Explaining Trump’s big win in Iowa caucus

Explaining Trump’s big win in Iowa caucus

Jan 19, 2024

Des Moines — Even though it was the first time Republicans had voted in this presidential contest, there was a last-stand mentality here in Iowa among those who hoped to stop former President Donald Trump from reclaiming the Republican nomination. Their goal was to push the candidacy of Nikki Haley hard and hope that Haley, together with the fading Ron De-Santis, would not actually defeat Trump but keep him below 50% of the total vote. That way, they would argue that, in total, more GOP caucus voters had voted for someone other than Trump than voted for him.

FOOL US TWICE? SHAME ON US

FOOL US TWICE? SHAME ON US

Jan 18, 2024

Theoretically speaking, the United States will be having a presidential election in 2024. Everybody acts as if it’s a sure thing. Political “horse race” coverage dominates the news. Debates, rallies and candidate speeches take place. Newspapers and TV news outlets publish polling results every few days. Everybody’s familiar with the ritual, and everybody plays along.

Default babysitter wants a break at reunion

Default babysitter wants a break at reunion

Jan 17, 2024

DEAR HARRIETTE: As the eldest in my family, I’ve unintentionally become the default babysitter for my grandchildren, great-nieces, nephews and other younger family members during gatherings. This shift has made family reunions less enjoyable, as I anticipate being on constant babysitting duty.

Light box therapy one treatment plan for SAD

Light box therapy one treatment plan for SAD

Jan 17, 2024

Dear Doctors: Each year when we switch away from daylight saving time, I get that SAD thing. I start feeling low and eventually get depressed. Why does that happen? I’ve read there are special lights that can help and would like to know more about that.

Iowans set the political planets

Iowans set the political planets

Jan 17, 2024

The solar calendar tells us that, with the winter solstice swiftly receding, the days are getting longer. With Donald Trump winning Iowa caucuses Monday, the political calendar is getting shorter.

Wife doesn’t include spouse during family trip

Wife doesn’t include spouse during family trip

Jan 16, 2024

DEAR HARRIETTE: During a family trip with my in-laws this holiday season, everyone gathered, including my wife and her sister, brother-in-law and nephew. I’ve never been close to my wife’s family. They’ve made jokes insinuating that I’m snobbish due to our differing backgrounds. On Christmas Eve, I found out that there was a planned lunch to which everyone was invited except me. My wife mentioned they assumed I wouldn’t enjoy the food and decided I’d prefer my own plans.

Are we making progress in life?

Are we making progress in life?

Jan 16, 2024

According to Winston Churchill, “Perfection is the enemy of progress,” It’s the time of year when we try to do too much, change too quickly. Already expectations are lowering, and reality is setting in. The sky is gray, the temperatures cold, and I am coming to grips with the fact that I cannot eat toffee every day. (At least, not a lot of toffee every day.)

Good news yet in a bad mood

Good news yet in a bad mood

Jan 16, 2024

As the new year dawns, the American economy is in good shape. But the public is in a bad mood. That contradiction dominates our political life, and how voters untangle their feelings over the next 10 months could well decide the election in November.

Woman talks badly about friend new to the area

Woman talks badly about friend new to the area

Jan 13, 2024

DEAR HARRIETTE: I find myself in a difficult situation with a close friend I met when I moved to Minneapolis for my job two years ago. I need your advice on how to navigate this matter as I have only made a few friends in Minnesota, and I don’t want to lose one.

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