During his time as a UPI reporter Rosen covered the collapse of Soviet rule. Later, he began to cover American politics, including the interactions and friction between Senator Jesse Helms and President Bill Clinton. His 1994 article quoting Helms saying Clinton would need a bodyguard if he came to North Carolina prompted congressional hearings and a Secret Service investigation. Rosen's 1996 article about Rep. Fred Heineman claiming he was middle class prompted ridicule in Congress with posters displayed in the House of Representatives. The comment was used in TV political ads against Heineman and were attributed to causing his re-election defeat.