The running of the runners-up: In Iowa caucuses, the suspense involves second place

Call this the running of the runners-up. As Americans begin electing their president on Monday, there's little doubt anyone will beat Donald Trump in the Iowa Republican caucuses. The only suspense here involves second place — and whether Nikki Haley or Ron DeSantis will emerge as an alternative to Trump.

The running of the runners-up: In Iowa caucuses, the suspense involves second place
Nikki Haley walks on a stage; in the foreground there's a TV with Ron DeSantis on it

Call this the running of the runners-up. As Americans begin electing their president on Monday, there's little doubt anyone will beat Donald Trump in the Iowa Republican caucuses. The only suspense here involves second place — and whether Nikki Haley or Ron DeSantis will emerge as an alternative to Trump.