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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

Former President Donald Trump is seen here during an appearance at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., on June 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Trump continues to dominate GOP primary polls, plus a lesson for Christie

"Trump has a big lead over rivals: 57% of potential Republican primary voters back Trump for the party's 2024 presidential nomination, a slight decline from an all-time high of 61% in mid-May. Despite the small dip in support, Trump is still well ahead of DeSantis, his closest competitor who is backed by 20% of the party's electorate," writes Eli Yokley, an analyst for Morning Consult, the pollster behind the numbers. Published June 21, 2023

What once was: In this March 3, 2016 file photo, Republican presidential candidates, businessman Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich appear during a Republican presidential primary debate at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) **FILE**

Fox News names moderators for first 2024 GOP presidential debate

The race is on. Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will co-moderate the first Republican presidential primary debate of the 2024 election, according to an announcement from Fox News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace, shared with Inside the Beltway on Tuesday. Published June 20, 2023

In this Aug. 18, 2020, file photo, Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson adjusts the American flag hanging off his front porch in Appleton, Wis. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

From corporations to sports teams, Americans prefer ‘unwoke’

"Companies, schools, amusement parks and even professional sports teams that have gone 'woke' and adopted 'diversity, equity and inclusion' measures are alienating many customers, leading to a drop in business, reports indicate. The latest Issues & Answers/TIPP Poll shows why: A strong plurality of Americans oppose such social activism rather than support it," according to Terry Jones, an analyst for Issues & Insights, a news and opinion site. Published June 19, 2023

Vivek Ramaswamy speaks with supporters at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, Friday, March 3, 2023, at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

GOP presidential hopeful Ramaswamy defends ‘nationalism’

Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy continues to make frequent appearances in the media, and Sunday was no exception. "Fox News Sunday" host Shannon Bream was curious if the candidate was uncomfortable being called a "nationalist" or an "American nationalist" in recent media coverage. "To me, nationalism doesn't have to be a bad word. It means we stand for the ideals that set this nation into motion 250 years ago -- meritocracy, the pursuit of excellence, the rule of law, free speech and open debate, self-governance," Mr. Ramaswamy replied. Published June 18, 2023

Talk radio continues to be a force in the media world. There are those who excel on the airwaves, however — including the “Heavy Hundred” list  of hosts whose on-air work includes “courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, public service, talent and uniqueness.” (Image from Shutterstock)

Talkers magazine names the rulers of talk radio

Talk radio continues to be a force in the media world. There are those hosts, however, who excel on the airwaves. Talkers, a news organization that covers this specialized field, has just named the "Heavy Hundred" -- a list of those current hosts whose on-air work includes "courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, public service, talent and uniqueness." Published June 15, 2023

Then-President Trump hugs the American flag as he arrives to speak at Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md. on March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Trump’s 2020 proclamation on Flag Day

Wednesday is Flag Day. Let's recall -- for a few moments, anyway -- what then-President Donald Trump had to say in a written proclamation issued on June 14, 2020: Published June 13, 2023

President Ronald Reagan (Image courtesy of the Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library)

Conservatism: Alive, well and even growing

Social conservatives may get some more company in the near future. And that company would come from other conservatives. So says a Gallup Poll, with lots of numbers. Published June 12, 2023

A Man talks on his phone as he looks through the haze at the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee, N.J., Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Media pounces on smoke enveloping the East Coast

Media coverage of smoke was abundant in the last 48 hours, and no wonder. The effect of smoke from Canadian wildfires sparked much press coverage -- and no wonder. There was much to write about.. Published June 7, 2023

Former President Donald Trump greets supporters before speaking at the Westside Conservative Breakfast, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Speculation and polling about Trump’s running mate

Former President Donald Trump is already established as a major player in the 2024 presidential race. His choice of a running mate will be a crucial factor in his campaign. But who will be Mr. Trump's choice as second-in-command? That subject is already a source of interest to pollsters. For starters, here's a NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ survey which gauges the appeal of Mr. Trump's potential partners. Published June 6, 2023

From left, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, businessman Donald Trump and surgeon Ben Carson, participate in a debate for Republican presidential hopefuls in Boulder, Colo., Oct. 28, 2015. It's been more than seven years since the 2016 presidential campaign, and Republicans are still trying to figure out how to run against Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

It’s debatable: Who will participate in GOP presidential debates?

The Republican National Committee has revealed that the party's first presidential primary debate will take place Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. That's a mere 78 days away as of Tuesday -- and it will signal that the much-ballyhooed 2024 election season is upon us. But who will be on the stage for that event? It's complicated. Published June 5, 2023

Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott delivers his speech announcing his candidacy for president of the United States on the campus of Charleston Southern University in North Charleston, S.C., Monday, May 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Tim Scott to make case to hosts and audience of ‘The View’

"I'm going to be a guest on 'The View' this coming Monday. After co-host Whoopi Goldberg said I have 'Clarence Thomas syndrome' as a Black Republican and after co-host Joy Behar said I'm a Republican because I 'don't get' the idea of racism, I'm sure it's going to be exciting television," Sen. Tim Scott said in a written statement issued by his campaign. Published June 4, 2023

On July 3, 2020, then President Donald Trump offered a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, near Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Trump plans patriotic surprise for America’s 250th birthday

"President Trump pledges to honor America's founding in 1776 with a full year of celebration. President Trump will on Day One convene a White House task force called 'Salute to America 250,' responsible for coordinating with state and local governments to ensure an entire year of festivities across the country from Memorial Day 2025 to July 4th, 2026," according to a written guide summarizing Mr. Trump's master plan, released by his campaign Thursday. Published June 1, 2023

President Trump stands in front of microphones as he speaks to members of the news media on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, before boarding Marine One. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Media blames Republicans again — this time on national-debt limit

Biased broadcast news coverage of the Republican Party persists, according to a new study from the Media Research Center. The long-standing liberal leanings of the major broadcast networks -- ABC, CBS and NBC -- emerged this week in coverage of the nation's economy. Published May 31, 2023

Sen. Josh Hawley has penned a new book titled “Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs,” published by Regnery.  “All is not well with men in America. And that spells trouble for the American republic,” the author wrote. (Image courtesy of Regnery Publishing)

Hot-selling new Josh Hawley book focuses on manhood

A Missouri Republican has penned a new book that is holding its own in the publishing world. Sen. Josh Hawley is the author, and here's the telling title of the lawmaker's new offering: "Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs," published by Regnery. Published May 30, 2023

Former President Donald Trump during the LIV Golf Pro-Am at Trump National Golf Club, Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Sterling, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump campaign ad calls out ‘Trump imposters’

Former President Donald Trump remains a nimble candidate in the 2024 presidential race. Consider his newest campaign spot, a one-minute production released Monday -- complete with urgent music, dynamic graphics and video footage, plus a straightforward pitch. "The Washington establishment politicians like to talk about how they can be just like Donald Trump. The truth? There's only one Donald Trump." Published May 29, 2023

In this Jan. 13, 1945 file photo, and provided by the U.S. Army, American soldiers of the 347th U.S. Infantry wear heavy winter gear as they receive rations in La Roche, Belgium. (U.S. Army, via AP, File)

Remembering Ronald Reagan’s Memorial Day message

Let's return to May 27, 1985. That was the day President Ronald Reagan issued "Proclamation 5330," which asked the nation to pray for "permanent peace" on Memorial Day and also referenced the end of World War II some four decades earlier. Published May 28, 2023