McClendon honored by NPC Legion Post 20
Pioneer feminist journalist Sarah McClendon was honored Wednesday, Sept. 22, at a virtual meeting of National Press Club American Legion Post 20.
McClendon, who served two terms as commander of the Post in the 1990s, was remembered for her long stint as a White House correspondent and for having a gentle side seldom seem through her vehement advocacy of women's and veteran's rights. She died in 2003 at the age of 92.
The youngest of nine children, McClendon was born in Tyler, Texas, where she joined her parents in campaigning for women's right to vote. She joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II and worked in public relations at the Pentagon. Washington became her new home. She left the Army in 1944 after the birth of her daughter and founded the McClendon News Service to cover Washington for newspapers in Texas and elsewhere.
Post members and guests who joined the tribute noted that McClendon took pride in representing "the little people" when questioning Washington power brokers. Club photographer Christy Bowe worked for McClendon and recalled sharing a cab with her on the way to a White House press conference with President Bill Clinton.
McClendon asked the driver, an immigrant, if he had any questions for the President. He did, and McClendon asked Clinton about immigration policy. Bowe also recalled how McClendon secured Bowe's permanent White House credentials after dressing down a credentialing official. Bowe dedicated the first chapter of her newly published book, "Eyes That Speak," to McClendon. She'll discuss the book at the Club in the Cosgrove Room at noon on Oct. 19.
Club and Post member Jim Dykstra, a former spokesman for congressmen, recalled how intimidating she could be when making inquiries. Nevertheless, they became friends. Jan Du Plain, who was a close friend, said McClendon's bellicose reputation masked a kind, gentle soul.
McClendon was the longest serving White House correspondent, besting the famed Helen Thomas. She said in her book "Mr. President, Mr. President" that she was "too shy" to ask FDR a question. Friends noted that she quickly overcame her shyness. In addition to her sharp, folksy questioning of Presidents, McClendon was famed for insisting on equal treatment of women in the press and military. She helped lead the campaign to open the Club to women members in 1971 and creation of a retirement home for women vets.
Post historian Easter Thompson researched the tribute which Post Commander Jim Noone said would be continued at a future Post in-person meeting in the Club room named for the pioneer journalist.