In an interview last year the young Kennedy sat down to discuss her latest documentary about the woman who always had a front row seat to the presidency.
Thank You, Mister President: Helen Thomas at the White House
Thank You, Mister President: Helen Thomas at the White House, was her latest creation, focusing on the woman who was a core journalist at the White House covering every president from John Kennedy to George W. Bush.
“I actually had never met Helen Thomas before making this film,” Ms. Kennedy said. “You know, she's, I think, for so many people, an iconic figure that is just a part of our lives.” Kennedy added, “I was so happy to make this documentary because I am such a fan of Helen Thomas and I think there were a lot of things that I learned in speaking with her. I was able to do a five-day interview with her and really got some insights into her life. I think she's always been on the other side asking the questions, and it was great to have an opportunity to actually ask her questions. She has an incredible personal story.”
Kennedy proclaimed with amazement, “I remember many times walking the streets of Washington with her, and she's such a hero there. I mean, she's really like a rock star in Washington.”
Examining the Presidents and Asking the Tough Questions
For anyone who has studied the presidency, or has watched presidential press conferences over the past 50 years, Helen Thomas is definitely someone who stands out. She asked the tough questions, and in researching this documentary, Kennedy learned not only about Thomas, but more inside information about the presidents as well. “What I learned in studying these Presidents more and her perspective on it is that, over and over again, these Presidents – our Presidents - come up against situations where you want them to make the right decision, major situations, whether it's 9/11 or Watergate or a depression or whatever it is and you want them to make the best decisions for the American people, and they need character and integrity to do that.” Kennedy is strong in her beliefs and as she talked, she evoked the memory of her father in her strong convictions as well as some of her hand gestures.
As for her subject in this film, Helen Thomas, Rory explained, “You know, she wasn't intimidated by Presidents. She admired Presidents, and I think she has great respect for the office of the Presidency, but I think that she really feels like these are human beings, and ultimately they're not unlike you or me and that they deserve to be questioned.” She also said about interviewing Thomas and the documentary, “I think that she really provides insights into some of these Presidents and to their character.” Additionally, Rory explained, “One of the insights she provides in the films in looking at the Presidents over this period of time is that once you're dishonest with the American people, and once you cut off communications, you lose their trust just as you would in a relationship with a person.”
Rory flashed the trademark Kennedy smile. “I remember telling my mother that I was going to do this film about Helen Thomas, and she said, ‘Are you sure you want to do that? She has really asked some tough questions and was very difficult with Jack (Kennedy).’” But Rory was eager to learn more about the woman who always sat in the center of the row of reporters.
“In learning more about Helen, which I didn't know when I went into this, JFK was absolutely her favorite President, and she has great admiration and respect for him.”
Thank you, Mr. President: Helen Thomas at the White House periodically airs on HBO. It is available on DVD.
To read more about Rory Kennedy, go to this article.
 |
