Every four years, a caravan of national news networks descends on a remote corner of New Hampshire to broadcast the first results from the first-in-the-nation primary. The press paints a picture of storybook democracy in a small town. We report a scoop that complicates that story.

But look a little closer and you’ll see, there’s more — a lot more — to the story.

Want to make sure NHPR continues creating projects like Stranglehold? Donate $20 today right here: www.strangleholdpodcast.org

Stranglehold is the story of how one small state got its hands around the way we pick presidents - and won’t let go. It’s a political story unlike any you've heard before.

Stranglehold is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio.

Every four years, a caravan of national news networks descends on a remote corner of New Hampshire to broadcast the first results from the first-in-the-nation primary. The press paints a picture of storybook democracy in a small town. We report a scoop that complicates that story.

But look a little closer and you’ll see, there’s more — a lot more — to the story.

Want to make sure NHPR continues creating projects like Stranglehold? Donate $20 today right here: www.strangleholdpodcast.org

Stranglehold is the story of how one small state got its hands around the way we pick presidents - and won’t let go. It’s a political story unlike any you've heard before.

Stranglehold is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio.