A Celebration of Journalist Helen Thomas

Helen Thomas celebrated 50 years as a White House reporter Tuesday with guests ranging from the politicians she's covered to the reporters she's worked alongside.

The guest of honor stationed herself in the living room of Dittus Communication founder Gloria Dittus' Kalorama home as fans lined up, waiting for her to sign copies of her latest book "Listen Up Mr. President." Several took out cell phones and cameras to snap a picture with the legendary journalist.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) co-hosted the party and called Thomas her mentor. "She's my hero," Lee said. "She's shattered so many glass ceilings for so many women."

Craig Crawford, who co-wrote the book with Thomas, said he enjoyed hearing Thomas's tales about her reporting.

"When we first started and I realized she had actually covered Eleanor Roosevelt I realized what a thrilling opportunity it was to work with her," he said.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and former Gov. Jim Blanchard (D-Mich.) were among the politicians who stopped by to congratulate Thomas.

Many of Thomas' journalism colleagues -- including several White House reporters -- were at the event, including NPR's Cokie Roberts, CBS's Bill Plante and Chip Reid, CNN's Suzanne Malveaux, and new National Press Club president, Bloomberg's Alan Bjerga.

— Report by Emily Goodin and photographs by James R. Brantley

Helen Thomas and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)

Helen Thomas and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)

Gloria Dittus and WUSA9 anchor Andrea Roane

Peggy Hudson and Christine Warnke

Bill Plante, Robin Smith and Cokie Roberts	Margaret Chadbourn and Alan Bjerga
Helen Thomas, Daniel Schorr and Lisbeth Schorr	Whitney Drew and Amos Snead

Chris Hayes and David Corn

Abbie Jalloh

Finley Lewis and Ann McFeatters

Jane Hall and Ed Coyle

Renee Eastman and Loran Aiken

Keri Douglas, Songhai Barclift and Kevin Smith