Why 2020 candidates cannot ignore Iowa or New Hampshire

Iowa and New Hampshire, the first two contests of the primary season, have traditionally been key for presidential contenders. This year, though, a lot of Democrats are talking up the importance of contests with a more diverse electorate, like California, Nevada and most importantly, South Carolina.

It is true that connecting with black and Latino voters, who together make up more than a third of Democratic voters, will be key for anyone who wants to be the Democratic nominee. But make no mistake: history suggests that the eventually nominee will likely have to do well in the Iowa caucuses or the New Hampshire primary. CONT.

Harry Enten, CNN