As part of Politico Magazine’s Media Issue, Reid Cherlin profiles Jake Tapper, examining whether the anchor of “The Lead” is “CNN’s future — or it’s past.” Tapper, who joined CNN from ABC News last year, tells Cherlin how he incorporates his White House correspondent skills at the anchor desk:
“I still do a lot of reporting,” Tapper tells me, reclining in his office chair, his lunch salad untouched in front of him. “The White House will tell you that I besiege them with calls and complaints and accusations and whatever.” He smiles his trademark smile, more defiant than apologetic. “At more godly hours.” (As ABC’s correspondent, he was known around the White House press office for reliable 6:55 a.m. phone calls to make sure he had the very latest for his standup on Good Morning America at the top of the hour.) “We still hear from him a lot,” a White House official says, mentioning frequent emails. “Certainly more than any other cable host.” The official adds wryly: “He also seems to serve as his own booker.”