");vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("HEAD")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("content",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")).replaceWith2("
You'll gain real-world insights into how economics impacts your daily life with this easy-to-follow online course. This crash course is based on the acclaimed textbook Economy, Society, and Public Policy by CORE Econ, tailored to help you grasp key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you're new to economics or just want to deepen your understanding, this course covers the basics and connects them to today’s pressing issues—from inequality to public policy decisions.

Each week, you'll receive a reading guide that distills core principles, offers actionable takeaways, and explains how they affect the current world. While the full ebook enriches the experience, the guides alone provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental economic ideas.

You’ll find this course especially useful and unique because…
Are you ready to build a foundation in economics that empowers you to think critically about the world around you?

Get instant access today and keep an eye on your inbox for a confirmation email and your first lesson.
 
"),el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)");})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")).revertContentOp(),el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)");})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content","[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")).revertContentOp(),el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']");})("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoRevertCss();})("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"22px !important"}),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"24px !important"}),(el=vwo_$(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).html("You are now subscribed to the Weeknight Kitchen newsletter! Before you go, would you consider something?"),el.addClass("vwo_tm_1742501918554");})(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertHtml(),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss();})(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("remove",".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove",".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")).vwoRevertCss();})(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("remove","STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")).vwoRevertCss();})("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")}}, C_940895_63_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("paste",".actions"); vwo_debug*/!(el=vwo_$(".actions")).parent().find('[vwo-op-1742589780926=""]').length&&el.after('


By submitting, you consent to receive information about MPR\'s programs and offerings. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.

'),(el=vwo_$("#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})(".hintsBelow")}}, R_940895_63_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1742589780114"]')).remove();})(".hintsBelow")}}},rules:[{"triggers":["10589191"],"tags":[{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.16"},{"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.48","priority":4},{"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.64","priority":4},{"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.62","priority":4},{"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.63","priority":4}]},{"triggers":["12928443"],"tags":[{"id":"runCampaign","priority":0,"data":"campaigns.65"}]},{"triggers":["8639604"],"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":6}]},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":1}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":1}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":65,"g":1}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":4}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":1}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"}]},{"triggers":["12454056"],"tags":[{"data":{"type":"g","campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":5}]},"id":"metric","metricId":0}]},{"triggers":["8536415"],"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":3}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":3}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":2}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":65,"g":2}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":1}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":2}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":2}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"}]},{"triggers":["12639747"],"tags":[{"data":{"type":"g","campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":5}]},"id":"metric","metricId":0}]},{"triggers":["12454053"],"tags":[{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.39"}]},{"triggers":["12454059"],"tags":[{"data":{"type":"g","campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":6}]},"id":"metric","metricId":0}]},{"triggers":["8536412"],"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":4}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":4}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":3}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":65,"g":3}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":2}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":3}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":1}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"}]},{"triggers":["8536409"],"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":1}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":5}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":4}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":65,"g":4}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":3}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":4}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":3}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"}]},{"triggers":["8459768"],"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":2}]},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":2}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":5}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":65,"g":5}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":5}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":5}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":4}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"}]},{"triggers":["12454062"],"tags":[{"data":{"type":"g","campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":7}]},"id":"metric","metricId":0}]},{"triggers":["5"],"tags":[{"id":"checkEnvironment"}]},{"triggers":["8"],"tags":[{"id":"prePostMutation","priority":3},{"id":"groupCampaigns","priority":2}]},{"triggers":["9"],"tags":[{"id":"visibilityService","priority":2}]},{"triggers":["2"],"tags":[{"id":"runTestCampaign"}]},{"triggers":["75"],"tags":[{"id":"urlChange"}]}],pages:{"pc":[{"141375":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/story.*"],["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/episode.*"]]}}],"ec":[{"1625289":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i).*"]]}},{"2121531":{"inc":["o",["pg","eq","141375"]]}}]},pagesEval:{"pc":[141375],"ec":[1625289,2121531]},stags:{}}})(); ;;var commonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={valuesGetter:function(){return{}},valuesSetter:function(){},verifyData:function(){return{}}}}const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var pollInterval=100;var timeout=6e4;return function(){var accountIntegrationSettings={};var _interval=null;function waitForAnalyticsVariables(){try{accountIntegrationSettings=argument.valuesGetter();accountIntegrationSettings.visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid()}catch(error){accountIntegrationSettings=undefined}if(accountIntegrationSettings&&argument.verifyData(accountIntegrationSettings)){argument.valuesSetter(accountIntegrationSettings);return 1}return 0}var currentTime=0;_interval=setInterval((function(){currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var result=waitForAnalyticsVariables();if(result||performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout){clearInterval(_interval)}}),pollInterval)}}; var pushBasedCommonWrapper=function(argument){var firedCamp={};if(!argument){argument={integrationName:"",getExperimentList:function(){},accountSettings:function(){},pushData:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var sendDebugLogsOld=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type,data){try{var errorPayload={f:argument["integrationName"]||"",a:window._vwo_acc_id,url:window.location.href,exp:expId,v:variationId,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(errorType=="initIntegrationCallback"){errorPayload["log_type"]="initIntegrationCallback";errorPayload["data"]=JSON.stringify(data||"")}else if(errorType=="timeout"){errorPayload["timeout"]=true}if(window.VWO._.customError){window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug",url:window.location.href,lineno:"",colno:"",source:JSON.stringify(errorPayload)})}}catch(e){window.VWO._.customError&&window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug failed",url:"",lineno:"",colno:"",source:""})}};var sendDebugLogs=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type){var eventName="vwo_debugLogs";var eventPayload={};try{eventPayload={intName:argument["integrationName"]||"",varId:variationId,expId:expId,type:errorType,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(window.VWO._.event){window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload,{enableLogs:1})}}catch(e){eventPayload={msg:"integration event log failed",url:window.location.href};window.VWO._.event&&window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload)}};const callbackFn=function(data){if(!data)return;var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2],repeated=data[0],singleCall=0,debug=0;var experimentList=argument.getExperimentList();var integrationName=argument["integrationName"]||"vwo";if(typeof argument.accountSettings==="function"){var accountSettings=argument.accountSettings();if(accountSettings){singleCall=accountSettings["singleCall"];debug=accountSettings["debug"]}}if(debug){sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intCallTriggered",repeated)}if(singleCall&&(repeated==="vS"||repeated==="vSS")||firedCamp[expId]){return}window.expList=window.expList||{};var expList=window.expList[integrationName]=window.expList[integrationName]||[];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(_vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){if(experimentList.indexOf(+expId)!==-1){firedCamp[expId]=variationId;var visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid();var pollInterval=100;var currentTime=0;var timeout=6e4;var user_type=_vwo_exp[expId].exec?"vwo-retry":"vwo-new";var interval=setInterval((function(){if(expList.indexOf(expId)!==-1){clearInterval(interval);return}currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var toClearInterval=argument.pushData(expId,variationId,visitorUuid);if(debug&&toClearInterval){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intDataPushed",user_type)}var isTimeout=performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout;if(isTimeout&&debug){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"timeout",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intTimeout",user_type)}if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}if(toClearInterval){window.expList[integrationName].push(expId)}}),pollInterval||100)}}};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",callbackFn]);window.VWO.push(["onVariationShownSent",callbackFn])}}; var surveyDataCommonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={getCampaignList:function(){return[]},surveyStatusChange:function(){},answerSubmitted:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];function getValuesFromAnswers(answers){var values=[];for(var i=0;i=timeout;if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}}),pollInterval)}}window.VWO.push(["onSurveyShown",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyShown")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyCompleted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyCompleted")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyAnswerSubmitted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.answerSubmitted,"surveySubmitted")}])}}; (function(){var VWOOmniTemp={};window.VWOOmni=window.VWOOmni||{};for(var key in VWOOmniTemp)Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(VWOOmniTemp,key)&&(window.VWOOmni[key]=VWOOmniTemp[key]);;})();(function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];var pollInterval=100;var _vis_data={};var intervalObj={};var analyticsTimerObj={};var experimentListObj={};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",function(data){if(!data){return}var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(window._vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){}}])})();; ;var vD=VWO.data||{};VWO.data={content:{"fns":{"list":{"vn":1,"args":{"1":{}}}}},as:"r6.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",dacdnUrl:"https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",accountJSInfo:{"pc":{"t":0,"a":0},"ts":1744052344,"rp":30,"noSS":false}};for(var k in vD){VWO.data[k]=vD[k]};;var gcpfb=function(a,loadFunc,status,err,success){function vwoErr() {_vwo_err({message:"Google_Cdn failing for " + a + ". Trying Fallback..",code:"cloudcdnerr",status:status});} if(a.indexOf("/cdn/")!==-1){loadFunc(a.replace("cdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;} else if(a.indexOf("/dcdn/")!==-1&&a.indexOf("evad.js") !== -1){loadFunc(a.replace("dcdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;}};window.VWO=window.VWO || [];window.VWO._= window.VWO._ || {};window.VWO._.gcpfb=gcpfb;;var d={cookie:document.cookie,URL:document.URL,referrer:document.referrer};var w={VWO:{_:{}},location:{href:window.location.href,search:window.location.search},_vwoCc:window._vwoCc};;window._vwo_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window._vwo_apm_debug_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window.VWO._.useCdn=true;window.vwo_eT="br";window._VWO=window._VWO||{};window._VWO.fSeg={};window._VWO.dcdnUrl="/dcdn/settings.js";window.VWO.sTs=1744038493;window._VWO._vis_nc_lib=window._vwo_cdn+"edrv/nc-065d3f05fe213fcfa27fbdcaac81338bbr.js";var loadWorker=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb: function(xhr,a){window._vwo_wt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 ||xhr.status===304){var code="var window="+JSON.stringify(w)+",document="+JSON.stringify(d)+";window.document=document;"+xhr.responseText;var blob=new Blob([code||"throw new Error('code not found!');"],{type:"application/javascript"}),url=URL.createObjectURL(blob);window.mainThread={webWorker:new Worker(url)};window.vwoChannelFW=new MessageChannel();window.vwoChannelToW=new MessageChannel();window.mainThread.webWorker.postMessage({vwoChannelToW:vwoChannelToW.port1,vwoChannelFW:vwoChannelFW.port2},[vwoChannelToW.port1, vwoChannelFW.port2]);if(!window._vwo_mt_f)return window._vwo_wt_f=true;_vwo_code.addScript({text:window._vwo_mt_f});delete window._vwo_mt_f}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a)}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker)){return;}window._vwo_wt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadWorker("https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/edrv/worker-1c9fee42429b92a40520b9e729427a4cbr.js");;var _vis_opt_file;var _vis_opt_lib;if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings.isSurveyPreviewMode){var surveyHash=window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.SURVEY_DEBUG_EVENTS.HASH;var param1="evad.js?va=";var param2="&d=debugger_new";var param3="&sp=1&a=940895&sh="+surveyHash;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?param1+"vanj"+param2:param1+"va_gq"+param2:param1+"edrv/va_gq-1b71f70004771740c842714f98dd257abr.js"+param2;_vis_opt_file=_vis_opt_file+param3;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/dcdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode=="PREVIEW"){ var path1 = 'edrv/pd_'; var path2 = window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.EVAD.HASH + ".js"; ;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?path1+"vanj"+path2:path1+"va_gq"+path2:path1+"edrv/va_gq-1b71f70004771740c842714f98dd257abr.js"+path2;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else{_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?"edrv/vanj-9556ee20f78ed4cbea841a8762fe78b1br.js":"edrv/va_gq-1b71f70004771740c842714f98dd257abr.js":"edrv/va_gq-1b71f70004771740c842714f98dd257abr.js"}window._vwo_library_timer=setTimeout((function(){vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay();vwoCode.finish()}),vwoCode.library_tolerance&&typeof vwoCode.library_tolerance()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.library_tolerance():2500),_vis_opt_lib=typeof _vis_opt_lib=="undefined"?window._vwo_cdn+_vis_opt_file:_vis_opt_lib;var loadLib=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb:function(xhr,a){window._vwo_mt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 || xhr.status===304){if(!window._vwo_wt_f)return window._vwo_mt_f=xhr.responseText;_vwo_code.addScript({text:xhr.responseText});delete window._vwo_wt_f;}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadLib,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadLib)){return;}window._vwo_mt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadLib(_vis_opt_lib);VWO.load_co=function(u,opts){return window._vwo_code.load(u,opts);};;;}}catch(e){_vwo_code.finish();_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay();_vwo_err(e);window.VWO.caE=1}})();

Klobuchar returns to Iowa as she mulls 2020 presidential bid

Amy Klobuchar speaks to Iowa Farmers Union
Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar speaks at the Iowa Farmers Union annual convention on Saturday in Perry, Iowa.
Mark Zdechlik | MPR News

Several dozen Iowa Farmers Union members applauded Saturday as a special guest prepared to speak at their annual convention: U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.

"It is great to be back here," Klobuchar said, joking: "As I've said many times, I can see Iowa from my porch."

It was a warm welcome back to a state that Minnesota's senior senator has visited numerous times over her 12 years in office. But those visits are getting more attention now that Klobuchar has acknowledged — however tight-lipped — that she's mulling a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

"Obviously people have been talking to me about this, including down here, but I don't have any announcements to make today," she said Saturday.

What Klobuchar did talk about to the assembled farmers was her work on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and the preliminary agreement on a new farm bill. She noted that she regularly visits all 87 Minnesota counties, and said she grew up in Plymouth, straddling the metro area and farm country.

"And in fact I would ride my bike with my best friend Amy — that was her name, too — to her family's dairy farm, and if I was really lucky we got to milk a cow," she said.

Klobuchar laid out what she called a competitive heartland economic agenda for rural America that begins with a farm bill and a strong safety net for farmers, but also includes improvements to broadband, job training programs, and a crackdown on consolidation in agriculture.

Amy Klobuchar speaks to Iowa Farmers Union
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar meets the crowd before speaking at the Iowa Farmers Union annual convention.
Mark Zdechlik | MPR News

"I believe that kids that grow up in rural America should be able to stay in rural America and build a life in rural America," she said to applause from the crowd.

Klobuchar said tariffs are hurting farmers, and she criticized the Trump White House for downplaying the threats posed by climate change.

"The administration of all things put out a report, they put it out on Friday of a holiday weekend maybe so no one would see it, but guess what? Everyone did," she said. "And it really showed what we're dealing with in terms of climate change and the effect it's going to have on farmers right here in Iowa and farmers in Minnesota and rural communities.

Klobuchar also talked about the worker shortage in farm country, saying comprehensive immigration reform could help fill jobs. She said rural America will no longer be ignored, and that's its political importance is on the rise. She suggested Donald Trump won the 2016 election because Democrats forgot about the heartland.

"Minnesota matters, Wisconsin matters, Nebraska matters, Ohio matters — and, yes, Iowa matters," she told the convention crowd.

As Klobuchar mulls a presidential run, one of her biggest fans is Minnesota political icon Walter Mondale, the former vice president who ran and lost as the Democratic presidential nominee in 1984. Mondale said he thinks Klobuchar will run for president in 2020, although he said she has not shared her plans with him.

Mondale said Klobuchar's understated tone is exactly what the country needs right now at a time of such division.

Amy Klobuchar speaks to Iowa Farmers Union
Bill Roush of Kansas, who was attending the Iowa Farmers Union annual convention on Saturday, said he is impressed by Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Mark Zdechlik | MPR News

"She's a person that brings people together and, boy, Americans know we got to do this," he said. "This thing of dividing and fighting and leaving dead all over the floor every time you've had a debate — that, people are getting tired of that. They know it doesn't work."

University of Minnesota political scientist Kathryn Pearson says there is likely to be a large field of Democratic presidential candidates, but Klobuchar can set herself apart as someone with a track record of winning big with Democratic and Republican support.

"I think we'll hear a lot from her about the fact that she won Minnesota by 60 percent of the vote doing the best of all Democratic statewide candidates," Pearson said.

But Pearson said Klobuchar's appeal to moderates could hurt her with left-wing Democratic activists who have a big say in the nomination process.

At the Iowa Farmers Union convention on Saturday, Bill Roush, who was attending from Kansas — where he also saw Klobuchar speak — said she's impressive.

"She has an upbeat spirit and a positive can-do, these are some things we can do — you know it's not a negative message, it's a positive message, and so I like hearing that," he said.

Mondale said Klobuchar needs to decide on a 2020 run sooner than later. He also said her travel schedule will signal her plans: think more trips to Iowa and appearances in New Hampshire and other early nominating states.

Correction (Dec. 3, 2018): Bill Rouch's first name was reported incorrectly in an earlier version of this story.

Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
MPR News