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this is To the Point. Presidential primaries. Where did they come from?

Hello again, I'm Arnalny, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

The daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

In 17 days, the state-by-state slog to the presidential nomination will finally begin for both Democrats and Republicans.

Since 1952, the winner has been decided before the pageants, both parties still euphemistically

call their nominating conventions. It's often said that the primaries have replaced smoke-filled

rooms with the voice of the people. Is that really true? Our primaries the best way for divided

political parties to choose their leaders. Today's talking point, the ancient strategy of

starvation, is being used as a weapon of war in Syria. First, here's the news.

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International Program Fund. Hello again, Warren. I'll knee back with To the Point. Teddy

Roosevelt tried to use primary elections to get back into the White House in 1912,

but primaries didn't become the way for both parties to nominate their candidates until

1972. With just a few days till the state-by-state process begins again, does it really

provide the voice of the people? Today's talking point, a tactic dating back to the earliest

...