War Is an Afterthought in the Democratic Primary
Many of Hillary Clinton’s endorsers treat her foreign-policy differences with Bernie Sanders as trifling disagreements, even though they could remake the world for the worse.
2016 Distilled
The campaign coverage you need from the staff of The Atlantic
Was the Iowa Caucus Decided by Coin Flips?
In a historically close election, a handful of delegates were determined by games of chance.
A Tie in Iowa Is a Win for Hillary
Iowa’s Democratic base is among the nation’s whitest and most liberal—but Clinton has a stronger edge almost everywhere else.
The Strange and Terrifying Case of Ted Cruz's Two Watches
Investigating the candidate’s wearable strategy.
Marco Rubio's Difficult Path to the Nomination
The Florida senator turned in a strong showing in Iowa, but his road to victory in the Republican primary remains strewn with obstacles.
Who Really Chooses the Nominees?
The parties' delegate system was rigged to favor establishment candidates—but this year, it might sink their chances.
The Hawkeye State Sours on Hawkish Republicans
Four years ago, Iowans rewarded the neocon-inflected campaigns of Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney. This year, four of the top five finishers are critics of unnecessary interventions.
Why Mike Huckabee Lost in 2016
The GOP presidential contender had little to offer voters desperate for something new.
An Elegy for Martin O’Malley
The former Maryland governor’s love of Irish poetry provides a fitting send off to his candidacy.
Rubio's Surge Is a Triumph for Trumpism
The Florida senator delivered a surprisingly strong finish in Iowa by embracing the frontrunner’s rhetoric.