Helen Thomas

A dominant figure in White House press coverage from the Kennedy to the Obama administration, Helen Thomas was a reporter for United Press International whose signature brand of questioning made her a favorite among newsreaders and a foil to many a president. Thomas spared no quarter when it came to interrogating leaders and representatives on pressing issues of the day; on occasion, her line of questioning landed her in hot water, most notably on issues regarding the Middle East. That subject ultimately ended her half-century as a journalist when comments regarding Israel in 2010 were widely condemned. Despite this blemish, the integrity, independence of thought and dedication to the truth made her one of the most respected news figures of the 20th century and beyond. Helen Thomas died on July 20, 2013 at the age of 92.