Guy Raz speaks with Des Moines Register reporter Kathie Obradovich about the Iowa political calendar. They discuss the Iowa caucus timing, the popularity of the candidates there and the importance of Iowa in this election.
GUY RAZ, host: In about three months, the presidential primary season kicks off in Iowa, a place where uncommitted has actually won the vote twice. Since 1972, Iowa voters have been the first in the country to take part in the presidential nominating process, temporarily elevating the hopes of such candidates as Richard Gephardt, Tom Harkin and Mike Huckabee, all Iowa caucus winners. Voters in the state are fiercely protective of their first-in-the-nation status. So in order to keep it that way, Iowa could move up its nominating contest to early January. Kathie Obradovich is a political reporter with The Des Moines Register, and she's with us now. Kathie, welcome.
KATHIE OBRADOVICH: Hello, Guy.
RAZ: Early January. We've even been hearing reports of January 2nd. Is that possible?
OBRADOVICH: More likely they will move it later in the week. January 5th is a lot more likely day. Four years ago, the caucuses had to move early because of Florida, as this cycle, and the caucuses ended up on a Thursday, which was January 3rd. I think that's a much more likely scenario this time.
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Complete article at NPR : http://n.pr/qkj3Uz
