We’ve probably inquired about this question many times in recent weeks or days – with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors – and responded ourselves just as often.
It’s a simple, common greeting. Maybe just a formality – depending on the day’s events or our mood at that moment.
But today, I’m not casually asking. It’s not just a friendly remark. Really, sincerely, how are you?
As for me, I’m not sure how to process it all.
I’m writing this on Sunday evening, about five hours after President Joe Biden announced his decision to drop his reelection bid, marking the end of a tumultuous and uncertain month in American politics.
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I used ‘tumultuous’ to describe it. You might say chaotic, ugly, contentious, or turbulent. But is there even a word that can truly capture the events of the past few weeks?
Living in a political whirlwind is evident when the selection of a vice-presidential running mate barely makes headlines for a few minutes.
But, amidst all this, the focus shifts to Trump, now the oldest presidential nominee in history. Questions about his mental fitness at 78 arise.
The political temperature is at boiling point. Each side believes they’re fighting for democracy, but whose side is right?
I’m not here to provide political answers or dictate opinions. My main focus is on that initial question: How are you doing?
These are unprecedented times in politics, in a world overshadowed by government intrusion and a decline in moral standards. When we ask, “How are you doing?” we need to genuinely care and listen. Taking care of each other, regardless of political differences, is crucial.
Steve Kiggins is a local news director for Lee Enterprises, and executive editor of The Missoulian and for Lee Montana. Email him at steve.kiggins@lee.net. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @scoopskiggy.
