White House Press Secretary Dana Perino gave conservatives and right-thinking Americans across the fruited plain an early Christmas present Friday by smacking down liberal antagonist and so-called "journalist" Helen Thomas.
During Friday's press briefing, when Thomas pressured Perino about American troops killing people in Iraq, the Secretary scolded Thomas for her despicable behavior:
Helen, I find it really unfortunate that you use your front row position, bestowed upon you by your colleagues, to make such statements. This is a -- it is an honor and a privilege to be in the briefing room, and to suggest that we, at the United States, are killing innocent people is just absurd and very offensive.
Indeed. Those interested in early gifts should watch the entire delicious exchange while reading the partial transcript that follows (video available here, h/t NB reader Damian G. and Bryan at Hot Air):
You go, Girl!!!HELEN THOMAS: Does the President want no troops out from Iraq on his watch? I'm talking about all the troops.
DANA PERINO, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Well, 5,700 troops will be home by the end of the year, so that is some troops coming home. The President said that troop levels are going to be made by commanders on the ground, and that we're going to have to talk about --
THOMAS: Why should it be? Why can't the American people have a say?
PERINO: -- return on success. The American people have had a say. They elected a President who is their Commander-in-Chief and is making decisions based on what his commanders on the ground are telling him.
THOMAS: And you think that was the vote of the American people?
PERINO: They elected a Commander-in-Chief, and the President is bringing home 5,700 troops, based on the recommendations of his commanders on the ground and based on return on success. Hopefully in the future we can bring home more, but it's going to depend on what General Petraeus reports and remember he will come back in March.
THOMAS: Why should we depend on him?
PERINO: Because he is the commander on the ground, Helen. He's the one who is making sure that the situation is moving --
THOMAS: You mean how many more people we kill?
MS. PERINO: Helen, I find it really unfortunate that you use your front row position, bestowed upon you by your colleagues, to make such statements. This is a -- it is an honor and a privilege to be in the briefing room, and to suggest that we, at the United States, are killing innocent people is just absurd and very offensive.
THOMAS: Do you know how many we have since the start of this war?
MS. PERINO: How many -- we are going after the enemy, Helen. To the extent that any innocent Iraqis have been killed, we have expressed regret for it.
THOMAS: Oh, regret. It doesn't bring back a life.
MS. PERINO: Helen, we are in a war zone, and our military works extremely hard to make sure that everyone has the opportunity for liberty and freedom and democracy, and that is exactly what they are doing.
I'm going to move on.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Aaaahhh !
December 1, 2007 - 12:12 ET by Jason AslingerNoel, You broke my computer screen with that picture.
Jason
December 1, 2007 - 12:17 ET by Noel SheppardJ,
Just imagine being in Dana's shoes!!! ns
She was tame. She could
December 1, 2007 - 12:27 ET by GregEShe was tame. She could have very easily thrown it back at Helen and ask her if what she's implying is what she believes, that being is the American military purposefully killing innocent people. Helen Thomas has no place in the briefing room, much less on the front row. Only journalists should be there, not liberal blog wannabes.
Oh wait a minute, I think I just eliminated 3/4 of the room with that last line.
We need to send Dana
December 1, 2007 - 16:49 ET by motherbeltWe need to send Dana Perino a roll of duct tape..
Ugly, Ugly, Ugly
December 1, 2007 - 12:42 ET by ThisnThatHow can we get a calendar made with that mug on all months? Then use it instead of the traditional lump of coal for all the bad boys and girls this Christmas.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
I agree.
December 1, 2007 - 17:06 ET by KeithThis is the UGLIEST woman in the long sad history of UGLY!
I think Websters now uses
December 1, 2007 - 18:05 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveI think Websters now uses that picture under 'ugly' in their dictionaries. No verbage, just the picture.
"There are millions of people in Iraq who have sacrificed in the hope that the United States will finish its work here. We should never forget that." -- Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, Commander U.S. III Corps
She gets paid to ask stupid questions
December 1, 2007 - 12:14 ET by exLib"HELEN THOMAS: Does the President want no troops out from Iraq on his watch? I'm talking about all the troops."
Maybe this is a transcript typo or something but this question makes no sense.
Either the President wants troops out of Iraq or not.
Asking if Bush wants NO troops out of Iraq - is she channeling Al Sharpton here? - then qualitfying it and saying it must be ALL the troops is stupid.
It's all or nothing, eh Thomas?
I didn't this it was
December 1, 2007 - 12:17 ET by LilyPearlI didn't this it was possible for me to like a press secretary better than I like Tony Snow, but this woman is the best. She chewed Helen Thomas up and spit her out. I just wish Dana Perino had asked Helen Thomas what she thought about the innocent people the Islamo-Fascists has killed.
I agree!
December 2, 2007 - 00:00 ET by Cape ConservativeI miss Tony but Dana has followed in his footsteps and is a class act herself!!!
One thing to add
December 1, 2007 - 12:25 ET by Gat New YorkWhile Dana finally articulated what has needed to be said to that senile old thing, the one thing I would have finally added in the end would have been:
Helen, it is now obvious that you are using your seat to run a political campaign because it is evident that you have lost all sense of journalistic integrity.
Speaking
December 1, 2007 - 18:36 ET by JDWThis was true conservatism.
Our members of congress should be forced to watch.
JDW
Sen Clinton: Distinguished Founder of Media Matters
Gat, it has been amply
December 1, 2007 - 20:33 ET by MikeBGat, it has been amply demonstrated that "journalistic integrity" like "political ethics" is an oxymoron of the highest order. The two words should not be used in the same sentence, much less right next to each other.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
We the People heart Dana Perino
December 1, 2007 - 12:38 ET by third eyeI would follow Dana's fine behind into combat anyday of the week.
Noel....that Picture ...Plllleeeaassseeee !
December 1, 2007 - 12:27 ET by JayTeeThat Woman could haunt a House......a White House.
Noel, I want a personal note to my PM letting me know (warning me) the next time you are putting up that Picture of Helen T.
She looks like Pelosi before the Plastic Surgery.
Just imagine
December 1, 2007 - 12:48 ET by ThisnThat... what it would look like without her makeup on?
Yipes! I'm just glad she posed for this shot smiling and trying to look pretty.
But you're right. Noel could have at least respected everyone and put the picture below the fold and warned us -- you know, like he does when bad language is being quoted?
This is also a good case for photoshop -- if possible, that is. Comeon Noel, do a little "journalistic adjustments" for us -- after all, it's nearly Christmas.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
She does make Phyllis
December 1, 2007 - 13:28 ET by drillanwrShe does make Phyllis Diller look like a beauty queen.
Hell, even Roseanne Barr and Rosie O come out looking hot ... Okay, I've gone too far.
Burka
December 1, 2007 - 12:34 ET by DingbatThat picture causes me to re-think my previous condemnation of the Burka.. This picture calls for one that has the mesh screening. Imagine Omar lifting the Burka of his new bride and seeing this!
How about a plastic bag burka?
December 1, 2007 - 13:55 ET by HermanoHow about a plastic bag burka?
The Other End of the Avenue
December 1, 2007 - 12:52 ET by CaringwhiteguyIt might have been valuable for Ms. Perino to remind the old bat that her friends on the opposite end of Pennsylvania Avenue have had ample opportunities to "bring the troops home" through their control of the purse strings, but have failed to do so. She might then have advised the old bat to head down to Harry and Nancy's for a heart-to-heart, and to ask them directly why they have failed so miserably to make her and her lefty pals happy.
ns -- Thanks for the
December 1, 2007 - 12:56 ET by Jack Bauerns -- Thanks for the splendiforous photo!
She's a babe alright! Worra looker!
Okay, Jack. Back away
December 1, 2007 - 20:36 ET by MikeBOkay, Jack. Back away from the keyboard and place your hands behind your neck and interlace your fingers. Just wait there for the mental health providers to show up with your meds and long-sleeved white jacket.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
mike -- and slip into the
December 1, 2007 - 20:39 ET by Jack Bauermike -- and slip into the Full Mental Jacket?
Very scary
December 1, 2007 - 13:10 ET by dboI thought that photo was a promo for "Shrek the Fourth".
Good Lord!
December 1, 2007 - 13:24 ET by drillanwr<blugh!>
Well, there went my morning coffee ...
Noel-
A little WARNING! in bright red might be in order.
I make no apology-----
December 1, 2007 - 13:57 ET by misterbillI make no apology---for my insult. I looked at the picture, read the words and now I know where the expression , "Like putting lipstick on a pig" comes from. I see much to disturb me in Bush's administration. Most of those items are not as offensive as Thomas' insults to our troops!
Great job, Dana!!
now I know where the
December 1, 2007 - 16:51 ET by drillanwrnow I know where the expression , "Like putting lipstick on a pig" comes from
<ice water ... shooting out both nostrils!>
ROFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
misterb... ROFL....you
December 1, 2007 - 17:00 ET by bigtimermisterb...
ROFL....you did it again!
Dana Perino is pure HOT HOT HOT
December 1, 2007 - 14:03 ET by Lame CherryAfter the blunderings of male talkers and cringing at the stoic Margaret Tutwiler (sp) of the past Bush years, I wonder where Ms. Perino has been as her intellect and the way she handles that pack of Molotov Mob at the White House makes her the stocking stuffer as the hottest babe in Washington.....and of the east coast, excluding of course all the female bloggers and wives and girlmates of the Newsbusters family (Not wanting to start no wars here lol)
Ms. Perino is just spectacular though and long over due. Newsbusters needs to interview her and hopefully get a pin up pose for the site in doing the top 10 Babers in America as she is leading the list right now. Nothing like a brainy gal who kicks liberal butt.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Helen
December 1, 2007 - 14:17 ET by iveseenitallThat's not Helen Thomas. It's an artist's rendition of Hillary in 20 years.(still smarting over her loss in 2008)
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Unknown to many here at
December 1, 2007 - 15:55 ET by Tom1969caUnknown to many here at NewsBusters, Helen once had a small but significant role in a well-known Hollywood blockbuster...
~~~
The difference between liberals and conservatives is that conservatives believe liberals are wrong, while liberals believe conservatives are evil.
As if Hell-on gives a crap
December 1, 2007 - 14:24 ET by mattmAs if Hell-on gives a crap about life. What a slug! Perino showed her much more courtesy than she deserves...
Noel
December 1, 2007 - 14:25 ET by MrShyDid you really have to wake me up (yes, having my coffee and powdered donuts now at 1 pm, EST) with a photo of THAT thing posted on your blog?
If you're gonna torture us with one of Hell-en, can you at least counterbalance that perhaps by posting one of the caluroso Dana?
Thanking you in advance,
- Monsieur Shy
"MY end justifies THAT mean." - Shakespeare (not really)
Ask, and ye shall receive...
December 1, 2007 - 16:01 ET by Tom1969caAsk, and ye shall receive...
~~~
The difference between liberals and conservatives is that conservatives believe liberals are wrong, while liberals believe conservatives are evil.
Tom69
December 1, 2007 - 16:18 ET by MrShyThank you! :) That helps, a little, but to fully wash away that Hell-ish pic, it'll take about 20 more Dana ones :p
Dana Perino and Newsbusters gals will look great in Shywear !!
Mr. Shy...
December 1, 2007 - 17:39 ET by Tom1969ca1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
My work here is done...
~~~
The difference between liberals and conservatives is that conservatives believe liberals are wrong, while liberals believe conservatives are evil.
THANKS!
December 1, 2007 - 17:47 ET by MrShy"Why are you so good to me?"
- Cary Grant, NORTH BY NORTHWEST, 1959
The ones with the soldiers...... "humina humina"
Dana Perino and Newsbusters gals will look great in Shywear
(*NB guys, too)
Casual Friday in Bagdad
December 1, 2007 - 22:48 ET by Tom1969caYeah, I kinda liked those ones too. Gotta get her out of the business suits and into casualwear more often!
(They're #4 and #10, for those of you who haven't looked yet...)
~~~
The difference between liberals and conservatives is that conservatives believe liberals are wrong, while liberals believe conservatives are evil.
Burka?
December 1, 2007 - 14:26 ET by BigFellaThat is a 3 Burka woman! One for her head, one for mine, and an extra one in case someone walks in the room...
Beauty is skin deep. But ugly go clear to the bone... Unknown
The sad part of what that
December 1, 2007 - 14:28 ET by ConservativeRexThe sad part of what that old hag said is that most of the lousy left agrees with her! Regardless of how she looks, hell that just a ruse to get us only thinking of that. (I know, hard to ignore)
But these Neo-Stalinist never let go..ever..we have to combat them by any means necessary.
Don't blame Helen
December 1, 2007 - 14:30 ET by KC MulvilleShe obviously had just come back from watching "Redacted."
I hate to make fun of
December 1, 2007 - 15:02 ET by JannyMaeI hate to make fun of somebody's appearance, but good heavens! It looks like there's a small animal hiding somewhere in those jowls!
Good going, Dana!
Oh Darn....of all the times
December 1, 2007 - 15:36 ET by bigtimerOh Darn....of all the times to miss one of Dana's WH Briefings....
Thanks for the info here...Dana is the best!
I have said before, I love Tony Snow but I have listened to Dana since she started when I can and she is nothing but the best...she takes nothing from these immature gotcha' leftist twits..especially other women...because she can.
Helen is just an old has been enemy within, glad she was put in her place....if she even realized it....heheheeee
Thank you Dana!!! Keep up the excellent work with the enemy within crowd.
Fair and Balanced
December 1, 2007 - 15:59 ET by American TaxpayerHelen Thomass always asks fair and balanced questions...She is also very beautiful...NO NO I can't take it anymore please no more pictures I surrender...She had to hit every branch in the ugly tree on the way down...
Women in trees
December 1, 2007 - 16:52 ET by saw the light"She had to hit every branch in the ugly tree on the way down... "
Yeah, but how many times did she climb back up, only to fall again?
STOP!!!
December 1, 2007 - 16:58 ET by drillanwrSTOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yer killin' me!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dana is my new
December 1, 2007 - 16:08 ET by charlietexasDana is my new hero........good work. Its about time, woman to woman, you took her out. Helen needs to retire.
Mom
Joe Garagiola once said of
December 1, 2007 - 16:10 ET by fitzfongJoe Garagiola once said of Don Zimmer: "That face, it looks like a blocked kick." Helen Thomas' looks more like a blocked punt.
The real reason Tony Snow
December 1, 2007 - 16:46 ET by midnight cowboyThe real reason Tony Snow quit the administration. After looking at Helen's mug every day, Tony couldn't perform his husbandly duties with Mrs. Snow.
Stick a fork in 'er . . .
December 1, 2007 - 17:25 ET by GalvanicApparently her colleagues in the WH press corps are entertained by her total lack of journalistic standards and her anti-Bush bitching.
If her employer doesn't remove her, and I were the WH Press Secretary, I would merely stop calling on her. There's really no reason to get engaged with an old woman who is not interested in news.
Let her shrivel up and die.
OOOOOGLY Helen
December 1, 2007 - 17:31 ET by MrShyGalvanic..... "Let her shrivel up..." ???
Have you not seen her?? That part's already been taken care of :p
Dana Perino and Newsbusters gals* will look great in Shywear
(*NB guys, too)
looks like uncle fester in
December 2, 2007 - 01:00 ET by the strugglerlooks like uncle fester in drag
You guy's are being too
December 2, 2007 - 11:57 ET by BlazerYou guy's are being too hard on Helen !
On our home planet she is considered to be a very attractive specimen.
- Dennis Kucinich
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
NS, I forgive you for
December 2, 2007 - 12:06 ET by GrammyNS, I forgive you for letting me come across that picture with no warning, thereby scaring and shocking me into fainting dead away.
After my family revived me with smelling salts and a burnt feather I had a grand time reading all the comments.
Thanks to you all.
Grammie
Oh great... Like John
December 2, 2007 - 13:16 ET by JerryOh great... Like John Kerry's Christmas in Cambodia, that image is now SEARED in my memory, as frightening a visage as Jen-jus Khan himself.
This picture of HT would be perfect for that computer prank where you get someone to focus on the screen and then suddenly a horrid image pops up. HT's picture would make anyone crap their pants.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
It seems that Helen is
December 5, 2007 - 10:51 ET by FishFace222It seems that Helen is trying to blame GWB for the failure of the dem-controlled congress to keep a campaign promise to get us out of Iraq.