The media and American politics: an overview -- Iowa: a political and demographic profile -- The Iowa Precinct caucuses: the decades of obscurity -- The 1968 and 1972 caucuses: the emergence of a national event -- The 1976 caucuses: the making of a front-runner -- The 1980 caucuses: a media event becomes an institution -- The 1984 caucuses: the kickoff of a front-loaded season -- The 1988 caucuses: a media extravaganza -- The 1992 caucuses: a favorite son emerges -- The 1996 caucuses: back in the limelight -- The 2000 caucuses: more important than ever -- The 2004 caucuses: change and continuity -- The 2008 caucuses: from Iowa to the White House -- Media event or local event? The caucuses in perspective.