Obama Celebrates Birthday with Cupcakes for Press

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: White House

On the occasion of his own birthday, President Obama made a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room to lead the press corps in singing happy birthday to veteran reporter Helen Thomas.

Thomas turned 89 years old on Tuesday. The president turned 48.

Mr. Obama brought cupcakes into the briefing room as reporters were preparing to question press secretary Robert Gibbs. He told Thomas that he would leave it up to her to decide how to distribute the cupcakes.

Thomas, a liberal columnist with Hearst Newspapers, made a wish and blew out a candle.

Mr. Obama said Thomas had wished for "world peace [and] no prejudice."

"But she and I also shared a common birthday wish: She said she hopes for a real health care reform bill," he added.

The president then gave Thomas a kiss and left the briefing room.

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by Lawyers-Guns-n-Money August 5, 2009 1:08 AM EDT: by gomzee69 August 4, 2009 5:07 PM EDT
a?

It's more humerous if you can spell right.
===========================

What's even more humorous is when you call out someone for incorrect spelling and commit the same error.; Reply to this comment

by dentkid1 August 4, 2009 7:42 PM EDT

Maybe he should be doing his job instead of letting ex pres Clinton doing it for him.

Reply to this comment


by drsuz August 4, 2009 8:06 PM EDT: Hey, This was Willie's birthday present to him..Watch Obama take all the credit.


by barbaram99 August 4, 2009 7:40 PM EDT: Happy Birthday Mr President. How thoghtful that he wished a senior reporter a birthsay wishes gave her cupcakes to share.; Reply to this comment


by drsuz August 4, 2009 7:25 PM EDT: And how much did he 'charge' the press for the cupcakes (since he charges people who have lunch with him)?? LOL; Reply to this comment


by NinthSt78 August 4, 2009 7:02 PM EDT: I want to wish both of them a very Happy Birthday. Looking at the picture, I would have guessed Helen to be 20 years younger. Are you sure you have the right number there?; Reply to this comment


by stevex47 August 4, 2009 7:01 PM EDT: Could you ever, in a million years, think palin could have an "aww, how nice" moment like this?; Reply to this comment


by mary-miami August 4, 2009 6:43 PM EDT: Best wishes for a Happy Birthday to President Obama.
Remembering Helen's birthday being on his own day is proof that he thinks of others, and that is part of what makes him a good President.; Reply to this comment


by dsnj1-2009 August 4, 2009 6:00 PM EDT: Go Obama! Happy Birthday; Reply to this comment


by hawaiianchica423 August 4, 2009 5:45 PM EDT: The Borgen Project has some good information on the cost of addressing global poverty (www.borgenproject.org).
It only takes $30 billion annually to end world hunger!
Yet... we are spending $550 billion annually on the defense budget.; Reply to this comment


by picklepants7 August 4, 2009 5:40 PM EDT: wow! looking at the picture, president obama still looks fit, but michelle obama looks horrible! i guess the pressure of being first lady is taking it's toll.; Reply to this comment