Thanks for the Memories, Mr. President: Wit and Wisdom from the Front Row at the White House

"Just as it ain't over till the fat lady sings, a presidential press conference isn't finished until Helen Thomas delivers her ubiquitous 'Thank you, Mr. President.' The phrase has saved presidents struggling with difficult questions from reporters, frustrated viewers who would have liked a longer appearance by the president and has even inspired jokes from presidents. Having served as UPI's White House bureau chief for an unprecedented nine administrations (she was long known as dean of the White House press corps), Thomas is certainly qualified to write a book compiling presidential anecdotes. Introducing each president's chapter with a summary of what she found that particular man to be like, Thomas seems to find something nice to say about everyone. LBJ was an expert raconteur, Nixon was best in small groups, Ford had a great laugh, Reagan was master of the one-liner and Bush Sr. was 'quick on his feet' (though, she admits, a champion of 'disjointed communication'). Thomas's memories (which range from 50 to 500 words) of these men are indeed telling. She acknowledges that no president has ever liked the press, yet does offer a few glimpses into the camaraderie between leader and reporter, especially present with Kennedy. Readers will laugh at Clinton's self-deprecating remarks (stricken with laryngitis, he announced, 'My doctor ordered me to shut up, which will make everyone in America happy') and sigh at George W.'s 'Bushisms' ('Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?'). Thomas's 'all in good fun' attitude and breadth of experience make this a light but entertaining follow-up to her recent memoir, Front Row at the White House." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"A rich collection of lighthearted, nostalgic stories...an easy, entertaining read." Chicago Tribune

"The First Lady of the White House press corps follows up her engaging memoir, Front Row at the White House, with a collection of humorous and sometimes touching stories about the nine presidents — John Kennedy through George W. Bush — she covered for UPI and as a columnist for Hearst." Karl Helicher, Library Journal

In a natural follow-up to her national bestseller Front Row at the White House, the dean of the White House press corps presents a vivid and personal presidential chronicle. In nine riveting chapters — one for each administration — Thomas delights, informs, spins yarns, and offers opinions on the Commanders in Chief, from John F. Kennedy through George W. Bush.

Helen Thomas, known as the dean of the White House press corps, is the recipient of more than thirty honorary degrees and the first annual Helen Thomas Award for Lifetime Achievement, established by the White House Correspondents Association. She is the author of Dateline: White House and Front Row at the White House. Currently a columnist for Hearst, she lives in Washington, D.C.

Introduction

John F. Kennedy

Lyndon B. Johnson

Richard M. Nixon

Gerald R. Ford

Jimmy Carter

Ronald Reagan

George Bush

Bill Clinton

George W. Bush

A Few Final Reflections

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Index