Republican candidates descend on Iowa State Fair for political beauty pageant


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The wait is finally over.

After all the shadowboxing, the contest to select a Republican candidate to take on US President Joe Biden is finally taking shape with a first debate taking place – albeit without the front-runner, Donald Trump – and candidates making their case in the first-to-vote state of Iowa.

A central fixture is the Iowa State Fair, where candidates are obliged to sample delicious but highly calorific fried food, and answer questions on issues ranging from ethanol subsidies to the Middle East.

Mr Trump made a flying visit to the fair, where he tried to upstage his closest challenger, Ron DeSantis

People from across the country head to the fair, many of them camping onsite for a week or more.

“The main focus of the 2024 elections will be domestic politics,” says Prof Sina Azodi, an expert on international relations at George Washington University.

But Prof Azodi says foreign affairs and national security also play a role.

Some of the questions candidates face will focus on the war in Ukraine as well as the perceived threat of China.

But issues connected to the Middle East – including US support for Israel, and cementing its relationship with Saudi Arabia – are also on the minds of at least some voters.

Mother and daughter Trump supporters Bee, right, and Katherine Sell at the Iowa State Fair. Photo: Andrew Buncombe
Mother and daughter Trump supporters Bee, right, and Katherine Sell at the Iowa State Fair. Photo: Andrew Buncombe

Iowa is not typical of the US. More than 65 per cent of Republican voters are evangelical Christians. In 2016, they split their support between Ted Cruz and Mr Trump, and overwhelmingly supported the latter in 2020.

A recent poll for the Des Moines Register puts Mr Trump on 42 per cent, Ron DeSantis on 19 per cent, Sen Tim Scott on 9 per cent, and Nikki Haley and Mike Pence at 6 per cent.

Mr Trump’s lead has increased since a series of indictments were levelled against him.

“I don’t think the Democrats are going to give up on him,” says Teresa Loops at the fair.

Mr Trump speaks often of his 2017 decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the US embassy there, ending decades of international consensus that the status of the city – sacred to several faiths – should be dealt with as part of a broader settlement.

Mr DeSantis, running a long second to Mr Trump, travelled to Israel this year to deliver a speech where he called the country “one of the most valued and trusted” allies of the US.

“We must reject those who reject Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state,” he said.

Mr Scott of South Carolina, an avowed conservative Christian, rarely speaks without quoting scripture.

At the fair, he was warmly received by conservatives.

“I was impressed by Tim Scott’s willingness to talk about his faith,” said Kimberly Kleckner, 65.

US Senator Tim Scott attends a long-standing Iowa fair tradition of political conversation with Governor Kim Reynolds. Photo: Andrew Buncombe
US Senator Tim Scott attends a long-standing Iowa fair tradition of political conversation with Governor Kim Reynolds. Photo: Andrew Buncombe

Another fair-goer, Joyce Vanderleest, 66, says she “will support whichever candidate supports Israel”.

Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations recently wrote it was possible to divide the Middle East between “Republican Party countries” and “Democratic Party causes”, with the first party allying itself to specific countries and the second identifying with the Iran nuclear deal and the Palestinians.

"Israel has moved into the pantheon of issues – along with the Second Amendment, low taxes, opposition to abortion, and a strong military – that are essential parts of Republican doctrine,” Mr Cook said.

The state fair in Iowa is said to be the third largest in the nation, after Texas and Minnesota. All are intended to display the traditions of the states.

Iowa, the nation’s largest producer of corn, is famous for its variety of fried food, the smell of which can sometimes be overpowering, especially on a hot day.

All political hopefuls are expected to taste at least some of it. Mr Scott said he was much taken by the funnel cake doughnuts served, as are many of the items, on a stick.

A tractor used for transport at the Iowa State Fair. Photo: Andrew Buncombe
A tractor used for transport at the Iowa State Fair. Photo: Andrew Buncombe

And it’s not only Republicans who show up. Democratic contenders Marianne Williamson and Robert F Kennedy Jr also spoke at the fair.

While they may not have been displaying their political loyalties as obviously as those of the supporters of Mr Trump, there were plenty of Iowans who believed he had it coming, in the form of his four indictments.

“Trump does not know the difference between a truth and a lie,” said Joe Yedlik, 75. “And he’s a bully. We teach children not to be bullies.”

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Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Director: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 4/5

Five ways to get fit like Craig David (we tried for seven but ran out of time)

Start the week as you mean to go on. So get your training on strong on a Monday.

Train hard, but don’t take it all so seriously that it gets to the point where you’re not having fun and enjoying your friends and your family and going out for nice meals and doing that stuff.

Think about what you’re training or eating a certain way for — don’t, for example, get a six-pack to impress somebody else or lose weight to conform to society’s norms. It’s all nonsense.

Get your priorities right.

And last but not least, you should always, always chill on Sundays.

The Bio

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity

CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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Cherry

Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo

Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo

1/5

While you're here
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
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What is a robo-adviser?

Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.

These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.

Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.

Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.

What went into the film

25 visual effects (VFX) studios

2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots

1,000 VFX artists

3,000 technicians

10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers

New sound technology, named 4D SRL

 

Results

2.30pm: Park Avenue – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Rb Seqondtonone, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)

3.05pm: Al Furjan – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bosphorus, Dane O’Neill, Bhupat Seemar

3.40pm: Mina – Rated Condition (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Royal Mews, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar

4.15pm: Aliyah – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,900m; Winner: Ursa Minor, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash

4.50pm: Riviera Beach – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 2,200m; Winner: Woodditton, Saif Al Balushi, Ahmad bin Harmash

5.25pm: Riviera – Handicap (TB) Dh2,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Al Madhar, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

6pm: Creek Views – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Al Salt, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021

Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.

Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.

Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.

Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.

Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.

Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.

Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”

Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI. 

The Land between Two Rivers: Writing in an Age of Refugees
Tom Sleigh, Graywolf Press

'Champions'

Director: Manuel Calvo
Stars: Yassir Al Saggaf and Fatima Al Banawi
Rating: 2/5
 

If%20you%20go
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Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures

Monday, Sept 30

Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)

Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)

OPENING FIXTURES

Saturday September 12

Crystal Palace v Southampton

Fulham v Arsenal

Liverpool v Leeds United

Tottenham v Everton

West Brom v Leicester

West Ham  v Newcastle

Monday  September 14

Brighton v Chelsea

Sheffield United v Wolves

To be rescheduled

Burnley v Manchester United

Manchester City v Aston Villa

The specs

Engine: 2.2-litre, turbodiesel

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Power: 160hp

Torque: 385Nm

Price: Dh116,900

On sale: now

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

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Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

WHAT%20IS%20'JUICE%20JACKING'%3F
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SPECS
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Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Gurm, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Al Nafece, Al Muatasm Al Balushi, Mohammed Ramadan

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adrie de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel

6.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Ottoman, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7pm: Liwa Oasis – Group 2 (PA) 300,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Hakeemat Muscat, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ganbaru, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo

Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic

Power: 242bhp

Torque: 370Nm

Price: Dh136,814

AUSTRALIA SQUADS

ODI squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Twenty20 squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Company%20Profile
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How to keep control of your emotions

If your investment decisions are being dictated by emotions such as fear, greed, hope, frustration and boredom, it is time for a rethink, Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG, says.

Greed

Greedy investors trade beyond their means, open more positions than usual or hold on to positions too long to chase an even greater gain. “All too often, they incur a heavy loss and may even wipe out the profit already made.

Tip: Ignore the short-term hype, noise and froth and invest for the long-term plan, based on sound fundamentals.

Fear

The risk of making a loss can cloud decision-making. “This can cause you to close out a position too early, or miss out on a profit by being too afraid to open a trade,” he says.

Tip: Start with a plan, and stick to it. For added security, consider placing stops to reduce any losses and limits to lock in profits.

Hope

While all traders need hope to start trading, excessive optimism can backfire. Too many traders hold on to a losing trade because they believe that it will reverse its trend and become profitable.

Tip: Set realistic goals. Be happy with what you have earned, rather than frustrated by what you could have earned.

Frustration

Traders can get annoyed when the markets have behaved in unexpected ways and generates losses or fails to deliver anticipated gains.

Tip: Accept in advance that asset price movements are completely unpredictable and you will suffer losses at some point. These can be managed, say, by attaching stops and limits to your trades.

Boredom

Too many investors buy and sell because they want something to do. They are trading as entertainment, rather than in the hope of making money. As well as making bad decisions, the extra dealing charges eat into returns.

Tip: Open an online demo account and get your thrills without risking real money.

Updated: August 31, 2023, 2:01 PM