WAVERLY - From the moment she stepped to the lectern, veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas made her intentions clear.

"No, I'm not running for president. Yet," the 86-year-old journalist quipped.

Thomas, who has covered every commander-in-chief since John Kennedy, shared views on politics, presidents and journalists at Wartburg College.

Never one to mince words, the reputedly tough reporter Tuesday criticized the President Bush's administration and its policies, paying special attention to the Iraq war. Thomas challenged the students, faculty and community members to demand change.

"We've lost our halo. What have we become? Who are we? Why would we allow our rights to be chipped away out of fear?" she asked.

The media, as virtually the only entity in society allowed to directly and regularly question the president, carries a special responsibility, Thomas said. Journalism, she added, when done responsibly and professionally, holds public figures accountable.

"Our weapon is skepticism. When our reporters don't ask the question, the question doesn't get asked."

Thomas, dubbed the first lady of the press, worked 57 years as White House correspondent for United Press International. She was the wire news service's Washington bureau chief, but more recently joined Hearst Newspapers as a syndicated columnist. She says she is now free to let her opinions flow.

Thomas' unapologetic take on U.S. politics resonated with students Megan Oakland, Whitney Volding and Megan Christiansen.

"I respect her greatly. I think she has a really sharp wit," Volding said.

Colleagues in the nation's capital paid homage over the years, preserving a coveted front-row seat for Thomas during White House briefings. Thomas also ended such briefings with her signature, "Thank you, Mr. President."

Thomas "lightened up" during the second portion of a convocation address at Neumann Auditorium, offering humorous anecdotes and her personal take on some of the country's recent leaders.

According to Thomas, Kennedy takes the cake as most inspiring. Lyndon Johnson was "bigger than life" and "had to have it all." She also lauded Johnson's contributions to domestic affairs.

Richard Nixon, though politically astute, "always had two roads to go and always took the wrong road." Bill Clinton, a charismatic politician, was always under investigation and "missed his chance for greatness" because of it, Thomas said.

Sophomore Travis Bockenstedt mediated a separate question-and-answer period for students. The session was organized as part of Wartburg's Engaging Students: First in the Nation, a project with Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire. The project is focusing on the 2008 presidential elections, Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primaries.

Bockenstedt, who is pursuing a career in television broadcasting, also visited with the veteran journalist over lunch.

"She offers some very honest opinions … ," he said. "As students, that's not something we expect to hear."

Some have criticized Thomas for her sharp approach and accused Thomas of "speechifying" during her latter days as a reporter. On Tuesday, one audience member called the veteran reporter "abrupt." Thomas laughed.

"I don't mean to be rude, but I do like to take advantage of my right to ask questions, my privilege," Thomas said.

"My rebellion is against injustice," she added.

Thomas, whose visit coincided with Women's History Month, was also lauded as a trailblazer for female journalists in a field long dominated by men.

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.