Veteran U.S. Reporter Returns to White House Beat

The Associated Press said yesterday that journalist Helen Thomas, who will soon turn 90, appeared at a White House news conference Tuesday.

Thomas is a veteran reporter who has covered nine administrations since that of President John F. Kennedy.

The White House prepared Thomas’ seat with her name attached in the first row. The former reporter for UPI had taken a six-month leave of absence for health reasons.

Before the briefing, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said, “We`re happy to welcome back Helen Thomas. We missed you a great deal, and we`ll let the sparring begin here in just an instant.”

Thomas has a reputation of embarrassing White House spokespeople with sharp questions. She asked Perino, “You say the president is not at fault for the auto industry problem. Do you think he`s responsible for a solution?"

Whether Thomas will cover Barack Obama after he takes office is drawing attention. She said candidates for the Obama administration will mostly consist of those who worked for the Clinton administration, saying, “President-elect Barack Obama won’t get much of a honeymoon.”

surreal@donga.com