How do the Iowa caucuses actually work?

James Rosen explains the process on 'America's Election HQ'

[sonnypruitt]

How did thing get like this?  Why is Iowa always first?  Why dose Iowa have a caucuses, while the other 49 states have primary's?  Why do some states have open primary's, while other states have closed primary's.  The Presidency is the only national election that we have.  All other offices are state or local.  (My 2 Cents)  All states should have primary's.  All primary's are closed.  All primary's take place on the same day, no state go's  first or last.  Once a party has elected their candidate for President, if that person holds an elected office, they must resign that office or forfeit their candidacy.  I see no good reason why we (the people) have to go through this circus every four years.  But that's just me talkin'.  Thank you.

[strummer]

people can't just vote--they have to give up a few hours of their evening and socialize with political discussions. This is idiotic and not fair for those who have kids; or seniors who might get tired after 20 minutes of group discussion about politics or those with busy schedules. Rand Paul has the younger crowd and and can surprise with a stronger than expected finish due to this idiotic time wasting process