Helen Thomas was in Des Moines on Thursday, giving an address to Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa to talk about the current state of the country and administration.

Thomas, former White House Bureau Chief for United Press International and current Hearst Newspapers columnist, was the keynote speaker at an annual Planned Parenthood event at Hotel Fort Des Moines on Thursday.

Thomas took to the podium and wasted little time getting to the main points and raising complaints that drew vocal responses of agreement from the audience.

“I’ve had my eyes and ears on the White House for years,” she said. “I’ve never seen it in worse shape.”

She denounced the current state of health care and the war in Iraq, using the word “astounding” to describe Bush’s reference to himself as a “war president”.

“We’ve lost our halo,” Thomas said about the U.S. involvement in the practice of torture.

She also said that the events after the September 11th terrorist attacks have changed the world, and some of the changes have not been positive.

“Americans need to wake up and restore our honor,” she said to applause. When asked what was the most important characteristic in a U.S. president, she said credibility. “They also have to have integrity,” she said.

Thomas also had a message for her fellow journalists. She said there is a great need for more investigative reporting in the American press. She said there is currently a dangerous trend toward “one newspaper towns” and that the public must demand more of the press.

Thomas’ speech, which included jokes and anecdotes of former U.S. Presidents, was well-received by those in attendance, who periodically interrupted Thomas with applause.

Thomas was introduced as “the first lady of the American press” by Barbara Mack, associate professor of journalism and communication. Thomas has covered every president since John F. Kennedy was in office.

Jill June, president and CEO of PPGI, also delivered a brief speech before Thomas took the podium.

June said “raising our families healthy and strong” is of most importance to women in America.

She also told the crowd of a proposed amendment to Title X, a federal program providing reproductive health care for women. Introduced by Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., the amendment would erode the program and its benefits, June said.

“Contact your congressmen today,” June said. She asked those in attendance to “defend Title X.”

“I’m thrilled with the turnout,” said Laurie Sloterdyk, events manager for PPGI. Margi Weiss, director of marketing and communications of PPGI, said Thomas has “been a role model.”

“She’s delightful, and she’s direct. PPGI is very pleased to have had the opportunity to host Ms. Thomas,” she said.