Jennifer Harper
Articles by Jennifer Harper
Ebola czar Ron Klain already planning to exit the Obama administration
The Obama administration’s "Ebola czar" who appeared with much fanfare in October is already preparing for his exit by March 1, heading back to the private sector. Published December 8, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Post-Ferguson: Michael Savage seeks out the White House ‘transparency’
One observer of the ongoing debate over police brutality remains quizzical about the evolving public narrative, particularly the White House role. "If only President Obama would look in a mirror. He's calling for an investigation into Ferguson and similar incidents, but he should ask himself how he could create trust and transparency when it comes to his own behavior in the White House. Of course, he never asks himself such questions," declares talk radio host Michael Savage. Published December 7, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Libertarians insist government shutdown a ‘phony’
Despite all the nervous rustling and aggressive banter on Capitol Hill, there is no pending "government shutdown," declares Libertarian National Committee chairman Nicholas Sarwark, who has considerable contempt for the term so beloved by the news media and politicians themselves. Published December 4, 2014
Media in rocky transition: 30 New Republic editors resign, next issue cancelled
There have been rumors of change and differences of philosophy for a month. Multiple news sources now report that Franklin Foer has resigned as editor of The New Republic on Thursday afternoon, to be replaced by Gabriel Snyder, a digital guru at Bloomberg Media who formerly worked for The Atlantic Wire and Gawker. Some reports frame the event as an "editorial shakeup" in the immediate aftermath. Published December 4, 2014
Climate activists offer their ‘creative actions’ to Ferguson inspired protestors
Other activists have been watching the unfolding events in Ferguson and elsewhere. That includes the same organization behind the massive, gaudy, drum-thumping People’s Climate March that drew 400,000 protestors to the streets of New York in September, and in 150 cities overseas. The group did not disband after their big event, which included celebrities and Democratic lawmakers among its marchers. They want to repeat their performance in the near future, and perhaps offer their street theater and resources to Ferguson-inspired protestors. Published December 4, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Americans still skeptical about Benghazi
"Despite the congressional report that found no wrongdoing over Benghazi, many still believe that the Obama administration acted improperly," says Kathy Frankovic, an analyst with YouGov who is armed with the online pollster's latest survey numbers. "The report has not convinced many. There is still a lot of skepticism, especially among Republicans." Published December 3, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Ka-ching: The national debt tops $18 trillion
There was not a rumble, a tintinnabulation or even a few ka-chings when the national debt crept over $18 billion. The exact figure was $18,005,549,328,561. Oh, and 45 cents. Published December 2, 2014
‘Hands up, don’t shoot’ named the most cited phrase of the year by language researchers
With the media's help, "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" has become the most cited phrase in the world according to the Global Language Monitor, a Texas-based research group that bases its judgment strictly on public usage, relying on specialized computer software to gauge how frequently the phrase appeared in 275,000 electronic and print news sources, plus social media worldwide. Published December 2, 2014
Mike McCaul on amnesty: ‘We will see a wave of illegal immigration’
News, turmoil and political distractions are plenty these days. That has not dissuaded Rep. Mike McCaul, Texas Republican and chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, from calling a hearing Tuesday to focus on still unanswered questions surrounding President Obama's call for amnesty, and the hair-raising prospect of porous U.S. borders. There to testify about federal response and incoming policy changes: Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. Published December 1, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Roger L. Simon’s memo to the GOP: Be fearless, be new
Liberalism is completely out of ideas, declares Roger L. Simon, founder of PJ Media. He recommends the GOP go on the offense like a sports team and pursue the Democrats' core constituencies. Published December 1, 2014
On hyper Cyber Monday, half of Americans want their gifts delivered by drone
Is it Cyber Monday or hyper Monday? The majority of American shoppers are already dreaming of having their holiday gifts delivered by drones. But they do not tire of the hunt — and the deal. Published November 30, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Ferguson protesters lead Time ‘Person of Year’ poll
End-of-year lists are upon us. President Obama has already been named to the world's "least influential" list by GQ magazine, and is a contender for Time magazine's 88th annual "Person of the Year" award, where he currently stands at No. 11, behind Pope Francis, Russian President Vladimir Putin and "Ebola doctors and nurses." Most popular at the moment? The "Ferguson protesters" are in first place in the competition with 10.7 percent of the vote. Published November 30, 2014
America’s top-10 turkey leftovers - and where to get the recipes
Well, someone has to figure out what the heck Americans like to do with turkey in a post-Thanksgiving world. That job goes to the all-knowing National Turkey Federation, which charts both bird and industry with precision. Naturally, a reprise of the actual turkey dinner itself is the most popular, what with the siren call of hot turkey sandwiches bolstered with stuffing and gravy. That is, of course, unless Junior and Uncle Ralph didn't get to the turkey first. Published November 28, 2014
Inside the Beltway: The politics of Black Friday
Shopping spawns peculiar culture. One-out-of-10 Americans actually shop while they're drunk, for one thing - or they're sleepless not in Seattle but in the mall. A new survey from RetailMeNot, an online discount coupon distributor, found the 12 percent of Americans are buying while bombed. Yes, they've had a few before wandering the aisles. Another 36 percent report they are sleep-deprived - while other have retail fatigue. Published November 27, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Ronald Reagan’s ‘Anointed land’ — Thanksgiving, 1982
"Above all other nations of the world, America has been especially blessed and should give special thanks." Published November 26, 2014
Libertarian Party lashes out at the newly warlike Rand Paul
Some are not happy with Sen. Rand Paul’s recent resolution for a declaration of war against the Islamic State. Published November 26, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Is Hillary Clinton ready for the White House
It is a lot of work to be a larger-than-life public figure, particularly one who has become a symbol for an entire political party. Such is the case, perhaps, with Hillary Rodham Clinton, who has been first lady, U.S. senator, Secretary of State and now global-minded motivational speaker with an infatuated grass-roots following and some tall orders to live up to. Published November 25, 2014
Poll: Americans not so keen on ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses’
Many Americans recall the verse "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" inscribed on the base of the Statue of Library, and written by poet Emma Lazarus in "A New Colossus," her poem of 1883. Eight-out-of-10 Americans say these sentiments applied in the past, notes a YouGov poll released Monday. Do we still believe these words today? Well, not particularly. Published November 25, 2014
Schumer’s advice to Democrats: To win in 2016, embrace big government
As policy director for the Democratic Party, Sen. Charles Schumer promised to diagnose what went wrong for Democrats in the midterm elections. On Tuesday morning, he explained all at the National Press Club. The New York lawmaker said voters blamed the Democratic Party for a string of monumental government failures. But that's no excuse to give up on government, he cautioned - and an all-embracing government is the key to a 2016 White House win. Published November 25, 2014
Despite PETA protests, the White House turkey pardoning to go on
The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals tried their best, but the White House turkey pardoning will go on as scheduled in Wednesday in the Rose Garden before a bank of cameras, journalists, amused officials and cautious turkey handlers. The activist group previously reached out to First Daughters Malia and Sasha, pleading with them to become vegans and intercede on behalf of the pair of turkeys, who hail from Ohio. The group considers the ceremony offensive, and a promotion for poultry breeders. Published November 25, 2014
