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Jennifer Harper

Jennifer Harper

A graduate of Syracuse University, Jennifer Harper writes the daily Inside the Beltway column and provides additional coverage of breaking national news, plus long-term trends in politics, media issues, public opinion, popular culture, Hollywood foibles and “eureka” moments in health and science.

She has been a frequent broadcast commentator on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, C-SPAN, Voice of America, Citadel Broadcasting, Talk Radio Network and other news organizations. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., Ms. Harper grew up in Texas and arrived in Washington in time for Watergate -- and has been tracking the political and media landscape ever since.

She is an active member of the American Federation of TV Radio Artists and Screen Actors Guild. She has won 14 journalism awards during her years at The Washington Times.

To read Jennifer Harper's Inside the Beltway columns, click here. Contact her at jharper@washingtontimes.com.

Articles by Jennifer Harper

Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson will be in New York City the same day as President Obama but the chances of their paths crossing in Manhattan are probably nil. (Associated Press)

Inside the Beltway: Campaign theater

It is an unusual crossing of political paths, on a campaign trail that could only lead to New York City: President Obama and Libertarian Gary Johnson will both be in Manhattan on Tuesday. Published September 17, 2012

Artist Melissa Ichiuji has created “trophy heads” of political figures inspired by their rough treatment by the news media and their opponents. (Melissa Ichiuji)

Inside the Beltway: Low and lower

Oh, woe is Congress: A paltry 13 percent of Americans approve of the job lawmakers are doing, "the lowest Gallup has measured this late in an election year," says Gallup analyst Jeffrey Jones. This is not too comforting for Capitol Hill, where all House seats and roughly a third of Senate seats will be decided in November. Published September 16, 2012

Former Rep. Allen B. West, Florida Republican (Associated Press)

Inside the Beltway: What they value

Despite public vilification, those who champion traditional values remain stalwart on their issues. The Values Voter Summit, which begins Friday in the nation's capital, embraces subjects that rivet many Americans but often get short shrift. Published September 13, 2012

Will Hayden of Red Jacket Firearms starred in The Discovery Channel series "Sons of Guns" prior to his arrest for allegedly sexually molesting his daughter. (Discovery Channel)

Inside the Beltway: Republican reality check

Ask a Democrat about jobs and the economy, and they'll wallow in optimism, secure in the knowledge that things are just fine with President Obama in charge. Ask a Republican? The answer will be bleak, indeed. Published September 11, 2012

Inside the Beltway: Eastwood’s motto-matic

It's already a cultural force. Clint Eastwood's "empty chair" moment at the Republican National Convention drew Democratic derision but inspired enthusiastic Republicans. It's all a matter of "Eastwooding." Published September 10, 2012

The “Real Time With Bill Maher” host apologizes to former U.S. Senate hopeful Christine O’Donnell of Delaware on Friday in Los Angeles on his show. In 2010, when Miss O’Donnell was running for office, he used an earlier show video to hold her up to ridicule as a dabbler in witchcraft. She dismissed it as ancient history. (HBO via Associated Press)

Inside the Beltway: A Quayle’s eye view

Feisty former vice president Dan Quayle is cheerfully engaged in the presidential election, but is not without a cautionary tale. Published September 9, 2012

** FILE ** Singer Toby Keith has been entertaining members of the military for 10 years with USO shows. “I love our nation’s troops, and I won’t ever stop doing my part to extend my thanks,” he says. (Associated Press)

Inside the Beltway: Mr. Fix-It

Some Republicans fret he could siphon crucial votes away from Mitt Romney, but Libertarian presidential hopeful Gary E. Johnson is still charging down the campaign trail as a third-party candidate and raising enough money — more than $400,000 this week — to produce a slick new campaign video that paints him as a down-to-earth hero. Published September 6, 2012

The Rev. Sun Myung Moon shakes hands with President Richard M. Nixon on Feb 1, 1974. During the heart of the Watergate scandal, Moon bought newspaper ads asking Americans to "Forgive, Love and Unite" for the sake of a stronger country. Courtesy H.S.A.-U.W.C.

The Rev. Sun Myung Moon was ‘unifier on the world stage’

Peace was his focus, peace the lifelong theme of his preaching. Beyond a devotion to love and family, the third persistent theme in the teachings and ministry of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon was the search for ways to promote peace in the world, articulated in often surprising ways by a man who approached the theme through both lofty concept and down-to-earth practical application. Published September 2, 2012

Comedian and presidential impersonator Rich Little offered his own political views in a 1988 appearance on CBS: “I relate to both parties. I eat like an elephant and act like a jackass.” (Rich Little.com)

Inside the Beltway: Bashapalooza

Vilifying Republicans is a sport for some journalists, who continue to frame the Grand Old Party as a bunch of smug rich guys with a cold hearted agenda. The disconnect between the news coverage and the reality of the Republican National Convention is striking — and someone has quantified it. Published August 30, 2012

Michael Douglas (AP photo)

Inside the Beltway: Gipper casting

Rip Torn, Richard Crenna and James Brolin are among the many actors who portrayed President Ronald Reagan in one Hollywood production or another. Now add Michael Douglas to the list. Published August 29, 2012

Ann Romney and eldest son Tagg were the only two in the family who voted for another presidential run by the former Massachusetts governor. Yet those two votes out of 12 helped bring Mr. Romney to primary victories and ultimately to the nominating convention. (Associated Press)

‘Mittigator’ Ann Romney to make case for husband Mitt

She is a gracious warrior with a kind face, a polished demeanor and the inner mettle of a survivor. Ann Romney has been called the secret weapon of her husband's campaign, and he adores her: When Mitt Romney strides to the podium to introduce his wife of 43 years, he calls her "sweetheart." She smiles. The crowd goes crazy. Published August 27, 2012

** FILE ** Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, gavels open the abbreviated first session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Inside the Beltway: Priebus prowess

"I don't really care. If more than 10 people actually watched his show, I would actually care, but they don't, so, whatever." Published August 27, 2012

“The Hope & the Change,” produced by Citizens United founder David Bossie and writer-director Stephen K. Bannon, is based on 40 interviews with swing-state voters concerned about President Obama. (Citizens United)

Inside the Beltway: Hope and change, part 2

As "2016: Obama's America" took in $6 million over the weekend, another film is set to hit the public radar: "The Hope & the Change," produced by Citizens United founder David Bossie and writer-director Stephen K. Bannon, is based on 40 interviews with Democrats and independents in six swing states, all concerned about President Obama. Published August 26, 2012

Mitt Romney (left) and Donald Trump stump in Las Vegas in August. (Associated Press)

Inside the Beltway: Trumpalicious

To many, Donald Trump still cuts a striking presidential figure across the political landscape. No matter how much his critics squawk, Mr. Trump's fans remain convinced that the billionaire would still make a swell president. Published August 23, 2012

Tropical Storm Isaac, seen here Wednesday in a satellite image, is creating a cyclone of overblown news coverage as it relates to its possible impact on the Republican National Convention, which opens Monday in Tampa, Fla. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Inside the Beltway: The hurricane press

Run for the hills, call off the convention, give up the election. Why, a hurricane could, maybe, possibly, potentially, perhaps hit Tampa, Fla., some time in the next five days. Published August 22, 2012

Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Republican, will be feted at a “We are the Future” rally in Tampa, Fla., on the day before the start of the GOP convention there. Among the celebrants will be the son of the party’s 1964 presidential nominee. (Photo provided by Ron Paul campaign)

Inside the Beltway: Ron Paul’s big day

They're amassing: former Rep. Barry Goldwater Jr. is among those eager to celebrate Rep. Ron Paul at the "We Are the Future" rally, to be staged in Tampa, Fla., just 24 hours before the Republican National Convention rumbles to life. Published August 21, 2012

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus (left) and convention CEO William Harris on Monday unveil the stage for the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. The 40-by-60 foot stage cost a reported $2.5 million. (Associated Press)

Inside the Beltway: Baby credentials

Uh-oh: Mothers are vexed with the Democratic Party for its plan to "credential" infants at the Democratic National Convention next month in Charlotte, N.C., not to mention the lack of child care at the event. Published August 20, 2012