Jennifer Harper
Articles by Jennifer Harper
Rising food prices swaying the midterm vote
Many shoppers have grim expressions on their faces as they confront the ever-increasing prices of their favorite food items. Consider that the overall price of food rose by 8.3% in the last year, according to the latest consumer price index. But can that pricey bacon and eggs or fresh produce sway the election? Published October 3, 2022
Where the money went
President Biden's $2 trillion American Rescue Plan was introduced some 500 days ago -- on Feb. 19, 2021, to be exact. That anniversary prompted Rep. Jason Smith, the top Republican on the House Budget Committee, to take a close peek at where the money actually went since that day. Published October 2, 2022
Trump rejoins Forbes’ list of America’s richest people
Former President Donald Trump is still "extremely rich," according to Forbes, which also has some news about his stature in the world of the wealthy. Published September 29, 2022
The 10 Senate races to watch on Election Night
Some political bouts warrant more attention than others. "Control of the U.S. Senate will end up a much closer margin than some polls or analysts are predicting. Among the ten most competitive races in the country, there are probably just five where Senate control hangs in the balance," predicts Nate Ashworth, founder of ElectionCentral.com, a news site. Published September 28, 2022
Student-debt cancellation prompts demands on medical debt too
Some believe the White House and the Democratic Party are in the mood to be generous, just in time for the midterm elections. We already know that President Biden has canceled some student loan debt. But what about the lofty medical bills that plague many people? Published September 27, 2022
Lack of border security turning 2022 into ‘the fentanyl election’
Two seasoned commentators are both citing a public threat that they believe has been enhanced and enabled by the open-border policy favored by many members of the Democratic Party, not to mention the White House. Published September 26, 2022
The historical CIA goes on display for 75th anniversary
The Central Intelligence Agency has a very significant history. Its predecessor -- the Office of Strategic Services -- rumbled to life during World War II, populated by innovative, savvy, and fearless men and women who undermined and defeated some formidable foes of the day. Published September 25, 2022
The Democrats’ ‘woke baggage’ called their biggest problem
"The biggest problem with the Democrats is their woke baggage," HBO host Bill Maher told Variety. Published September 22, 2022
Media goes nuclear in reports on Putin’s threats
These are not the kind of headlines anyone wants to see. They are out there however, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning Wednesday that he might resort to nuclear weapons as the situation with Ukraine grows dire. Here's just a few from the last 24 hours: Published September 21, 2022
Pompeo explains the perils of Biden’s three Ws
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is very serious about his public message these days, an indicator that he could have his eye on a White House run in 2024. Published September 20, 2022
The Martha’s Vineyard migrants and a sudden case of snobbery
The sudden arrival of 50 migrants in Martha's Vineyard in recent days caused an uncomfortable rustling among locals who were not so keen on the idea. The migrants were quickly transported to a military facility on nearby Cape Cod. Published September 19, 2022
The queen’s favorite songs ranged from hymns to Fred Astaire
The world formally bids a respectful and affectionate farewell to Queen Elizabeth II on Monday during her state funeral -- forecast to draw a record-breaking worldwide audience of 4.1 billion, according to Wired.com, an industry source. In the meantime, Inside the Beltway adds this addendum to the mix -- a list of Her Majesty's 10 favorite songs, as compiled by the BBC in 2016. Published September 18, 2022
New book pays tribute to Rush Limbaugh
Those who miss their daily talk-radio date with the late Rush Limbaugh have something to look forward to. A new book soon will arrive titled "Radio's Greatest of All Time" which presents a collection of his most iconic on-air moments, speeches and personal audio recordings -- as curated by his widow Kathryn Adams Limbaugh and his brother, David Limbaugh. Published September 15, 2022
The grass grows greener
Time has marched on since the ancient days of the hippie generation -- back in the 1960s when the young and restless gathered in secret spots to smoke marijuana -- illegal at the time. Published September 14, 2022
Many hesitate about GOP in midterms over ‘feckless’ message
The Republican Party needs to ramp up its election outreach or lose voter support, at least according to a very succinct survey. Indeed, the proverbial Grand Old Party may not be so grand right now. The GOP's popular appeal is not resonating with voters as the clock relentlessly ticks towards Election Day. Published September 13, 2022
Advice from voters to politicians: Leave office by age 70
It's a very touchy subject on Capitol Hill, in the White House, in state capitals and at town halls. When should an aging politician take a dignified bow and leave the public stage? Americans have spoken. Published September 12, 2022
The great food reset
Marc Morano -- founder of the watchdog site Climate Depot -- points out that the global press is abuzz with news that snack chips made from crickets are now available. Print and broadcast coverage is now featuring school children crunching away on the uh, chips -- accompanied by supportive commentary from reporters and academic experts. Published September 11, 2022
Melania Trump’s editorial on her foster-children initiative
A certain former first lady has been busy these days. Melania Trump has penned an op-ed for Fox News headlined "Education is the key to innovation and individual exceptionalism," which details her efforts to help foster children and draw attention to the state of education in the U.S. Published September 8, 2022
California’s heated discussion
It was not so long ago that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi caught some criticism for the size of her luxury refrigerator -- a $24,0000 stainless steel Sub-Zero model full of fancy ice cream brands. She displayed them in the middle of a COVID-19 lockdown on April 21, 2020, during an appearance on "The Late Late Show with James Corden." Progressives and Republicans alike faulted her for the insensitive display of pricey goodies inside a pricey refrigerator during dire times. Published September 7, 2022
Pelosi to become ambassador to Italy after the midterms?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would like to become the ambassador to Italy after the midterm elections are over, according to Fox Business Network anchor Maria Bartiromo in a report filed Tuesday. Published September 6, 2022