Jennifer Harper
Articles by Jennifer Harper
The American Conservative Union muscles up with nine new board members
There's new blood at the American Conservative Union, which has expanded its board of directors by nine; the distinguished population now includes a pollster, former lawmakers and strategically minded folk with an eye on key voter demographics. Published May 19, 2014
Chris Christie gets fierce and presidential over America’s role in the world
The glittering Manhattan event with Republican mega-donor Sheldon Adelson is over. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's promising press reviews about his keynote speech at the gathering continue. He struck a fierce, presidential and emotionally charged pose before a very influential audience, speaking out about America's role in the world, and in the future. Published May 19, 2014
Inside the Beltway: New York Times accused of media hypocrisy
This is what happens when a news organization has positioned itself to be the nation's role model in all things media. The New York Times insists that fairness, integrity and truth make up its standards. There is a 57-page guide to "ethical journalism" for employees, a "commitment" to diversity and let us not forget the 117-year-old motto declaring "all the news that's fit to print." Published May 18, 2014
Sheldon Adelson, Chris Christie, Rick Perry have a get together
There was a red carpet, good will and a certain intensity about this event, which brings together a noteworthy but unusual combination of luminaries. And it could be a step on the comeback trail for a certain New Jersey governor... and a chance for a presidential posture or two from his Texas counterpart. Published May 16, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Oh woe is The New York Times
Alas. Whenever The New York Times has troubles, a certain giddy schadenfreude descends upon onlookers who relish the spectacle. This time, The Times has had a seismic disturbance on par with the plagiarism episode 11 years ago that yielded resignations at the highest levels and prompted management to call all 1,200 employees together to talk about it. For hours. Published May 15, 2014
Oh, the charm in the middle: The nation’s first centrist PAC launches
Voter vexation with elected officials is the worst on record according to a new Gallup poll. But wait. Now on the political landscape, and a timely launch it is: here comes the Centrist Project Voice, “the first political action committee supporting candidates poised to set aside partisan politics." Published May 15, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Rare breed — lawmakers who are military vets
They are a rare breed — and a precious one. There are currently 108 members of Congress who are military veterans: 88 in the House, 18 in the Senate. Between them, these Capitol Hill vets have fought in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan Iraq and Kosovo and also served in peacetime. Published May 14, 2014
Al Gore insists the Koch brothers are behind Republican climate skepticism
Al Gore contends that entrepreneurial brothers Charles and David Koch hold severe sway over the GOP's opinion of environmental matters. The pair have "cowed" Republicans, to the point that they're reluctant to speak their minds, he says. Published May 14, 2014
Legalize pot? The majority of Christians just say no, poll finds
"Legalize It? A majority of Christians say no to recreational pot," reports the Barna Group, an independent research organization that also polled opinions on the moral aspect of weed, its legalization and the burgeoning new lifestyle that is emerging in some states where laws have been relaxed.. Published May 14, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Pot’s not a Christian thing
"Legalize it? A majority of Christians say no to recreational pot," reports the Barna Group, an independent research organization that also polled opinions on the moral aspect of weed, its legalization and the burgeoning new lifestyle that is emerging in some states where laws have been relaxed. Published May 13, 2014
Attention Democrats: majority of likely voters condemn individual mandate in Obamacare
New from the Family Research Council: a pivotal poll finds the majority of Americans disagree with the contraception mandate found in ObamaCare that requires health plans to provide "all FDA approved contraceptives, including drugs that can destroy a human embryo, and sterilization services." Published May 13, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Enchanted by political image alone
Politicians and political parties may be a little too preoccupied with the business of branding themselves, heeding opinion polls, micro-targeting voters and megamarketing the message. Their real appeal may be getting lost in the turmoil. Published May 12, 2014
Boehner on Benghazi investigation: ‘I don’t want a sideshow’
The din over the Republican investigation of the Benghazi terrorist attacks will only grow louder as incensed Democrats and their pundit pals complain that the probe is a political publicity stunt. House Speaker John Boehner, intent on reinforcing his role as a Republican leader, is calling everyone to order, however. Published May 12, 2014
Inside the Beltway: A whole book on the ‘I word’
A certain book will be published on June 3 that appears to give the Democratic Party pause. That would be "Faithless Execution: Building the Political Case for Obama's Impeachment" by former federal prosecutor and conservative commentator Andrew C. McCarthy. Let the grappling begin. Published May 11, 2014
Rep. Tom Cotton condemns the ‘fake outrage’ of Democrats over Benghazi
Rep. Tom Cotton has a reminder for Democrats who criticize the GOP for Benghazi-related fundraising . The Arkansas Republican recalls that Democrats did the same, and much more. “ Published May 9, 2014
Ale Summit: Craft brewers insist a little lager could unite Republicans and Democrats
Maybe a nice summer ale could soothe the savage Congress. The nation's craft brewers think so. "Brewnited we stand" is the motto among the many independent makers of beer described as hoppy, earthy, malty, bready and nutty, among other things. These brewers are bustling, and their $34 billion presence will soon be known in the nation's capital. Published May 9, 2014
Inside the Beltway: New demographic — the ‘I oppose Obama’ voter
Researchers are tracking a new demographic entity for 2014 — a noticeable group of vexed voters who will arrive in the poll booth motivated by irritation and possibly payback. Published May 8, 2014
The Monica Media: A half million press mentions in 48 hours
Close to a half million press mentions in 48 hours. That's how much sway Monica Lewinsky still has on the news media. Stories, commentary, speculation and rumor mongering essentially exploded after Vanity Fair published an insta-memoir and essay by Miss Lewinsky, which she penned after more than a decade of mulling over her relationship with former President Bill Clinton. Published May 8, 2014
Inside the Beltway: Mesmerized media — Monica engulfs the press
The nation could have a case of Monica Lewinsky fatigue by the time Vanity Fair finally releases her complete insta-memoir and essay on Thursday, penned after more than a decade of mulling over her relationship with former President Bill Clinton. Published May 7, 2014
Media guru: The Democratic marketing strategy consists of ‘manic-depressive freaking out’
"Is manic-depressive freaking out a good marketing strategy for the Democrats? "asks Simon Dumenco, a media analyst for Ad Age who tracks the Party's excitable language. Published May 7, 2014
