After covering eight successive White House administrations, renowned journalist Helen Thomas did not mind taking time off to write a book, and share her Washington experiences with Tufts students. But that didn't stop her from posing her typical tough question to the new president. "I would ask Bush why he waited 50 years to get a job," she said to a crowd at Cabot Auditorium.
With a mix of sarcasm and serious insight, Thomas spoke with students on Tuesday night about her personal interactions with US presidents, the importance of a free press, and the recent election.
The Hearst Newspapers columnist spoke for just over 60 minutes, including a question and answer period, in a presentation sponsored by the Tufts Lecture Series as part of this year's "Influential Women" theme. Thomas, who has been called as the leading woman in journalism, was selected as one of four women who will speak at Tufts about important issues facing women in modern America.
"We chose her in part because we were trying to cover a wide range of influential women, including authors, journalists, and politicians," said senior Kate Gordon, co-chair of the Lecture Series. "We have been wanting to get Ms. Thomas here for a long time."
A staunch critic of Bush, Thomas reminded her audience of the president's actions after only a day in office, including the termination of aid to overseas abortion centers and the voicing of support for giving government money to religious organizations. She also took shots at Bush's lack of support in the black community, joking that "no black child is safe from a photograph with Bush."
Thomas was quick to laud former President Bill Clinton, whom she covered for the United Press International (UPI), for his accomplishments in fostering world peace. But the most inspiring president of the eight she covered is John F. Kennedy, she said, citing his "Eyes on the Stars" speech as spreading endemic hope across the entire nation.
Although she spent much of her speech bragging about her access to famous politicians, Thomas also touched on serious themes stressed such as the importance of democracy and the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. She reminded her audience of the suppression of freedom of self-expression around the globe by reciting quotes from many of the former presidents she covered.
"She's really sharp," said freshman Mary Anne Triest. "What I found most interesting was her first-hand experience since she's seen such a long span of presidents and what they have done."
Among other issues discussed were education policy, including Thomas' impression of Bush's "Is my children learning?" and Attorney General-designate and former Senator John Ashcroft (R-MO). Aschroft was on the receiving end of some of Thomas' ridicule; his decision to enforce the law if elected, she said, is "really big of him."
She also gave advice on how to prepare for a news conference. "First I go to the hairdresser. They don't care what you ask as long as you look presentable," she said.
Thomas said that journalists write "the first draft of history," a remark that elicited excited expressions from aspiring journalists in attendance.
"What struck me the most is how she enforced the influence journalists have as the first people to record history as eye witnesses close to the source... her sense of humor of how the media is viewed and how she is still devoted to journalism and preserving the First Amendment is impressive," freshman Emily Craighead said.
Thomas began her journalism career in 1943 as a writer for UPI and the Washington Press Corps, and left UPI only last May to work for newspaper publisher Hearst Corp. She worked her way up at UPI to the position of federal government correspondent, getting her big break in 1961 when she was assigned to the Kennedy beat.
Thomas has also authored two books, Dateline White House and Front Row at the White House. Each recounted her experiences as a journalist on capitol hill. She said she didn't think Front Row would sell because "there's no sex in it. And then Monica came along. And there was still no sex in it."
Her visit provided a unique insight into the lives of the former presidents. "She gave a full-stand view of things people usually wouldn't [naturally] get from personal experience," freshman Jay Meattle said.
