"All presidents rail against the press. It goes with the turf."
Helen Thomas
Journalist
Helen Thomas was a pioneering journalist known for her unwavering commitment to truth and freedom of the press, serving as a White House correspondent for over five decades.
- Born
- August 4, 1920
- Died
- July 20, 2013
- Quotes
- 70
- Rank
- #5332
About Helen Thomas
Helen Thomas — Life and Legacy
Helen Thomas was a distinguished journalist whose career spanned more than fifty years, making her a prominent voice in American journalism. As a White House correspondent, she was known for her relentless pursuit of truth and her advocacy for press freedom, often challenging the status quo. Her famous assertion, 'The truth is the first casualty of war,' underscores her belief that honesty is essential, especially in times of conflict. This perspective shaped her reporting and her insistence that journalists must hold those in power accountable. Thomas's work was characterized by a commitment to integrity and a deep understanding of the media's role in democracy. She famously stated, 'You can't be afraid to speak up,' reflecting her conviction that journalists have a duty to voice the truth, regardless of the consequences. Throughout her career, she faced significant challenges, including gender bias in a male-dominated field, yet she remained a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of journalists. Today, her quotes resonate with those who value transparency and accountability in media. Helen Thomas's legacy continues to inspire journalists to uphold the principles of truth and freedom, reminding us of the vital role the press plays in society.
Quote collection
Helen Thomas quotes (page 1 of 4)
70 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I don't think a tough question is disrespectful."
"We don't go into journalism to be popular. It is our job to seek the truth and put constant pressure on our leaders until we get answers."
"People will never know how hard it is to get information, especially if it's locked up behind official doors where, if politicians had their way, they'd stamp 'top secret' on the color of the walls."
"This is the worst President ever. He [George W. Bush] is the worst President in all of American history."
"We are the only institution in our society that can question a president on a regular basis and make him accountable. Otherwise, he could be king."
"Everyone with a cell phone thinks they're a photographer. Everyone with a laptop thinks they're a journalist. But they have no training, and they have no idea of what we keep to in terms of standards, as in what's far out and what's reality. And they have no dedication to truth."
"I'm a liberal, I was born a liberal, I'll be one 'til I die, what else should a reporter be when you see so much and when we have such great privilege and access to the truth?"
"I'm not anti-Jewish; I'm anti-Zionist."
"You cannot have a democracy without an informed people."
"Don't let the politicians chip away at the New Deal and the Great Society programs like Social Security and Medicare, that puts a floor beyond which the elderly, the sick, the powerless do not starve or lack for medicine or shelter."
"Congress, the White House and Hollywood, Wall Street are owned by the Zionists."
"We are owned by propagandists against the Arabs. There's no question about that. Congress, the White House, and Hollywood, Wall Street, are owned by the Zionists. No question in my opinion. They put their money where their mouth is...We're being pushed into a wrong direction in every way."
"I got into the Kennedy White House because at the time I was president of the Women's National Press Club, and they assigned me to cover the early days of the Kennedy campaign. Jackie especially. Everyone was interested in the family."
"I don't think there are any rude questions."
"I'm decrepit but I don't want to give up, and I love my work."
"Every president thinks that all information that comes to the White House is their private preserve after they all promise an open administration on the campaign trail, but some are more secretive than others. Some want to lock down everything."
"Try to reject war and give peace a chance. Question the powers that be and find out why they make the dubious decisions they do that send young people to war."
"I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon."
"I'll tell you how I handle stress. I say-This too shall pass. You've got to try to stay cool and admit when you're wrong, and tell them when you're right."