America's presidential primaries, explained

Why does America's system for picking the president start in Iowa?

Before Americans vote on the next president in November, both major political parties have to settle on a nominee. That process is called the primary, and in 2020 it consists of 64 different contests, held on 22 different days, over several months. And for some reason, it all starts in the midwestern state of Iowa. So how did America's political parties come up with this system? And is there a better way to do it?

A previous version of this video misidentified the states of Missouri and Arkansas. The error has been corrected.

[Vox]

Some of you noticed that one of my Wisconsin cutouts accidentally included Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and that I put the states for Super Tuesday on a Monday! Our bad: Super Tuesday is in fact on a Tuesday, and as far as we know Wisconsin has not actually annexed part of Michigan. Thanks for catching those! -Madeline

[ThisIsMyHandle.]

I now understand why I don't understand US elections.

[humpty]

Iowa in 1968 said they needed time to calculate results,
But still in 2020 they weren't able to give authentic results

[MrJojux]

"Is there a better way to do it?" Whenever this refers to the US electoral, legal or medical system the answer seems to be usually "Yes"

[Ea]

This reminds me of a saying we have in Ivory Coast: “If I explain politics to you and you understand it then I haven’t explained it right.”

[gshak]

Ok that shot of the “Iowa Caucus” sign falling off the podium is too good 😂

[grey.]

So basically, New Hampshire is like, "I go first because I say so"? tf?

[akorn]

Iowa- “At least you care about us during election year.”

[Howitchewstofeelgum]

"Why do we choose presidents this way?"
That's what every other democratic nation on earth is wondering, too

[MuhammadRaiyan]

Like Bernie Sanders said, elect the person that has the most votes

[frocco]

"Hey mom, can we get some democracy?"

Mom: "We have democracy at home."

Democracy at home:

[zee_bee_]

As an Australian, I am now even more confused

[remoir]

This comment is paid by Mike Bloomberg

[milesm]

Hilarious how the “huge victory” narrative wasn’t applied to Bernie

[williamnguyen]

this Barrack Obama senator dude sounds like a cool guy. He should run for president.

[BroAnarchy]

I actually didn't realize the "Iowa caucus" sign fell off when that guy was talking at that podium.... Interesting

[saresartus]

"Is there a better way to do it?" Ammm... yeah. Yes. Literally any other way.

[kevinalexander]

5:05 talks aboutSuper Tuesday, puts all the states on a Monday.

[derpmcgerp]

Iowa for 3 years:

Iowa during election year: *Iowa is the best state! The people of Iowa are great! Boy do I love coming to Iowa! Let's invest in Iowa!*

[TroopperFoFo]

Reminder that the 1968 election was the last time a third party won a state. Since then both Democrats and Republicans have increasingly made it harder and harder for third parties to run.