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Give ‘em Helen
Today’s installment in one of Washington’s best long-running shows: Hearst Newspapers’ Helen Thomas vs. whoever happens to be in the White House.
The topic was President Bush’s insistence on lawsuit immunity for telecommunications companies that cooperated in the federal government’s program to eavesdrop on suspected terrorists. Ms. Thomas, as she has for several weeks, wanted White House Press Secretary Dana Perino to explain why immunity is needed. If the companies did nothing wrong, Ms. Thomas argued, they have nothing to fear in a court of law.
Thomas: Well why give them immunity if they’ve done nothing wrong?
Perino: …there already have been over 40 lawsuits.
Thomas: So? They must think something’s wrong.
Perino: Well they might think that.
Thomas: They must think they have a case.
Perino: Well, Helen Thomas, that is your opinion.
Thomas: Put my name in the transcript. The tactic is so transparent. You know, everybody else asks questions and they have anonymity.
Perino: Helen, I’ve answered the question several times.
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