“Engaging with China is clearly one of our most important relationships in the world,” Hughes said.

According to Grayson, the applicant pool this semester was one of the most competitive in recent years. But he said he was not surprised by the increased interest in the program since many of the journalists who applied had just finished covering political campaigns during the 2012 election year.

“I’ve covered seven presidential races. I have experience covering the nation. I take pride in getting out of Washington and traveling the country,” King said.

Cook, known for publishing the Cook Political Report which analyzes congressional race, also brings a knowledge of national politics. King described him as “an encyclopedia of Congress.”

As leading political experts, the spring 2013 rotation of IOP fellows will likely face tough questions. At least one fellow has set her aims high for her stay at Harvard.

“I was so privileged to have the opportunity to serve my country and I want to have the opportunity to give back and inspire the next generation,” said Hughes. “There’s a lot of discussion about the role of women in politics and how we can expand that role.”

—Staff writer David W. Kaufman can be reached at davidkaufman@college.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Steven R. Watros can be reached at watros@college.harvard.edu.