IOWA: FIRST IN THE NATION

For the past 42 years, Iowa has held the first-in-the-nation presidential caucus, leading the way to the party nominations for the presidency. The caucus came to prominence in 1976 when Jimmy Carter used Iowa as a springboard for his presidential campaign, and a second place finish in Iowa (behind “uncommitted”) provided the momentum for him to win the Democratic nomination and the presidency of the United States.

Since 1972, the caucus has become a major national media event, garnering praise and criticism. Iowa’s grassroots politics provide opportunities for all candidates to succeed, and Iowa activists are known for their careful consideration of candidates. Nonetheless, critics charge that Iowa is unrepresentative and therefore other states might be better suited to kick off the nominating process. Whatever your thoughts on the merits (or lack thereof) of Iowa’s caucus, the caucus campaign in Iowa is unlike any campaign in any other state.

As the caucus has evolved, the state has developed a lively political culture and “retail politics” is the name of the game. Together, Iowa and New Hampshire garner approximately 50% of the media coverage of the entire nominating process. While most Americans see glimpses of the Iowa campaign on the nightly news, the real campaign in Iowa is focused not on the candidates, but on average citizens in small towns across the state. Voters meet White House hopefuls in church basements, high school gyms, small town diners, fairgrounds, picnic grounds, parades, and front porches.