Few journalists in the nation's capital are unaware of Jake Tapper's equanimity and composure, his thick skin and imperviousness to criticism and slights.
Then there's the CNN anchor's grace under fire, his ability to triumph over adversity, and his quiet and humble advocacy for America's troops on Twitter, in bestselling books, and on the silver screen.
The unflappable Tapper has managed to seamlessly transition from Democratic flack—he began his career as spokesman for Rep. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky (Pa.), mother of Chelsea Clinton's hedge-fund hubby Marc—to a nonpartisan and unbiased newsman with an aplomb that has eluded lesser men.
Tapper's ascent to Man of the Year was buoyed by his enormous contributions to the important work of female empowerment in the promotion of Raise Your Hand. The book, written by Tapper's daughter Alice Paul Tapper, "illustrates her determination, bravery, and unwillingness to accept the status quo." L'dor v'dor!
For that and his many contributions to the happy state of our public discourse, Tapper is a Free Beacon Man of the Year.