Jake Tapper, American journalist and author
Jacob Paul Tapper, widely known as Jake Tapper, is a prominent figure in American media, celebrated for his versatile career as a journalist, author, and even a cartoonist. Born on March 12, 1969, Tapper has carved out a distinguished path, particularly as a leading anchor for CNN, where his incisive reporting and moderation skills have made him a household name.

A Distinguished Career in Journalism

Currently, Jake Tapper holds the prestigious position of lead Washington anchor for CNN, a role that places him at the forefront of national political discourse. He helms two significant programs: the weekday news show The Lead with Jake Tapper, which offers an in-depth look at the day's top stories and often breaks exclusive news, and the revered Sunday morning public affairs program State of the Union, where he engages with policymakers and newsmakers on critical national and international issues. Before his impactful tenure at CNN, Tapper honed his journalistic prowess at ABC News. There, as Senior White House Correspondent, he earned considerable acclaim, including three coveted Merriman Smith Memorial Awards from the White House Correspondents' Association, an organization recognizing excellence in presidential news coverage and reporting from the Oval Office. His contributions to major historical events were also recognized; he played a pivotal role in the coverage of President Obama's inauguration, which garnered an Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Coverage of a Current News Story, a testament to the exceptional quality of their real-time reporting on this historic event. Furthermore, Tapper was part of the esteemed team that received an Edward R. Murrow Award for Video: Breaking News for their comprehensive coverage titled "Target bin Laden: The Death of Public Enemy #1," highlighting his involvement in reporting on one of the most significant national security events of recent times.

Beyond Broadcast: An Accomplished Author and Influential Moderator

Beyond his broadcast work, Jake Tapper has also established himself as an accomplished author. His critically acclaimed book, The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor, made a significant splash, debuting at number 10 in November 2012 on The New York Times Best Seller list for hardback non-fiction—a clear indicator of its widespread appeal and importance, offering readers a gripping account of a harrowing battle in Afghanistan. This powerful narrative, coupled with his dedicated reporting on veterans and troops, earned him the esteemed "Tex" McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, underscoring his commitment to telling vital stories that honor American service members. Tapper's influence extends deeply into political journalism through his moderation of high-profile debates. In September 2015, he moderated a Republican primary debate that captivated more than 23 million viewers, making it the most-watched program in CNN's history and the second-most watched primary debate ever—a monumental achievement in live television that showcased his ability to manage intense political discussions. He followed this success by moderating another key Republican presidential debate in Miami on March 10, 2016, which drew almost 12 million viewers. This debate, according to industry publication Variety, "garnered acclaim for its substance," further solidifying Tapper's reputation as a fair, insightful, and impactful moderator capable of guiding substantive discussions that inform the American public.

FAQs about Jake Tapper

Who is Jake Tapper?

Jake Tapper is a highly respected American journalist, author, and cartoonist. He is best known as the lead Washington anchor for CNN and the host of both The Lead with Jake Tapper and State of the Union.

When was Jake Tapper born?

Jake Tapper was born on March 12, 1969.

What are Jake Tapper's most famous roles?

He is most famous for his prominent roles at CNN as the lead Washington anchor and host of the flagship programs The Lead and State of the Union. Prior to CNN, he was a Senior White House Correspondent for ABC News.

Has Jake Tapper won any awards?

Yes, Jake Tapper is an award-winning journalist with numerous accolades. His awards include three Merriman Smith Memorial Awards, an Emmy Award for his coverage of the Obama inauguration, and an Edward R. Murrow Award for his reporting on the death of Osama bin Laden. He also received the prestigious "Tex" McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism for his work on veterans' stories and his book.

What book did Jake Tapper write?

Jake Tapper is the author of the best-selling non-fiction book The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor, which debuted at number 10 on The New York Times Best Seller list.

What debates has Jake Tapper moderated?

He famously moderated a Republican primary debate in September 2015, which set a record as CNN's most-watched program ever, and another high-profile Republican presidential debate in Miami in March 2016.