Why Iowans Go First In The Race For The Presidency

Supporters listen to Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) during a campaign event at Grand View University January 31, 2016 in Des Moines, Iowa. Sanders hosted his last public campaign event for the Democratic nomination prior to t

The folks in the Hawkeye State get first say in the presidential race. Caucus history dates back to the 1968 convention and the anti-war violence in the streets of Chicago. People were fed up with the top-down system for picking presidential nominees. Reforms were passed and Iowa jumped to take advantage, scheduling its caucus first in 1972. Here & Now’s Alex Ashlock looks at the history of Iowa caucuses.

Reporter

  • Alex Ashlock, producer and reporter for Here & Now, currently on the road in Iowa. He tweets @aashlock.
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