In several weeks, the 2020 Iowa caucuses will set the tone for the Democratic presidential primary campaign. But why do they matter so much, and how is a caucus different from a regular primary? The caucuses have historically provided a platform for insurgent candidates to succeed over more well-funded establishment candidates. But Iowa’s unique demographics and geography, along with the communal aspect of the caucuses themselves, make them one of the least-understood democratic traditions. Sean Fennessey narrates this episode of Ringer PhD, written by Justin Charity.
The Latest
Players Opting Out of the NBA’s Return, Stories From the Road, and Condiments With Win Butler
Butler also touches on the politics of playing in an NBA celebrity all-star game
What If? Coutinho Doesn’t Leave Liverpool, Leverkusen Win the Treble in 2002, and Terry Doesn’t Slip in 2008
Musa and Ryan host a bonus episode looking at various hypotheticals
‘Tenet’ and the Most Important Summer Movies Ever
Summer movies have come a long way—and after this year’s lost summer, their future is uncertain
Dads, Vol. 4 With Lolis Elie
Dave and Chris talk to the food journalist and filmmaker about fathering children during the pandemic
Could the Unlikely Hero of ‘Independence Day’ Have Really Learned How to Fly a Fighter Jet in One Night?
Fighting a hoard of aliens is no small task, but then again, neither is operating an F/A-18 jet. So we asked some military pilots: Could Russell Casse have actually saved the world?
Roland Emmerich Is the True King of Explosions
The director of ‘Independence Day’ hasn’t been memed as much as Michael Bay, but his films are just as absurd