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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    The Day Before the Iowa Caucuses

    The presidency of the United States is up for grabs almost as never before. For the first time in 80 years, neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party has an incumbent or a vice president in the running.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    The presidency of the United States is up for grabs almost as never before. For the first time in 80 years, neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party has an incumbent or a vice president in the running. Tomorrow, real people will get a chance to state their preferences in the Iowa Caucuses, which are happening earlier than ever before. However, when these ordinary voters finally start choosing the next president, the process will violate basic tenets of American democracy. Forget about the secret ballot or giving each person one vote. The Iowa caucuses don't work that way, especially for those who call themselves "Democrats." We find out how tomorrow's caucuses will work, and why they're getting more attention than ever before. What are the candidates saying and doing to stay alive for campaigns that may be over on the fifth of next month?

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    American Politics Stranded in Iowa
    1. 1:36Pakistan Delays Election, Turns to Scotland Yard in Bhutto Probe
    2. 7:28The Day Before the Iowa CaucusesYou’re reading this
    3. 42:43Post-Election Violence in Kenya Grows
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • KCRW placeholder

      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

    • KCRW placeholder

      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

    • KCRW placeholder

      Karen Radziner

      Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

    • KCRW placeholder

      Chuck Todd

      Political Director, NBC News

    • KCRW placeholder

      Carla Marinucci

      Politico reporter covering California politics

    • KCRW placeholder

      Dennis Goldford

      Drake University

      NewsNationalPolitics

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    American Politics Stranded in Iowa
    1. 1:36Pakistan Delays Election, Turns to Scotland Yard in Bhutto Probe
    2. 7:28The Day Before the Iowa CaucusesYou’re reading this
    3. 42:43Post-Election Violence in Kenya Grows
    Back to To the Point