How can a cookie sway the democratic process? The Iowa caucuses explained

Tim Wieland, of Des Moines, a previous supporter of 2016 presidential candidate Martin O’Malley, eats a cookie on caucus night in Des Moines, Iowa. This is what democracy looks like. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call)

Iowa is a state of ample charms. It’s also the center of the political universe with its first-in-the-nation caucuses. Roll Call Deputy Editor Jason Dick explains how a sugary act of bargaining as the 2016 caucus unfolded in Des Moines went down — and how the kooky-cookie-kickback exemplifies the neighborly vibe of the democratic process there.