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Jennifer Harper

Jennifer Harper

jharper@washingtontimes.com

Jennifer Harper wrote the daily Inside the Beltway column for The Washington Times.

Articles by Jennifer Harper

Security lines at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta stretch more than an hour-long amid the partial federal shutdown, causing some travelers to miss flights, Monday morning, Jan. 14, 2019. (John Spink/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) ** FILE **

Whoops: Passengers left $926,030 in loose change at airport checkpoints says TSA

In a rush at the airport security checkpoint? Don't forget your change. Airline passengers left $926,030 in loose coins at airport screening checkpoints in fiscal year 2019, according to a new report from the Transportation and Security Administration. That money included almost $19,000 in foreign currency.

August 23, 2020
Singer and actress Cher stops to talk to media in Provincetown, Mass. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Cher volunteers to work at post office, gets rejected

Music icon Cher has spent several days on social media, citing President Trump's refusal to provide $25 billion in aid for the troubled U.S. Postal Service. On Wednesday, the pop star revealed on Twitter that she volunteered to work at her local post office in Malibu, California. She was rejected.

August 19, 2020
Numerous critics have noted that the Democratic National Convention and presidential hopeful Joseph R. Biden are lacking in making a memorable impression or an emotional effect on voters. (Associated Press)

Inside the Beltway: Lackluster Democrats mar their message

One thing to remember about President Trump: He is a canny, savvy showman, with unparalleled media and entertainment experience. That is an asset which could help Mr. Trump pick up the support of undecided, independent or disinterested voters when election day comes.

August 19, 2020
In this image from video, Eva Longoria, serving as moderator, speaks during the first night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)

Inside the Beltway: The Democratic infomercial continues

The virtual presidential convention has debuted at last, and the reviews are not too promising. The coronavirus pandemic prevents any live interactions during this normally bustling, free-wheeling political event. Democratic Party campaign gurus have responded to the challenge by assembling a carefully calibrated, nightly array of pre-packaged speeches, video segments and entertainment acts which will grind on until Thursday, when Joseph R. Biden officially accepts his role as White House hopeful.

August 18, 2020
Diamond and SIlk have written a candid new book which reinforces their love of country and steadfast support of President Trump. (Image courtesy of Regnery Books)

Diamond and Silk’s candid new book offers steadfast praise for Donald Trump

A new book arrives Tuesday: "Uprising: Who the Hell Said You Can't Ditch and Switch? -- the Awakening of Diamond and Silk," penned by Diamond and Silk, two sisters who became a positive force for President Trump through their clear messaging, forthright style and sheer gumption. The book offers a candid review about their experiences and the wisdom that emerged from them.

August 18, 2020
President Donald Trump speaks during a briefing with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Broadcast coverage of Trump 95% negative, according to new study

Negative press coverage of President Trump has worsened. Since 2016, previous studies from analysts at the Media Research Center revealed that press coverage of Mr. Trump on major broadcast networks was 91% negative. It has gotten worse. A new study released Monday found that the coverage is now 95% negative.

August 17, 2020
The media is already at work on the Democratic National Convention, which only has a "virtual" stage due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Democratic National Convention Committee)

Inside the Beltway: Caution: Democratic Convention ahead

Batten down the hatches. The Democratic National Convention begins Monday starring former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Sen. Kamala D. Harris and a proverbial cast of thousands, eagerly chronicled by a mostly affectionate news media.

August 16, 2020
In this Jan. 9, 2020, file photo, President Donald Trump points as he arrives to speak at a campaign rally, in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/ Jacquelyn Martin, File)  **FILE**

Blacks, Latinos, workers, cops: Trump campaign boasts 20 diverse voter coalitions

As the presidential race intensifies President Trump's campaign continues to organize grassroots interest groups peopled with motivated voters. The campaign now boasts 20 separate voter coalitions including among others, military vets, Blacks, Latinos, Democrats, mothers, workers, Greek-Americans, sheriffs and lawyers.

August 14, 2020
Former “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd says he is leaving NBC News. (Associated Press, File)

Inside the Beltway: Chuck Todd gets an unexpected challenge

Let us consider NBC's "Meet the Press," which is the longest running TV program in U.S. history. It debuted in 1947 and has been moderated by a host of significant notables, including Roger Mudd, Marvin Kalb, Tim Russert and Tom Brokaw.

August 13, 2020
One analyst says calling the Democratic presidential ticket moderate is inaccurate because Sen. Kamala D. Harris supported progressive bills. (Associated Press)

Inside the Beltway: Biden, Harris masquerade as ‘centrists’

There aren't enough fancy words to cover all the emerging political hybrids these days. Take Joseph R. Biden and Kamala D. Harris, the Democratic foes of President Trump in the White House race. Much of the news media have declared them to be either "moderate" or "centrist," implying that the pair are situated in the cozy middle of in the political spectrum.

August 12, 2020
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (Associated Press)

Inside the Beltway: America has not forgotten Sarah Palin

The press, pollsters and political strategists are currently at fever pitch now that Joseph R. Biden has made his choice of running mate. That would be Sen. Kamala D. Harris. What next? While interest, melodrama and speculation builds, the nation appears to be revisiting one woman who has already been there and done that.

August 11, 2020
This combination photo shows, from left, Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity. Their shows currently draw the most viewers according to Nielsen Media Research, helping propel Fox News to tthe top of the ratings for consecutive 45 months. (AP Photo)

Inside the Beltway: The New York Times discovers Fox News

It took a while. But The New York Times is now "woke" about the significance of Fox News and its consistent astronomical ratings, massive audiences and relentless programming that resonates with millions of viewers. Fox News, in fact, has been the top-rated cable news network for 18 consecutive years. The Gray Lady has acknowledged the network -- and it is a telling cultural moment.

August 10, 2020