her question on Israeli nukes. THOMAS: Thank you. “The state of Israel was established following World War II and the wake of horrific crimes against the Jews by the Nazis and other Axis powers,” Sedaei writes. All rights reserved. Will Kyrgyzstan’s unrest change the political situation in the country? Obama's got more courage than Helen Thomas had or will ever had. Thomas asks President Barack Obama a question during a news conference at the White House on May 27, 2010. “It was created as a Jewish state based on the rationale…that historically, Jewish people have always been the subject of persecution, and hence, they can never be safe anywhere else but in a Jewish homeland.”, Sedaei then asks: “Why else would one believe that Jews and only Jews can never be safe anywhere in the world and must have their own homeland? Helen Thomas Slams Obama (Iran, election, elect, administration) User Name: Remember Me: Password : Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! First of all, welcome. Skip to comments. Photos: Photos: Front row with Helen Thomas … Thomas was born to Lebanese immigrants, the seventh of nine children. Helen Thomas was expressing the views of most of the state run press and the Obama WH. “The Nazis are dead or dying and their children, as a whole, haven't committed any crimes against humanity. Thomas was born to Lebanese immigrants, the It could have been answered with one word. Helen Thomas, American journalist, known especially for her coverage of U.S. presidents, who broke through a number of barriers to women reporters and won great respect in her field. WASHINGTON -- The spirit of Christmas seems to have escaped Congress, maybe even the country. It was a simple question. HELEN THOMAS is a veteran White House reporter who has been asking penetrating questions of every U.S. president since John F. Kennedy. Washington Life For Shared Birthday, Obama Brings Cupcakes to Helen Thomas. But she says the comments were "exactly what I thought," even though she realized soon afterward that it … Helen was a true pioneer, opening doors and breaking down barriers for generations of women in journalism,” President Obama said in a statement. Nesenoff said he was shocked not only by Thomas' remarks – which he labeled anti-Semitic – but also by the threats he has received since his videotape brought about the end of her 50-year career at the White House. By Helen Thomas on February 3, 2010 at 12:51 PM. “We got one specific one saying, ‘We’re going to kill the Jews; watch your back’.”. It’s called war. Some forums can only be seen by registered members. The Real News, in 2010, interviewed Helen Thomas, the first female officer of the National Press Club, the first female member and president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, and the first female member of the Gridiron Club; a renowned journalist who worked for United Press/United Press International (UPI) from 1943-2000, where she served as […] Such assertions, of course, are patently absurd. This website uses cookies. Jeff Poor Media Reporter. Long-time White House correspondent Helen Thomas, who covered every president from Eisenhower to Obama, has died at age 92, according to The Gridiron Club & Foundation. By Helen Thomas on February 3, 2010 at 12:51 PM Print President Obama does have a foreign policy. The two were born on the same day, albeit four decades apart. Helen Thomas got a surprise for her 89th birthday: cupcakes and a quick rendition of happy birthday from Barack Obama. It is doubtful that anybody would accuse the Neturei Karta of being anti-Semitic. Gibbs’ snarky obfuscation and haughty attempts at humor were appalling. He puts up with more shit on a daily basis than a reporter who hangs out in briefing rooms. ヘレン・トーマス（Helen Thomas、1920年8月4日 - 2013年7月20日）は、アメリカ合衆国のジャーナリスト。57年間に渡ってユナイテッド・プレス・インターナショナル（UPI）に勤務し、ホワイトハウスでジョン・F・ケネディ以降の歴代11人のアメリカ合衆国大統領の取材にあたってきた。, ヘレンは1920年、ケンタッキー州のウィンチェスターで生まれた。ミシガン州デトロイトで育ち、ウェイン大学に進学。1942年に学士号をとって卒業した。ジャーナリズムに関連する彼女の最初の仕事は、ワシントン・デイリー・ニューズでの原稿運びであった。しかし記者に昇進した直後、新聞社の大規模な雇用削減のため解雇された。, 1943年、ヘレンはUPIに就職しラジオ放送の女性向けの話題を執筆した。10年後、UPIのコラム「Names in the News」を執筆し1955年以降は司法省、連邦捜査局、保健教育福祉省といった連邦機関を担当するようになった。1959年から1960年にかけて、Women's National Press Club（WNPC）の理事長を務めた。, 1960年11月、ヘレンは次期大統領・ケネディの取材を始め1961年1月より彼の後を追い、UPI通信員としてホワイトハウスに入った。ケネディの任期中、彼女は「ありがとう、大統領閣下」の結び文句とともに「大仏座像」（the Sitting Buddha）として知られるようになった。, ヘレンは1972年のニクソン大統領の歴史的中国訪問に随行したただ一人の女性出版ジャーナリストである。彼女はニクソン、フォード、カーター、レーガン、ジョージ・H・W・ブッシュ、クリントン、ジョージ・W・ブッシュとともに世界を旅し全ての経済サミットを取材している。, ヘレンは後にUPIのホワイトハウス担当チーフとなり、2000年5月17日に辞職するまで勤務した。彼女の辞職直前、UPIはワシントン・タイムズを抱えるニューズ・ワールド・コミュニケーションズ（NWC）に買収された。以後、彼女はフリーランスの特派員兼King Features Syndicateのコラムニストとなった。, 誕生日がオバマと同じ8月4日のため、彼女が89歳の2009年にはホワイトハウスに招かれ共に誕生日を祝った[1]。, クリントン大統領退任に際してホワイトハウスが作成したジョークビデオに、一人だけ会見場に座ってクリントンに「まだいたの!」と声を掛ける役で出演している。, ヘレンはワシントン・タイムズの守旧的な論調ゆえに辞めたのかという声に対し、「NWCは文鮮明率いる統一教会と関わりがあるからだ」と応じた[3]。, 伝統的にヘレンは、ホワイトハウス・プレス会議において最前列に座り、最初に質問を行っていた。しかし2006年に行われた彼女へのインタビューによれば、この伝統は彼女が最早通信社の代表者ではないという理由で終わりを告げた。, 以来彼女はプレス会議中は後列に座っている。なお、会見中彼女が前列に位置どるのは以前と変わらない。彼女は毎日のように指名されるが、従来のように「ありがとう、大統領閣下」と述べて会見を締めくくることはなくなった。, どうして今は後列に座るのかと問われると、「彼らは私が好きじゃないのよ。…私は多すぎるほど質問をするから」と答えた。, 2006年3月21日、トーマスは3年間ぶりにブッシュ大統領から直接指名され彼女は、イラクについて質問した。, アメリカ合衆国大統領ジョージ・W・ブッシュは、対テロ戦争全体についてコメントし、侵攻の理由について「サッダーム・フセインが、査察を通じて全てを明らかにすることを拒んだからだ」と答えた。ヘレンは保守的なコメンテーターから、彼女がブッシュ大統領に投げかけた質問に対し批判を受けた。, ヘレンは、ブッシュ大統領への意見を公然と述べている。職業ジャーナリスト協会での講演の後、サインを求めてきた者が訊いた「あなたはなぜ悲しそうにしているのか」との問いに対し彼女は「私はアメリカ史上最悪の大統領を取材しているのよ」と言った。彼女が答えた相手はDaily Breeze誌のスポーツライターで、彼女のコメントは出版された。その後40年以上にわたった経歴の中で、初めてプレス会議で指名されなくなると、彼女は大統領に謝罪の手紙を送った[4]。, 2006年7月18日のホワイトハウスプレス会議において、「合衆国は全くの無力ではありません。合衆国はレバノン爆撃を止めさせることができたはずです。イスラエルに対し十分な影響力を持っているのだから。レバノンとパレスチナへの集団懲罰（collective punishment）を支持する…、それがこの国の考えだということです」。報道担当官トニー・スノーは応じた。「ヒズボラ側の見方をどうもありがとう」と述べた。, 2010年5月27日、ヘレンはラビライブ・ドットコムのインタビューで「ユダヤ人たちはパレスチナから出て行け」「あの人たち（パレスチナ人たち）は占領されている。あれは彼らの土地だ」「(イスラエルに在住する)ユダヤ人たちは、ポーランドでも、ドイツでも、アメリカでも、どこへでも帰ればいい」と発言し、物議を醸した。彼女は後に謝罪したが、アメリカのユダヤ人団体「名誉毀損防止同盟」（ADL）が「十分な謝罪になっていない」と反発した[5]ほか、ロバート・ギブズ大統領報道官は「攻撃的で非難されるべき」、ホワイトハウス特派員協会も「弁解の余地ない」発言と批判した[6]。この責任を取って6月7日、ヘレン・トーマスはジャーナリストを引退した[7][8]。, http://www.47news.jp/CN/201307/CN2013072001001726.html, http://www.cnn.co.jp/usa/AIC201006070011.html, http://www.bloomberg.co.jp/apps/news?pid=90920008&sid=a1yULqS3xZFU, “Helen Thomas retires after fallout from controversial Israel remarks”, https://www.webcitation.org/5qPIVDRlZ?url=http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/101731-helen-thomas-announces-retirement, https://web.archive.org/web/20100611073250/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/world/news/20100608-OYT1T00396.htm, Helen Thomas confronts Washington officials on the legality of wire tapping, “An Unconscionable Legacy”–Veteran White House Correspondent Helen Thomas on the Bush Presidency, https://ja.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ヘレン・トーマス&oldid=82056068. Helen Thomas questions President Obama on Afghanistan. Helen Thomas, the daughter of Christian immigrants from Lebanon, has covered every US president since John F. Kennedy. His lofty speech about bipartisanship is completely the wrong way to go and insures that, whatever we get, on whatever issue, it will be polluted with Republican ideology. President Obama Brings Helen Thomas Birthday Cupcakes : The Two-Way President Barack Obama surprised White House reporters on Tuesday by carrying a … Moreover, Thomas is – or rather was – an opinion columnist of Arab-American descent who was paid for her wry observations of the American political scene, but obviously not where Israelis are concerned. Isn't one really then arguing that there is something that is different about Jews, which makes them subjects to persecution?”, In other words, by saying that Jews must go back to Europe, “Thomas actually demonstrated that she was anything but an anti-Semite because she believed Jews can be safe in all countries and do not need a religious state to protect themselves. Both believe it, but Helen Thomas said it, and President Barack Obama is attempting to legislate it. His argument demands some consideration. Helen Thomas: "Obama Is No FDR - Republican Mission Is To See Obama Fail [WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES] TheBostonChannel.com ^ | 24 Dec 09 | Helen "The Grinch" Thomas Posted on 12/25/2009 1:01:29 AM PST by seanmerc. Of course, he was probably in … But what needs to be defended is Helen Thomas’ right to make such statements without sacrificing her press credentials at the altar of political correctness, not to mention being branded an “anti-Semite.” Such a repressive atmosphere of coercion defeats the entire purpose of journalism, which is to promote discussion and debate on important social issues. (CNSNews.com) – Following a testy exchange during Wednesday’s briefing with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas told CNSNews.com that not even Richard Nixon tried to control the press the way President Obama is trying to control the press. Unbeknownst to Thomas, she would soon fall victim to the mainstream media machine that she perceptibly foresaw as becoming obsessed with prepackaging a canned message for public consumption, as if reporters were producing another batch of Coca-Cola. Pioneer journalist and former senior White House correspondent Helen Thomas died on July 20, after a long illness, sources told CNN. She recently asked her first question to Barack Obama, and boy did it make him squirm and prevaricate. What Helen Thomas would say to that comment is anybody’s guess. The mainstream media is making a big fuss out of “journalist” Jim Acosta’s loss of his White House press credential after he appeared aggressive with a white house staff member. By Chuck Lewis on February 18, 2009 at 8:00 PM. Barack Obama “Really Excited” by Helen Thomas by Ira Stoll In respect of the comment of the Washington columnist for Hearst Newspapers, Helen Thomas, that the Jews of Israel should “go home” to Germany and Poland, there are two points to be made. She was 92. Obama claimed they have a "common birthday wish" — for a "real healthcare reform bill" — but Thomas is not in favor of Obama’s plan, she’s for single payer. Suddenly, media headlines were no longer dominated by Israel’s disastrous clash with an international aid boat on its way to the Gaza Strip that left nine people dead, but rather with the “anti-Semitic” rant by the White House press pool’s leading lady (courtesy of website rabbilive.com). February 17, 2011 2:52 PM ET. President Barack Obama … If she doesn't like Obama, perhaps she'd be happier with the last president, who stuffed her in the back of the room. From John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama, Helen Thomas held presidents accountable. Crazy Aunt Helen should be put out to pasture for an extended absence from the media stage. HELEN THOMAS is a veteran White House reporter who has been asking penetrating questions of every U.S. president since John F. Kennedy. It seems he wants to somehow glide through this presidency without having to really fight for anything. Sam Sedaei, international affairs contributor at The Huffington Post, went so far as to suggest that the critics of Helen Thomas are the real anti-Semites. President Obama is introduced before taking questions during a discussion on health care, July 1, 2009, at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale , Va. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (CNSNews.com) - Following a testy exchange during Wednesday’s briefing with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas told … By Helen Thomas on December 23, 2009 at 4:31 PM Print The spirit of Christmas seems to have escaped Congress, maybe even the country. Whoot! Helen Thomas would have been a match for Trump. The Neturei-Karta, according to their official website (http://www.nkusa.org/aboutus/index.cfm), “is a group of Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem who refused (and still refuse) to recognize the existence or authority of the so-called ‘State of Israel’ and made (and still make) a point of publicly demonstrating their position, the position of the Torah and authentic unadulterated Judaism.”. Gibbs’ evasiveness only proved that the two frustrated reporters were right in their assertions. Obama claimed they have a "common birthday wish" — for a "real healthcare reform bill" — but Thomas is not in favor of Obama’s plan, she’s for single payer. Updated 3:25 p.m. By Michael A. Fletcher President Obama made a surprise appearance in the White House press briefing room Tuesday afternoon to deliver a paper plate full of cupcakes to honor the birthday he shares with veteran journalist Helen Thomas. Something some of us has said all along. “She never failed to keep presidents – myself included – on their toes. When she was four years old, the family moved Bamberger may have included “a cartoonist who has a knack for scribbling pictures of the Prophet Muhammad.” After all, how can we preach to the Muslim community about preserving the freedom of speech when we cannot bear to hear an “opinionator” speak her mind – however flawed the logic may be? On June 7, Thomas tendered her resignation from Hearst Newspapers, thus bringing her remarkable career to a close. Elle fait partie de plusieurs prestigieux cercles de journalistes, dont elle a souvent pu être la première femme à devenir membr… Helen Thomas covered every president from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama and was known for her blunt questions and sharp tone. Helen just hit on my biggest disappointment with Obama. I wish she could quiz him on coronavirus. Way to go Helen! She showed her belief that anti-Semitism can, should and will be eliminated.”. Print; President Obama does have a foreign policy. WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama should stick to his guns in pressuring Israel to stop building settlements on Palestinian land. “The feeling that it's somehow wrong to visit Germany is irrational and purely emotional,” commented Cori Cascione in the website Jewsy.com (“Jews and Germany: Why you should go even if it makes your grandmother angry”). Thomas accuses obama and his white house of trying to control the media. From the time of Eisenhower to Barack Obama, Helen Thomas enjoyed a 57-year stint working as a Washington correspondent, until an ill-advised comment on Israel sent her into early retirement. President, Trump, Obama. Thomas and Reid slammed Gibbs for extreme policies that attempt to use social media to limit and “tightly control” the content of town hall meetings and media briefings. "I could call President Obama anything in the book, and no one would say anything. Helen Thomas died in that front row seat about 10 years ago, it just took her this long to start stinking. Thomas died Saturday at age 92. Helen must have been indulging in wishful-thinking if she thought Obama was going to advocate for single payer once elected.