A list of President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees for Cabinet positions suggests strongly that he envisions the U.S. Cabinet playing a very different role from those that key appointees have …

I played a role in a movie three weeks ago, without even so much as a screen test. Well, technically speaking, I suppose, I didn’t actually debut on the big screen. It was more of an …

President-elect Donald Trump after securing victory in the 2024 election: “It’s time to put the division of the past four years behind us. It’s time to unite. And we’re going …

What effect will the 2024 election have on the immigration situation? I’m writing this column on Sunday before the Tuesday election, so I don’t know its outcome. But the outlines of …

Pundits are fond of saying that elections are about the economy, and people’s relationship to it. “It’s the economy, stupid” and all that. It may be true — but …

Monday, Oct. 14, the state of Iowa observed Indigenous Peoples Day (traditionally   called Columbus Day), in recognition of the roles native tribes have played in the state’s history and …

Where are today’s Menachem Begins and Anwar Sadats? Or Yitzhak Rabins and Yasser Arafats? Without leaders of their stature and their willingness to compromise for the good of their people, …

Most Americans believe in democracy — or say they do. The United States operates as a representative democracy. That means we elect leaders to do the work of governing, and we get to vote for …

This is a nostalgia column. When you’re 83, you’re allowed some nostalgia, provided you can remember what you’re nostalgic about. And that it has some relevance to the current …

I’ve been muddling through some thoughts about national politics after the Nov. 5 election. I will no doubt have more, but this week I have one for each party. FOR REPUBLICANS: …

The fatal school shootings in Perry in early January took place eight months ago. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has concluded its investigation of the tragic incident and turned it over …

The United States is often described as exceptional — an “exceptional nation.” It’s a favorite expression for officeholders and those who strive to become so. Is the …

Republicans, who control the Iowa House, the Iowa Senate, and the Iowa governorship, make no secret of their intent to entirely eliminate the state’s income tax. It probably won’t happen …

Did the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Trump v. United States hold that American presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for all actions they take while in office? No. …

During the “Progressive Period” in American history — two decades or so, from roughly 1896 until 1917 — a number of states adopted the “initiative” and …

Question: When is a bribe not a bribe, but a thank-you gift? Answer: When it’s paid after the fact, not before. So says the U.S. Supreme Court. Here’s the setup: In 2012 …

American government officials and political players regularly declare something to be “unacceptable.”   Russia’s attack on Ukraine is unacceptable. Hamas’ attack on …

You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, Know when to fold ‘em, Know when to walk away, And know when to run. — Kenny Rogers, “The Gambler” …

Political platforms occupy a unique place in American politics. While they possess no real power over their parties’ candidates, they do offer evidence of how their parties’ supporters …

Fifteen inches of rain in Northwest Iowa. Unbelievable. We don’t have drenchers like that in this state. But we did. Most of us remember well the eight, nine, or ten inches (depending on …