Jennifer Harper
Articles by Jennifer Harper
New poll reveals pro-life leanings among majority of Americans, including Democrats
A majority of Americans -- 56 percent -- consider abortion to be "morally wrong" while 52 percent agree that an abortion "does a woman more harm than good." More than three quarters of Americans would limit abortion to -- at most -- the first three months of pregnancy, a percentage which has remained consistent for the past decade, according to a new Marist Poll. Published January 18, 2018
Inside the Beltway: Grass-roots voters still stand by Trump
It would be a dream come true for Democrats if grass-roots voters were to abandon President Trump. That does not appear to be happening. Mr. Trump's favorability numbers, in fact, are pretty darn good, according to a new Zogby Analytics survey which finds that the president now has a 46 percent approval rating among all likely voters — just shy of a majority. Published January 17, 2018
Trump earns his highest approval rating among NASCAR fans, poll finds
A new Zogby Analytics survey has promising news for the White House, revealing that President Trump now has a 46 percent approval rating among likely voters -- just short of a majority. But Mr. Trump's biggest fans can be found among some familiar demographics, suggesting that many heartland voters still stand behind him. Published January 17, 2018
Inside the Beltway: Hostile media marks a year of attacking Trump
President Trump is about to mark a year in office. Remember that first day? When petulant celebrities refused to appear at his inauguration festivities, marching bands and performance groups from the heartland stepped up to provide jubilant support. At that moment, however, the news media also stepped up to wage a negative campaign against the new president that has been unprecedented in its scope and drama. Published January 16, 2018
Inside the Beltway: Missile scare in Hawaii provides a teachable moment
The news media had a field day with the Hawaii missile attack scare, using the incident to alarm the public, and as a handy way to bash President Trump and his administration, among other things. It was a dress rehearsal for a reality the nation has lived with for decades, and a teachable moment. Published January 15, 2018
Inside the Beltway: Democrats live outrage to outrage in the Trump era
Yes, the pace and tone of news coverage of political matters appears to have escalated into a chaotic rush of shrill, confusing information — often supporting specific buzz words and hostile narratives, and void of decorum. This is not necessarily helpful in an age when the worried public craves clarity and candor from press and politicians alike. Yeah, well. That's the marketplace at the moment. Published January 14, 2018
Anthem plans: NBC plans live coverage of NFL players who take a knee at the Super Bowl
National Football League players who choose to take a knee when the national anthem plays at Super Bowl LII next month can expect to be featured on camera according to NBC Sports, which is televising the game. The anthem protests are considered part of the action. Published January 12, 2018
Inside the Beltway: Media bias condemned by people in 35 nations, Pew poll finds
Americans who lament political bias in the news media are not alone. Everyone else around the planet appears to condemn the practice, according to a jumbo-sized Pew Research Center poll that tallied the opinions of people in 38 nations - spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North and South America. Published January 11, 2018
Paul Ryan among lawmakers who will appear at the March for Life
The 45th annual March for Life is next week, set to draw a huge, devoted crowd to the National Mall for the world's largest pro-life demonstration. Organizers expect at minimum 100,000 people -- including House Speaker Paul Ryan. Published January 11, 2018
Inside the Beltway: A third of Americans trust ‘nobody’ in the news
The era of fake news, relentless 24/7 coverage and shrill social media has taken a toll on Americans. Many have become wary of the news itself, and very selective about whom they believe. Amazingly, the old-school reporter tops the list of those the public still trusts as a news source. But not by much. Published January 10, 2018
Media’s frenzy over Michael Wolff’s ‘Fire and Fury’ steals time from major stories
The "Big Three'' networks - CBS, NBC and ABC - appear to be in love with "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," the new book by Michael Wolff which is rife with criticism of President Trump and his administration. Published January 10, 2018
Trump’s border wall cost is 0.0338 percent of federal spending, says new analysis
President Trump has proposed spending $18 billion over the next decade to construct a new and improved border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. While some lawmakers have criticized the both the amount of money and the plan, a new analysis reveals the expenditure is relatively small compared to other federal spending. Published January 10, 2018
Inside the Beltway: James Woods: Next California governor?
"James Woods, governor of California? Why not? The Golden State has a long history of electing leaders from the deep end of thespian pool. From Ronald Reagan to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Californian voters actually seem to enjoy casting ballots for Republican actors," reads a petition launched Tuesday, which indeed is calling upon the politically attuned and aggressive Mr. Woods to throw his hat in the ring. Published January 9, 2018
Inside the Beltway: The media’s dream story is Trump and Oprah in 2020
"Know this: Our media is now actively advocating an Oprah run for president because nothing in the history of clicks and ratings would be better for business than Trump vs. Winfrey," says Joe Concha, media columnist for The Hill. Published January 8, 2018
Fitness chain bans all cable news from its gyms for health reasons
No more talking heads and breaking news on the treadmill. Life Time Athletics, a national fitness chain with 128 locations in the U.S. and Canada, has banned all cable news channels from its in-gym entertainment offerings. CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox News are no longer part of the mix. Non-news competition like ESPN and HGTV are still welcome, however. Published January 8, 2018
Inside the Beltway: Voters agree Trump actually controls the national agenda
"Love him or hate him, voters agree President Trump is charting the course for the country, and no one else is even close," says a new Rasmussen Reports survey which finds that 42 percent of all likely voters believe the president "sets the agenda" in the nation's capital, no matter what the squawking press may report. Published January 7, 2018
Jack in the Box to offer new ‘Munchie Meals’ for stoned customers
Legalization of recreational marijuana has affected pop culture, including the menu options of at least one fast-food chain. Published January 6, 2018
Nancy Pelosi named ‘Porker of the Year’ by non-profit watchdog
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has been named the 2017 "Porker of the Year," by Citizens Against Government Waste, a non-profit watchdog organization which tracks the excesses of pork barrel spending and lavish mindsets among lawmakers. Published January 5, 2018
Inside the Beltway: Incoming: The anti-Trump books take over
The book hits stores Friday, but it's been No. 1 on Amazon for days. "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by Michael Wolff has received a monstrous publicity bump from the news media. Published January 4, 2018
U.S. Muslim population continues to grow: Report
"New estimates show U.S. Muslim population continues to grow," Besheer Mohamed, a senior researcher with the Pew Research Center, reported on Wednesday -- 3.45 million Muslims live in America, based on the pollster's current research and U.S. Census data. Published January 4, 2018