At Obama's first Presidential press conference, he should call on Helen Thomas first

[Cyrano]

What better message could he possibly send that "our long national nightmare is over."

Today, Bush refused to call on her. This man is not only one of the worst pricks imaginable, he's a petty, childish, caricature that barely resembles a human being.

My guess is that, if at Obama's first press conference, he calls on Helen Thomas first, he will have restored a tradition, sent a message, and a roar of approval will burst out in that room.

[ellacott]

1. I hope he does that also

That would send such a good message.

[Skittles]

2. I'm pretty sure he will

Obama is a gentleman

[Sydnie]

3. I think I want that to happen so much

that I will be devastated if it does not. She deserves to be treated as such and I hope her seat it dead center front row too!

[Graybeard]

4. W ignored her in his farewell.

She was in the front row and the ignorant bastard never called on her. What a creep.:grr:

[polly7]

5. He seems to thrive on hurting and humiliating others.

She seems like a strong woman .... but that probably did hurt. If it weren't for Gitmo, I'd have like to see her throw those heels at him. Course she has much more class than I :))

[applegrove]

6. I hope he does too. That would be very poignant. I think she is getting

on and will retire soon. She looked very old in that colbert spoof.

[Clio the Leo]

7. why? so she can call him out to his face?

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2009/01/13/helen-thomas-whacks-obama-being-heartless-israelis-starve-children-gaza

[Cyrano]

8. No. Because of tradition.

Of course there are major issues on which any president and any journalist will disagree.

It has always been a tradition for the most senior White House journalist to be called on for the first question. For decades, that person has been Helen Thomas. And it is also a tradition for the most senior White House journalist to end the news conference by saying, "Thank you, Mr. President."

At the beginning of the Bush administration, Helen Thomas was not only not called upon first, but she was totally ignored. This was a message. It was a message that said, "Fuck you, America. We're making up our own rules. We don't need no stinkin' traditions."

If Obama calls on Helen Thomas first, he will be signaling far more than the resurrection of tradion. It will be an acknowledgment of a return to custom and civility. And it will also confirm that amoral people can hold power, but that America will always come to it's senses. (Geeez, I really wish I could believe that last sentence I just wrote.)

[Clio the Leo]

9. Oh, trust me, I would have been all for it a week ago...

But she called him a punk, pure and simple.

She may have the SECOND question! :)

[Cyrano]

11. Sorry, but you left out all the details

How about some context? Was she talking about Bush or Obama? What was the topic? What was the complete statement?

I'm not trying to play the role of an interrogator. However, you've posted a statement that I, and probably most others here on DU, are hearing for the first time.

Could you please be more specific as to who, what, when, why, where?

I'm not doubting the veracity of your post. But could you please fill in the details of who made this statement and what was being discussed?

[Clio the Leo]

12. Sorry....

.. I know better than that. :)

Helen Thomas Whacks Obama for Being Heartless as Israelis Starve the Children of Gaza

There is one famous journalist who’s unafraid to denounce Barack Obama’s agenda. Legendary left-wing journalist Helen Thomas appeared on Tuesday’s Democracy Now on radical Pacifica Radio, and denounced Obama’s acceptance of pro-Israel U.S. foreign policy: "I think that Obama, during the campaign, made many promises, as every president, potential president does to Israel, that they seem somehow bounded by their promises, promises to uphold all Israeli goals. I don't see how the U.S. can provide F-16s, gunships, Apache gunships, phosphorus, possibly phosphorus, and cluster bombs and so forth to kill helpless people, children who are starving to death."

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2009/01/13/helen-thomas-whacks-obama-being-heartless-israelis-starve-children-gaza

She may be correct in WHAT she's saying, but she's a smart woman and knows the importance of one singular voice speaking for US foreign policy ... even when it's wrong.

6 more days kids.

(actually, that's not the quote I had in mind, lemme keep looking....)

[Clio the Leo]

13. and...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=8070899

[Cyrano]

14. Helen Thomas is a national treasure

Most of us know that Molly Ivins was not only admired, but cherished and loved.

Let's not argue over Helen's positions on any specific issue. She too is cherished, loved and respected for her dedication to truth, her integrity and the dignity that she clung to over the miserable eight years of despicable horrors that we have endured.

She symbolically represents everything that is right and good about America. Please, please let Obama call upon her first at his initial press conference. The symbolism will be breath taking.

[Clio the Leo]

15. And everything you just said......

.... I could say about Barack.

Perhaps I'm a bit premature but that's how I feel.

Let him get INTO office, give him a week or so .... THEN she can call him a punk. :)

And ultimately, I have no DOUBT she will be the first one he calls on. You know that kid is ALL about symbolism.

[Cyrano]

16. You underestimate him.

This is a man who is far more than "ALL about symbolism."

Helen Thomas will be, if she has not yet become, an American heroine.

I think that Obama knows that. And I truly believe he admires her for her dedication to the profession of journalism -- a profession that has all but been destroyed by Ruperth Murdoch and the Republican party.

If Obama were to call upon her first at his intial press confernce, I refuse to believe that he would do so for cynacal political reasons.

As strange as it may seem, there are still people in the world who will do things because it's the right thing to do. I believe that Obama may be one of those people.

On edit: Then again,I may be a fool who bought into some politian's rhetoric. But occassionally, you have to believe in someone. Either that, or try to find another planet on which to live.

[Clio the Leo]

18. "All about symbolism" not "ONLY about symbolism." ;-) NT

[Iwillnevergiveup]

10. Helen Thomas

is always first in my book. Sadly, from a bygone era of civility and journalistic integrity.

[JimGinPA]

17. I Had That Exact Same Thought Yesterday...

Seeing the "lowlights" of the chimp's presser.


:fistbump:

[HughMoran]

19. I agree

...and if she has a real tough question - all the better to show how well Obama can handle opposing viewpoints.

[sampsonblk]

20. Amen! And WORD! (nt)

[tbyg52]

21. Darn, change.gov is closed for questions, and Helen doesn't seem to be in the existing ones. nt