Helen Thomas, Our National Treasure, Speaks Out on Hillary & Barack [Updated]
By NoQuarter on April 6, 2008 at 6:57 PM in Barack Obama, Helen Thomas, Hillary Clinton, Iraq, Martin Luther King, Obamedia
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In this YouTube posted on April 5th, Helen reminisces — with her typical great wit and her insights — on the presidents since JFK. |
From Helen Thomas’s latest column:
“Obama has captivated the enthusiastic support of America’s youth and ignited their interest in presidential politics. His eloquent speeches are designed for the bully pulpit. But does a good speech make a good president? “Obama stresses he was against the invasion of Iraq, but he doesn’t say he was not in the Senate when it was initiated. Since become a senator, he has twice voted to fund the war.” |
You know, Helen Thomas has been a reporter and columnist — and hanging around Washington, D.C. — longer than most of us have been alive. But it hasn’t ruined her keen eye or her abilities of perception and insight. She’s proof that not all pundits are unable to think clearly “inside the bubble.”
Here’s more on Barack Obama from Thomas’s latest column via the Seattle P.I.:
I am still trying to find the key that has made Obama a prime candidate for the presidency, and to understand what he has done for the country beyond his middle-of-the-road political moves to make his name known and to steer clear of hot-button issues.
The Rev. Martin Luther King had a dream, too. But he acted on it. He went to jail, he marched, he led.
There’s more “Essential Helen” below.
Helen hits the “Obamedia” for its Obama-lovin’ coverage:
There is no question that the pundits and the news media have been harder on Clinton, perhaps because she has been longer in the public eye and there is more to pick on.
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see that the major newspaper columnists are giving Obama a free ride, while trashing Clinton. Likeability undoubtedly goes a long way with them, and he has mesmerized the media.
Clinton, on the other hand, has left herself open to criticism for dubious involvement in foreign policy decisions in the Clinton years. But one can’t deny that she was there and that her opinion was respected.
Obama can be forgiven for acting like a front-runner, but not for his patronizing remarks such as: “My attitude is that Senator Clinton can run as long as she wants.”
Even Clinton has the audacity of hope — and why not?
I’m glad that it is not just we who pick up on Obama’s arrogance and his sense of entitlement, earned or not.
Read all of “Clinton should hang in there and run a good race to the end.”
NOTE: Helen Thomas also has some things to say about the disenfranchisement of Florida and Michigan, and I’m going to include those remarks in a separate post.
ALSO OF NOTE: YouTube is also a national treasure because I was able to type “Helen Thomas” in its search engine and find so many videos featuring Helen Thomas. Check them out — it’s so delightful to hear her speak, any time, and it’s great to rediscover those videos of Helen grilling President Bush.
::::::::::::::
UPDATE: He’s not Helen Thomas, but Joe Scarborough — lately, I hear — has been praising Hillary’s “grit”:
I’ve always respected Helen Thomas. She was one of the few veteran journalists who dared to question Bush at the peak of his popularity, and continued to do so as his folly was revealed. As punishment, she was banished to the back of the press room. Once again, Helen speaks truth to power/illusion. So many of us are watching this psychosis unfold in astonishment. Earlier I read in an article that a young woman decided to vote for Obama because he gives a good speech and that’s important for a president. The dumbing down of American has arrived! I guess foreign policy and economic expertise are not as important as speaking engagements. Horrifying. The only thing that keeps me sane in the midst of all this madness are people like Helen Thomas (and sites like No Quarter!).
OT, but Mark Penn is gone,
It wasn’t helpful, what he did. But someone e-mailed me these thoughts, and I thought them worth sharing with all of you:
P.S. I heard it was Penn who came up with the first 3 a.m. ad that helped her in Texas.
So, what happened, why is out?
Rendell seems to have suggested he should be fired…
Whose forces were at play here and how will this affect HRC ?
Penn’s firm was working with Columbia for a free trade pact that Clinton is against, so he was forced to quit as Chief Stratagist! Penn met with Columvia people March 31, so Clinton dealt with it quickly, what a change, someone doing something immediately!
Thanks Mel, I had read about Colombia; the colombians themselves broke off relations with Penn’s firm yesterday when they realized Penn was mirepresenting Clinton.
My worry is whether this might hurt Clinton: you know the media; charging her campaign is “disarray” or……..(whetever)…
Am sure NBC will manage to create some sort of scandle over it for their boy Obama!
Maybe Obama asked his terrorist friends in FARC to fire Penn.
Heh.
Here’s the full, official campaign statement from Maggie Williams:
Who is Geoff Garin ?
Someone at TL wrote
Don’t know eithe rone; but the hot question is who will fill Penn’s shoes in PA ?
I guess Helen doesn’t belong to the “All Bush needs is to be able to give a good speech” crowd. This speechmaking talent is so subjective. Having seen and listened to JFK’s speeches and press conferences, I have little patience with those who go on about Obama’s lightweight efforts. He clearly has problems thinking and talking extemporaneously. I feel like borrowing a Biblical construct– “Speeches without substance are dead.” We aren’t always what we seek or whatever it was the little O said.
Kids…!!
GTet out of the Pool..Aunt Helen is here..and the Hamburgers are almost ready..Does anyone wnat Cucumber chips..?? We Have chip..Potoato salad and Baked beans..
If anyone wants a Brat..let me know now..the grills still hot..
Wouldn’t that be a hoot?! Having her at a BBQ? i’d just pull up a lawn chair and listen.
(Btw, that sounds delicious, and I’m hungry but dinner is still cooking.)
it is a nice piece to end a week-end before the Democratic family fued starts again tomorrow Susan!
Really liked her part about Nixon always taking the wrong road, sound familiar?
I’m trying to think, Mel. Are you hinting there might be another president just like that? Hmmm … boy, this is a tough one …
Well Susan, thanks to GPS’s today, it is very easy to find the real road someone is taking even though they claim to be taking the high road, GPS shows them on the low one….lol
Yes…It would be wonderful…A afternoon with Helen..What a graden Party we could put together..
I got to Shake Norm Dicks hand and pat him on the back yesterday..Talked about people we both know..
Gotta go now…People are asking about the fresh strawberry Shortcake..gotta Whip the Cream..
Were you at your county convention?
Ha!
Sounds so good, I just made the English equivalent, a raspberry/strawberry trifle/w fresh custard.
And I will be making clotted cream, tonite, to go with tomorrow’s apricot/cream cheese scones.
OT, sorry, but I’ve been hungry, and it sounds so good.
Her column is great; I like her paragraphs:
So true….
Obama is no Martin Luther King. Make no mistake. He’s using King to get elected.
King was and is a true American Hero who acted as a true agent of change, inspite of the personal costs to him and his family..
His leadership was unquestionable, pure, and unpandering. He preached change through peaceful methods of awareness and protest, and as a white woman, my admiration for MLK is unlimited.King was a true unifier, the real thing.
Obama paraphrasing King,Wright, and everyone else he can speechify to is a total turnoff, but I am more than aware that his followers are mesmerised by his “promises” and oration.
There is no examination, evaluation, questioning, or thinking going on. Just reacting to a personality. We’ve done this before.
No…The legislative Dist. caucus to elect delegates to the State Convention..Our 150 Hillary Delegates out shouted thier 350 delegates..
We SAT in a High school Gym..Opposite from each other..Every obama delegate had a Big obama Poster..
I was the Cheer leader..for Hillary..
The County Convention is
next week..
Helen Thomas is a national tresure.
That’s Helen. You can’t hand Helen shit and try to tell her it’s ice cream.
No..But there are those in the Media..and other Promoters who sure try to..
I love Helen, always have always will. She is indeed a national treasure.
Came across some interesting things at an auction yesterday, some press tickets for football games in the late 40s and early 50s on the ticket it says NO WOMEN ALLOWED! I thought of Helen when I came across them and how hard it must have been for her early on. The one thing this campaign has shown me is, we have a longer way yet to go as far as attitudes toward women.
BO is nauseatingly arrogant.
“Helen Thomas has been a reporter and
columnist — and hanging around Washington,
D.C. — longer than most of us have been
alive.”
Gee Susan, you just made me feel old. I was 13 when JFK was elected president. In fact, his was the first campaign I ever worked in. Got hooked early. Haven’t stopped yet. Won’t till we get Hillary elected.
I remember watching some of JFKs press conferences. That was my first experience with this national treasure. She always used to wear a hat too. She and JFK had an easy rapport. She once asked JFK what have you done for women? And he repsonded, “Well, I am sure not enough.” Broke the room up. Then he went on to answer seriously.
Cheer up Bert. I’m not that far behind you.
Well fortunately uppity, the feeling only lasted about 3 seconds. But I have to admit, when I first read it I was a bit startled as I had never thought about it in those terms. I am proud to be a part of that generation despite what Ibama’s supporters say about us.
I have been around long enough to have voted for JFK. So I have been an avid Helen “Give them hell” Thomas for a long time.
Helen Thomas is the standard by which all journalists should be measured . She asks the questions, and when the questions aren’t answered, she keeps up the heat. Helen just doesn’t do today’s “101″ journalism. And I have never seen or heard her pander.
She follows up answers that are incorrect evasive,incomplete, or just plain lies. She has curiosity and courage combined with many years of first tier reportage.
Watching and listening to her during a Presidential press conference is something else.
I’m glad she is still with us and giving us news
and wisdom. We’re lucky to have her on the scene.
Sorry to be OT: but
BO is SF today at a high stakes fundraiser being held one Saeed Amidi.
Got to love them small donors..
http://www.amidzad.com/saeed_amidi.html
It is all part of the transformation of the Amidi family and their business, the Amidi Group.
OT, too, sorry: Very intersting, teak, thank you.
http://www.downtownnews.com/articles/2004/10/18/news/news02.txt
Also, apparently a real estate developer, owned the property where Google was developed, according to this article.
Are they ALL real estate developers?
Saeed Amidi.
http://www.amidigroup.com/index.html
Again sorry for the ot:
Makes one wonder, doesn’t it?
There were 85 spindles on linkin, wish I had a subscribtion.
American Liquid Packaging Systems (ALPS)
Bottled Water Division
American Liquid Packaging Systems (ALPS)
Supply Division
American Liquid Packaging Systems (ALPS)
Plastics Division - Chemtex International
Amidi Real Estate Group
AMA Construction and Real Estate
Hollywood Production Center
Amidi Industrial Group
AMIDZAD
Green Graphic
Medallion Rug Gallery
Do they have any connections to the Iranian government, still, I wonder?
I know the press reports say the family left in 1979, but I wonder if business is still conducted, say, through another foreign entity?
Well off topic..
Our son leaves Iraq in about 11 days and we are flying out to cali on the 19th to meet him at camp pendleton when he gets off the bus.
All we care about is getting our son home safe.
I don’t give a shit about if Obama is tied to crooked money ( all pols are ) I don’t care if Hill tells stories about dodging bullits getting off planes..I don’t care if Bill is a piece of shit womanizer or obama’s pastor thinks america is a piece of shit..I don’t care about anything at all except my son is safe and sound from a stupid war.
I just don’t care cause in 14 days I have my boy back.
I just don’t care any more..( the hoopster is drunk )
For all of you who i’ve read your comments for the last month cutting down obama..ok ok check this out..
You want 4-8 years more of Bush policies..vote for McCain if obama wins..may i say this? Fuck you.
Sure i love the clintons..but if she doesn’t win the nomination and you go to the dark side..Fuck you and go to hell. 4000 of our sons and daughters have died for a stupid and illegal war and if you vote for McCain.fuck you you spoiled idiot bitches..
Any Dem and i mean any dem is better than McCain..You fucking stupid divisive little bitches..
Keep the war going another 100 years you stupid fucks or get out now…you feeling me? You want more military families to go through our pain daily because your pride can’t stand Hillary to lose?
I love Hillary.. but all your auguments are freaking stupid..The people are speaking about our next prez..and guess what? fuck florida and Michigan..Dumb shits can’t follow the rules then get the hell out and here is a tissue..I want our troops home safe..I want my boy home and Bush sent him there for no fucking good reason. You understand that? any of you Dems that vote for McCain cause Hillary doesn’t win..fuck you.
You support our party.. our vision..our values..or fuck you..the GOP will be glad to have you.
And good riddance..fuck you..
If Hill wins great..if obama wins vote for him or fuck you…( man am i drunk? very very sorry..lucky a couple of you cry baby” oh chicago politics is so crooked folks aren’t here.. the hoopster would kick your ass right now” ) you feeling me?
Every 15 minutes Obama has a ad on TV stating his views..pretty good views. I haven’t seen 1 Hillary ad. jump in the game or go to the bench..But if you dumb asses think 4 more years of Bush policies are a better thing.. go to hell..and did i say that yet? fuck you? and for all you retards that don’t think obama can win..I could beat Bush/McCain this year..and i’m not running..you want more of bush? nobody does..
Vote Dem and defeat these son’s of bitches.
I don’t want to hear another word about Obama can’t win.. there are twice as many Dems as GOP fucks so if you want to stay home and cry in your beer or coffee or whatever fuck you..
Well that’s my rant.. I’ve posted here for a year now and I haven’t seen so many cry baby bloggers whine so much in my life about a Dem hopeful in my life.
ANYBODY IS BETTER THAN A BUSH CLONE… idiot, I’m so smart bloggers…
OK..I usually only post funny, cute stuff here and love 98% of you guys..but somebody has got to say this..we are Dems and under one tent..
Susanunpc.. I love you.. I sent you flowers during your surgery and called you long distance during your recoup to tell you i wish you well and i love you and am praying for you..so don’t diss me sweet heart…I’m just too buzzed and pissed off right now.
Let everybody else do it..( I’d kick thier ass anyway so who cares?)
But our family loves you susan…and you too Larry.
But we have got to come together soon and beat these GOP assholes..
Good night..and i need a couple asprins
Your kid is in Iraq because Obama, and others like him, take crooked money.
And those policies you hate arise because the politicians you don’t give a shit about take crooked money from men whose business is war.
So, how would you solve the problem, and really, what is the problem, you tell me…
They will stop taking crooked money.
Period.
And really, I have family going to Iraq, replacing your son, so I guess I have a right to tell you to get educated before you spout off, ignorantly, and uninformed.
Obama is YOUR problem, Obama will continue the same Bush policies, he’s already redirecting, per Axelrod’s strategy, READ about who supports him, connect the dots about lobbyists and foreign money.
And HH?
Get the fuck out of the way if the issue is to complex for you.
If I have two filthy crooked men vying for the presidency, both of whom intend to keep the troops in Iraq, against military advice, I want the one who gets it, a little bit, to minimize death.
If the Saudis direct Bush, and American policy, say, becasue of the oil money Cheney has taken, who will pull Obama’s strings?
Chevron?
Exelon?
The idiot Axelrod?
You think it doesnt work this way?
Educate yourself, before you spew, otherwise you look like an uniformed, emotionally ignorant fool.
Obama can go fuck himself, the goal is to throw his crooked ass in prison.
We have mentioned this here, Obama’s deliberate misdirection in regard to Iraq, these are carefully considered positions.
Don’t you keep up?
What?
You think we’re as stupid and specious as K$$?
OT, Saeed is from Iran, has structured business all over the world, and is a primary Obama supporter.
I know Obama is dirty, is Saeed?
I Know Iran propagates terrorism, I know foreign governments try to influence American politicians through money, where does Saeed fit in, if at all?
Ultimately, if Obama is connected to men who profit off terrorism, and they do, will he enable them as President, given what I read of his relationship with Rezko, and how the two operate?
Most likely, yes, he will.
We don’t misdirect, and redirect, when American lives and national security are at stake.
I mean, really, who keeps you safe at night, and how?
Maybe you don’t understand, and well, some of us don’t, it is complex.
But you won’t use this old school argument of “well, if it’s it’s a dem, they must be OK” when it’s obvious BOTH democrats and republicans are dirty here. The democrats never had any intention of defunding the war, according to Rolling Stone, they simply intended to capitalize off of anti war sentiment, to grab power.
Chicago politicians are connected to the profits in Iraq, Rezko went into business with Alsammarae, the former minster of electricity for Iraq, who is suspected of stealing over 650 million dollars from the CPA, think this finds it way back to Obama?
It could, let’s find out.
If it does, Rezko, and others have an interest in keeping the army in Iraq, don’t they, the gravy train is too good.
And now Obama is showing a pattern of redirection in terms of Iraq, the old bait and switch, which is classic Cheney, and classic Rove, from whom Obama’s strategist copies, too.
I would say Obama NEVER had any intention of pulling the troops out, at all, the slimy little thing.
You got suckered.
hmmm….a bit steamed, but I’ll forgive you.
Don’t make the stupid mistake of reading everyone s the same. I wouldn’t vote GOP if Jesus Hussein Christ ran as a Republican (because I know it would be an imposter).
I’m not voting for Barack Obama, and if you can’t handle that, after you sober up and cool off, then you don’t understand what your child is supposedly fighting for. I don’t doubt your sense of sacrifice, and lets be clear I’m not putting my children up for the sacrifice under a President like Bush or McCain. But don’t skeetshoot us all because you think some folks don’t get it and are being stupid.
I am not a Democrat, and you need to come to grips with that. It will elevate the conversation to a new level the day that Republicans and Democrats quit assuming that you are one of them (or you).
And I got no problem scorning anyone who simply sits out and cries sour grapes. My wife wants to ignore this whole election because she is sick of the “gotcha” game going on related to this Democratic Primary season. She will absolutely not vote for Obama either because the sexist attacks on Hillary Clinton have tanked her belief in Obama’s grand glorious message of “Hope” and “change” and “end of politics of destruction”.
The rant by Randi Rhodes only brought back all her memories of being called a “fucking whore” and she didn’t need a lecture from Jeremiah Wright about what Hillary hasn’t been called because she knows Clinton has been called every sexist name in the book. My wife has been called a “nigger lover” before by both whites and blacks, and a “bitch” and “whore” and all the other names. So she doesn’t need a lecture from either side about racism or sexism, and this election is the shittiest she’s ever seen.
But if you would say “fuck you” to her for not voting, then you and I would have few words, friend.
But I forgive your passion because you are overwhelmed with the joy to see your son put his life on the line.
I do care if Obama is fake because we’ve already had one naive posturing asshole become president in the last 8 years who was all talk and no game. He was all brag and cocky bullshit and no substance. So I won’t replace him with another. McCain is a goon straight out of a Kubrick film. And that is why I support either Clinton, if she gets the bid, or Nader if she doesn’t. This isn’t about ONE generation, this is about 7 generations.
I’m not done with the primary, this ain’t over. I’m not interested in it being over. And Obama and his supporters earned my spite full and well. They have said more to earn my spite than McCain but that doesn’t mean I’m voting McCain.
I hope you take my words with the best attempt to be as respectful of your feelings, buzzed or not. Fire back at will if you need to, i’m not afraid of a robust conversation.
Thanks for your kind consideration of Susan and Larry, I believe they deserve it. All the other smack talkers against them can go to hell.
I am a democrat who will not vote for Obama, and I waver between not voting [except for democrats and leave top line out], or vote McCain, which will be very hard to do.
It is possible to understand why many won’t vote. Many of my democrat,republican and indie friends are too disgusted to vote unless Clinton is nominated.
They are all totally disgusted with the vile sexism,insults, &trash talk levelled at Hillary Clinton.
Both men and women in Obama’s camp have shown themselves [most of them] to hold hatred and bias towards women. The latest from Josh Marshall reveals his utterly sexist feelings and thoughts in his use of “gelding” with regard to Clinton’s firing of Penn.
Frankly, Josh is going to have to pay for this. He just can’t be griped about in a friendly blog.
He has revealed his animus and fear of women’s strength and power regarding the right for ANY woman seeking power to make the same decisions men make without being insulted.
Josh Marshall is a phony and a sexist pig.
Whatever fantasy he has about himself and purports to be is pure baloney. He isa male chauvanist of the first order.
In other words, as a woman when firing a male colleague who I feel does not meet expectations, I can expect Josh to call me a bitch, a f*****g whore,or that I am “gelding” the man I am firing.
In other words, any woman [Hillary included] who takes this position is an emasculating bitch. What would this creep say when Hillary or any woman in a similar position fires a woman?
That she’s a “f*****g bitch”? And, of course, a whore. Or, as I have seen on Kos…”A HO”.
Josh Marshall is a fraudulent liberal, or “progressive” which is the new chic blog word. But it doesn’t change the intense mysogyny
shown women in this election campaign, and nothing excuses the en masse assault of insults and slander directed at Hillary Clinton.
Obama and his Darth Vader, David Axelrod are responsible for encouraging this, and even from the top of his camp we heard and saw it from Samantha power shooting her mouth off in Scotland and England. Spewing anger and hatred.
Millions of people want and support Hillary Clinton. Millions of people have contributed money to her campaign.
Some of these millions of people are women who are angry and appalled at what Obama’s mean spirited campaign and surrogates have wrought. Some of these people are men who dislike sexist men. I’m talking a lot of people.
So when Hillary Clinton is accused of “gelding”, Josh Marshall chooses to be arrogant and tone deaf enough to insult all of us Hillary supporters as well.
Really not smart Josh. I will never go near your site again and will encourage as many as I can to stay away.
one more thing..
do any of you really think that Helen would vote for McCain?
National treasure? you bet.
I know you’re mother just passed, HH, I’m sure it’s very difficult for you.
I know you needed to get that off your chest..and I understand…I agree with you..and send you and your family my best wishes..with Love and Prayers..
I’m an idiot..and have a hang over
oh well..just spouting crap and frustrated we don’t have anyone to run against the GOP yet..
I never say the F word and i think i said it 50 times in my post.
I never say the F word and i think i said it 50 times in my post
You were just making up for lost time!
The ObamaThugs would say that the reason that Helen isn’t under BHO’s spell is because she doesn’t fit into his demographic group: she actually uses the logical part of her brain.
Or she’s part of the “dried up pussy demographic”. yes, that is yet another vile description for the women that support Hillary. Brought to you by the A list progressive bloggers.
As opposed to the culturally impotent, micropenis, nasal hair “ko$” man crew?
It cuts both ways, this impotent genital meme.
Drag, isn’t it?
Making strawberry trifle later today, it’s sort of the English version of strawberry shortcake.
It’s an old old thing.
As opposed to the culturally impotent, micropenis, nasal hair “ko$” man crew?
And I forgot to add “stink’in incompetent” lest anyone mistake my meaning.
Don’t forget, now.
As an aside, OT, about corruption, “and it’s all ok, they all do it, you know?”
Rezko, and his partner in crime, Stuart Levine, wanted a 1,5 million dollar kickback from a contractor to whom they awarded a job for the construction of a hospital. The contractor agreed, then went on to pad his bill to the hospital, to earn the money to pay the kickback.
So, where does the hospital get the money?
They charge more, and who do they charge? The consumer and the insurance companies. And who pays for that?
We all do.
So, yeah, corruption hurts, and I’m not financing some stupid corrupt shithead, like Obama, and Rezko, by paying higher premiums for health care, and such, because of their greed, and their need to steal from others. My family goes without so Rezko can steal 1.5 million, I forego migraine medication (which I can’t get generically) so Rezko can contribute money stolen from Americans, ME, and YOU, to Obama?
Yeah, right, brother.
WHAT an idiotic argument, “corruption doesnt hurt anybody, they all do it…”
Breathtakingly stupid.
YES IT IS..
Ask all the people who Lost thier Retirement or life savings because of Stock manipualation and Corruption..
I Hate Organized crime and Corruption..My Justice department would go after all of them..Gangsters..Drug dealers..and Spies..There would be NO ROADBLOCKS for my Field Agents…They establish probable Cause..They get a warrant..
That go’s for Big Business and War Profiteers too..Inside Goveernment and Out..
Chicago…Chicago..Organized Crimes Kind of Town..
And..There is no Left over shortcake ..so you will have to make your own..
Tomorrow…Shrimp cocktails..Clam Chowder..Salmon ..with vegetable…and chocolate Mousse..
Off-Topic: Obama told Spike Lee that on his first date with Michelle, he took her to see Do the Right Thing.
Pardon my cynicism, but I am now absolutely convinced that Obama will say anything to gain an endorsement. He really puts the P in Pander, doesn’t he?