Often referred to as “The First Lady of the Press,” former White House Bureau Chief Helen Thomas is a trailblazer, breaking through barriers for women reporters while covering every President since John F. Kennedy. Thomas was the only woman print journalist to travel with President Nixon to China during his breakthrough trip in January, 1972. A past president of the Women’s National Press Club, Thomas was the first woman officer of the National Press Club (1959-60), the first woman officer and president of the White House Correspondents Association (1975-76), and the first woman member and president of the Gridiron Club. The World Almanac cited her as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in America.
Helen Thomas served as White House correspondent for United Press International for 57 years. She is currently a syndicated columnist for Hearst Newspapers and is author of several books, including Thanks for the Memories Mr. President, Front Row at the White House, and Watchdogs of Democracy?.
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