The pleasure of meeting Helen Thomas today and discussing Al Gore

[Samantha]

A Republican friend invited me to lunch today, along with another Democratic cohort of mine. My back was to the door as I ate lunch, so I did not see those entering to grab a quick bite.

My Republican friend looked over my shoulder and said, "Oh, look, there's the reporter from UPI." I turned to do just that, but saw no one I recognized.

"I don't see anyone I recognize," I said.

"Look to the front of the line. I can't remember her name, but she's been with UPI for years," he responded.

I looked to the front of the line and could not believe Helen Thomas was quietly waiting to be served. "That's Helen Thomas," I exclaimed, and jumped up to greet her. It quickly crossed my mind how rude it would seem to interrupt Helen trying to simply have a lunch, but I could not restrain myself. Quickly I crossed the room and put out my hand.

She smiled at me, and so I said, "I just wanted to tell you I have admired your work for years. I belong to the Democratic Underground. This organization sent you some flowers recently. I hope you know you have many admirers there."

"Thank you," she said, "Thank you."

I turned to find my seat, still not believing my good fortune. As I picked up my napkin, Helen appeared at the table where I lunched with my friends.

"Tell the Democrats they must get their act together," she smilingly said. I looked into her beautiful face and threw back my head and laughed. "Ah, Helen, that's what we are counting on you for," I said.

"Tell me who do you think the Democrats will nominate," I requested.

Helen responded, "I think Hillary has it as of now."

My reaction (and excuse me, Hillary fans) was, "I think, Helen, you will find the party elite supports a Hillary run but much of the base does not. Many people in the Democratic base cannot forgive her signing the resolution that gave Bush* the authority to initiate the war. The DLC supports Hillary, but many of the people in the base do not want her to run."

Helen acknowledged her familiarity with this organization, the DLC, and I followed up with my personal burning question of the moment.

"Do you think Al Gore will run?"

Helen said, "I do not think he will actively pursue the nomination, but if he sees a void or if he is asked, I think he would be willing to run."

"That is my hope, that Al Gore runs," I told Helen.

As we conversed, I could not help but remember how this woman, who I consider to be a national treasure, was relegated to the back of the press room by the Bush* administration. I thought at the time it does not take a big man to treat a woman like this in that shameful manner, it takes only a small man.

Helen looks one straight in the eye and speaks candidly when she answers. She paved the way for women like Eleanor, Nora, and Katie to walk on a traditionally male turf, stand up and ask the hard questions. If Helen had not the audacity to do it first, they might not be doing this now. Every female reporter owes a debt of gratitude to Helen Thomas for opening political doors that they have walked through. That aside, this Country owes Helen a debt of attitude for the tough questions she has asked and for the fortitude she has shown in persistently going after the answers.

But back to the conversation ...

"Al Gore will be at Olsson's Books Thursday at Noon," I told Helen. "Oh," she responded, and her eyes seemed to twinkle.

Then her friend appeared and Helen left. I pulled a small pad from my purse and quickly scribbled a note, "Helen, may I buy you lunch some time?" I signed my name and included my home and cell numbers. I walked to where she stood and handed her the note. She smiled at me. I thought she nodded slightly yes as she read the note, but perhaps I will have to wait to see.

As I walked back to my office, I could not help but think of Helen's words. All this week, I have been pondering what will I say to Al Gore Thursday if I am fortunate enough to approach his table and get him to sign my copy of "An Inconvenient Truth."

Perhaps I should say, "Al, I am here because Helen Thomas told me we Dems have to get our act together. You wouldn't want to disappoint Helen Thomas, now would you, Al?"

I am so happy to be able to share this experience with my DU friends, my extremely good fortune in being able to meet and talk to Helen Thomas, and to let you know Al Gore's whereabouts in DC on Thursday. I am indeed a fortunate person to live and work in Washington, D.C. where from time to time one manages to bump into a few of his or her political heroes.

As far as taking Helen's advice personally, I am penning another letter to Al Gore, but that's another thread ...