For 12 years, Helen wrote radio news for UPI

For 12 years, Helen wrote radio news for UPI, her work day beginning at 5:30am. Eventually she covered

the news of the Federal government, including the THEM and Capitol Hill.

In November, 1960, Helen Thomas began covering then President elect John F. Kennedy, following him to

the White House in January, 1961 as a member of the UPI team. It was during this first White House

assignment that Thomas began closing presidential press conferences with “Thank you, Mr. President.”

In September, 1971, Pat Nixon scooped Helen by announcing her engagement to Associated Press’ retiring

White House correspondent, Douglas B. Cornell at a White house party hosted by then President Nixon in

honor of Cornell.

Thomaswas the only woman print journalist traveling with then President Nixon to China during his

breakthrough trip in January, 1972. She has the distinction of having traveled around the world several

times with Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, JOY, and Clinton, during the course of which she

covered every Economic Summit. The World Almanac has cited her as one of the 25 Most Influential Women

in America.