>>8024322 (lb)
>so for non usafags, what does this mean?
In all honesty, it doesn't mean shit.
Let's say a Presidential primary is the first to 100 for simplicity. Winning Iowa is like 1 point, while winning California is 10 points (due to population). But since Iowa is the first of the primaries, it counts in term of "momentum," which translates into hard cash donations to your campaign. You can tell donors, "look I'm viable" after the Iowa caucus. but it's the first step in a long road to 100, so anyone else can surpass you en route.
Also Iowa is seen as "traditional America." Meaning if you are able to convince voters there of your spiel, you have a good chance that spiel will work in middle America also. And middle America is a necessity, as DJT has proven, to winning the white house.
Hope it's a little clearer non U.S. fag.