Politics | Barack Obama On Shared Birthday, Obama Surprises Reporter Thomas Veteran White House reporter asks for 'a real health care reform bill' By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Aug 4, 2009 2:33 PM CDT Copied President Obama, marking his 48th birthday, brings birthday greetings to veteran White House reporter Helen Thomas, left, who turns 89 today. (AP Photo) President Obama celebrated his own birthday today by leading the White House press corps in singing Happy Birthday to veteran reporter Helen Thomas. Obama is 48 today; Thomas turns 89. Obama carried cupcakes into the briefing room, and told Thomas: "I will leave it up to you, Helen, how you want to distribute the cupcakes." Obama sat beside Thomas for a picture after she blew out one candle, and said she told him her birthday wishes were "world peace and a real health care reform bill." Read These Next New Fox star, 23, misses first day after car troubles. Iran's supreme leader makes first public comments since ceasefire. Man accused of killing his daughters might be dead. Her blood isn't compatible with anyone else's. Report an error