The Contenders - 16 for '16
2016 · PBS · 60 min · 1 season
S01E08 · George Bush and Barack Obama - The Master Strategists
Wed, 2 Nov, 11:00 am
At opposite ends of the political spectrum, both Barack Obama and George W. Bush beat serious contenders with careful campaign strategy.
About
Politics is a blood sport with the intensity, gamesmanship, agony and thrill that we've come to expect in athletic arenas. Every four years, bold, brave, even foolhardy men and women declare themselves the "MVP" – uniquely deserving of the world's highest office, and the power that comes with it. And yet, among the many contenders, there can only be one winner. As the nation prepares to elect its next commander-in-chief, PBS, in partnership with OZY Media, is proud to present The Contenders - 16 for '16 an eight-hour documentary series that will examine the most compelling and influential presidential campaigns in modern history.
From Jesse Jackson's groundbreaking 1984 and 1988 campaigns that equalized the playing field by changing the way delegates are distributed to Barry Goldwater's 1964 launching of a brand of conservatism that influenced both iconic Republican Ronald Reagan and Democratic stalwart Hillary Clinton, the 16 stories covered by "The Contenders" will revisit the past 50 years of presidential election history and show how previous elections are still influencing today in unexpected ways.
Episodes
- E01
Shirley Chisholm and John McCain - The Straight Talkers
Wed, 14 Sept· 60 minBeing a straight talker in a presidential race has damaging consequences for Shirley Chisholm, the first black female Democratic candidate in 1972 and Republican war hero John McCain in 2008.
- E02
Howard Dean and Pat Buchanan - The Flamethrowers
Wed, 21 Sept· 60 minOutspoken doctor and governor Howard Dean (2004 Election) and outspoken conservative columnist Pat Buchanan (1992, 1996, 2000 Elections) become forces in American politics.
- E03
Michael Dukakis and Mitt Romney - The Technocrats
Wed, 28 Sept· 60 minLearn why successful governors of Massachusetts, Democrat Michael Dukakis (1988 Election) and Republican Mitt Romney (2008, 2012 Elections), both competent contenders, were unprepared to combat the portraits their opponents painted of them and were unable to define themselves to the public.
- E04
Gary Hart and Jesse Jackson - The Visionaries
Wed, 5 Oct· 60 minExamine the stories of the charismatic Sen. Gary Hart (1984, 1988 Elections) and Rev. Jesse Jackson (1984, 1988 Elections), forward-leaning aspirants determined to tackle the biggest foreign policy and domestic issues of the day. Equal parts brain and brawn, both were ready to upend American politics.
- E05
Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan - The Conservatives
Wed, 12 Oct· 60 minThe political careers of conservatives Barry Goldwater (1964 Election) and Ronald Reagan (1976, 1980, 1984 Elections).
- E06
Ross Perot and Ralph Nader - The Independents
Wed, 19 Oct· 60 minThe third-party campaigns of H. Ross Perot (1992, 1996 Elections) and Ralph Nader (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 Elections).
- E07
Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin - The Trailblazers
Wed, 26 Oct· 60 minFormer vice presidential candidates Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin.
- E08
George Bush and Barack Obama - The Master Strategists
Wed, 2 Nov· 60 minAt opposite ends of the political spectrum, both Barack Obama and George W. Bush beat serious contenders with careful campaign strategy.
