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Helen Amelia Thomas

ヘレン・トーマス

Helen Amelia Thomas

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1920-08-04 （Winchester, Kentucky, U.S.）
Died
2013-07-20 （Washington, D.C., U.S.） age 92
Nationality
United States
Languages
English
Religion
Antiochian Orthodox Church
Residence History
Detroit, Michigan (from age 4) → Washington, D.C. (long-term residence)

Career

Occupations
Author, Journalist, Columnist
Active Years
1943-2013
Affiliations
United Press / United Press International (UP/UPI), Hearst Newspapers, White House Correspondents' Association, National Press Club, Gridiron Club
Memberships
National Press Club, White House Correspondents' Association, Gridiron Club
Influenced
Judy Woodruff (female journalist), Andrea Mitchell (female journalist), Lynn Sweet (female journalist)

Education

Wayne State University
College of Liberal Arts / English
Degree: BA
Year of Graduation: 1942
Country: United States
Wayne did not yet offer a journalism degree; she earned a BA in English.

Awards

World Almanac: 25 Most Influential Women in America
1976
Organization: World Almanac
Result: 受選
Columbia University Journalism Award
1985
Organization: Columbia University
Result: 受賞
National Press Club Fourth Estate Award
1984
Organization: National Press Club
Result: 受賞
Kiplinger Distinguished Contributions to Journalism Award
2000
Organization: Kiplinger
Result: 受賞
William Allen White Foundation Award for Journalistic Merit
1986
Organization: University of Kansas
Result: 受賞
Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism
1993
Organization: Walter Cronkite School / Arizona State University
Result: 受賞
Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in the Media
1991
Organization: Freedom Forum
Result: 受賞
Helen Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award (established by White House Correspondents' Association)
1998
Organization: White House Correspondents' Association
Result: 名誉（賞創設の名として顕彰）
Foremother Award
2007
Organization: National Center for Health Research
Result: 受賞
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Lifetime Achievement Award
2010
Organization: Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Result: 受賞
Award from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) General Mission to the U.S.
2012
Organization: Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) General Mission to the United States
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Dateline: White House

1975 Non-fiction / Memoir

A memoir-style account of her experiences covering the White House and insider observations of administrations.

Political reportingInside the White House

Front Row at the White House: My Life and Times

2000 Memoir

A retrospective memoir of her career covering presidents, including her struggles overcoming gender barriers.

Women in journalismEthics of reporting

Thanks for the Memories, Mr. President: Wit and Wisdom from the Front Row at the White House

2003 Essay collection / Memoir

A collection of anecdotes and reflections from her time in the White House.

Political anecdotesHuman stories from reporting

Watchdogs of Democracy?: The Waning Washington Press Corps and How It Has Failed the Public

2006 Critique / Media studies

A critique of the Washington press corps and how it has failed the public.

Media critiqueJournalistic ethics

The Great White House Breakout

2008 Children's book

A co-authored children's book with illustrations.

Children's literatureHumor

Listen Up, Mr. President: Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do

2009 Co-authored / Political commentary

Co-authored book offering commentary and advice directed at the president.

Political criticismRecommendations

Bibliography

  • Dateline: White House (1975)
  • Front Row at the White House: My Life and Times (2000)
  • Thanks for the Memories, Mr. President (2003)
  • Watchdogs of Democracy? (2006)
  • The Great White House Breakout (2008)
  • Listen Up, Mr. President (2009)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Direct and tough questioningOn-the-ground reportage styleMemoiristic, insightful narration
Recurring Motifs
Inside the White HouseHolding power to accountAdvancement of women

Legacy

Helen Thomas was a pioneering female White House correspondent who covered administrations for decades and received numerous honors and honorary degrees. Her late-career controversial remarks on the Middle East generated debate and divided opinions. She influenced many women journalists and is seen as a barrier-breaking figure in the press.

Academic Societies

  • White House Correspondents' Association
  • National Press Club

Archives

  • Possible related materials at Wayne State University / Detroit archives

In Popular Culture

  • Known for having a personal seat reserved in the White House briefing room
  • Featured on a Supersisters trading card

Quotes

  • We were never hyphenated as Arab-Americans. We were American, and I have always rejected the hyphen...
    Source: Interview / public remarks (2002)
  • Thank you, Mr. President (her signature closing at press conferences)
    Source: Signature closing at presidential press conferences (1960)

Trivia

  • She had a chair reserved in the White House briefing room with her name on it—the only individual seat.
  • After 57 years with UP/UPI she resigned in 2000 and became a columnist for Hearst.
  • Her 2010 remarks provoked controversy and led to some honors being rescinded or retired, though she had received many awards and honorary degrees earlier.