Veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas has retired following remarks regarding Israel that many considered anti-Semitic. She said that Jews should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home to Poland, Germany and America and everywhere else.”
Thomas, 89, had covered every president since Dwight Eisenhower. She was known for posing questions in a tough and provocative manner, often time in such as fashion that would cause those around her to cringe and wince. Conservatives often found themselves the victim Thomas, who is famous for demanding answers from George W. Bush about the invasion of Iraq.
Thomas will be remembered for her longevity – covering the world for over 60 years. She became a standard bearer for women as well, becaming the first female officer of the National Press Club as well as the first female member of the White House Correspondents Association and the Gridiron Club.
She worked for UPI for 57 years before it was acquired by News World Communications, Inc. in 2000, at which time she resigned joined Hearst Newspapers as a columnist, where she covered national affairs.