What Next

The Iowa State Fair Will Never Make Sense

Iowa is not the best, or the most—but it is the first caucus state. So pass the corn dog.

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Episode Notes

Another presidential campaign means another trip to the Iowa State Fair. But the Democratic Party’s new rules for thinning down the field of candidates means a photo-op with a turkey leg isn’t all it used to be.

Guest: Slate politics writer Jim Newell.

Podcast production by Mary Wilson and Jayson De Leon.

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Correction, Aug. 14, 2019: A previous version of this page misidentified Iowa as the first primary state.

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About the Show

The problem with the news right now? It’s everywhere. And each day, it can feel like we’re all just mindlessly scrolling. It’s why we created What Next. This short daily show is here to help you make sense of things. When the news feels overwhelming, we’re here to help you answer: What next? Look for new episodes every weekday morning.

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  • Mary Harris is the host and managing editor of What Next, Slate's new daily news podcast. She has reported throughout the public radio system, for NPR, Marketplace, and WNYC.