WASHINGTON- The role of the press, as "self-appointed,
self-anointed watchdogs," is essential in maintaining democracy, said Helen
Thomas, longtime reporter for United Press International, in a speech at the
National Press Club Tuesday.
"Each president comes into office with
the greatest reward anyone can have, and that is the trust of the American people,"
said Thomas.
Thomas, the first female to head the White House Press Corps, covered eight
presidents from John F. Kennedy to Bill Clinton. Known as the "first lady
of American journalism," Thomas said she was privileged to have had an
"inside seat to history."
"We know we are not loved," said Thomas
after giving several anecdotes about her years as a White House correspondent.
Thomas said in presidents' references to the press, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
sent a picture signed, "from their devoted victim," President John
F. Kennedy said, "I'm reading it more and enjoying it less and President
Jimmy Carter said, "Lord forgive them for they know not what they do."
President Lyndon B. Johnson's view of the press
was unprintable, Thomas said, but she identified him as a master in dealing
with Congress because he knew every man's price on Capitol Hill.
Thomas, the only print journalist to go with
Richard Nixon to China, called the trip a breakthrough. Nixon's philosophy was
"never give up," Thomas said, but he was a "walking Greek tragedy."
Thomas said she remembers President Gerald R.
Ford for restoring confidence in the White House and President Carter for peace
in the Middle East. President George Bush was masterful when handling the Persian
Gulf crisis, Thomas said, and President Clinton's time in office was an "unprecedented
era of peace and posterity."
Thomas mentioned some favorite people in the White House, including the press
secretaries, "who hold the second toughest job in the White House, and
the first ladies, who "waved a magic wand when they adopted a cause."
President Carter's mother, Miss Lillian, Gen.
Colon Powell and Henry Kissinger were all included in Thomas' White House highlights.
Miss Lillian once told Thomas, "sometimes when I look at my children, I
wish I had remained a virgin," and after Thomas questioned Powell at party
one night he said, "Isn't there some war we can send her to?"
To Kissinger, a woman said, "Thank you
for saving the world," and he said, "You're welcome," Thomas
recounted.
Amidst the jokes and humorous anecdotes, Thomas said the press has the power
to ruin lives and reputations, which should never be taken lightly. However,
"people can handle the truth," she said, and it is a reporter's role
to inform them about the president's activities.
Quoting President Abraham Lincoln, Thomas said, "Let the people know the
facts, and the country will be safe."