So Goes the Nation (2006)

Synopsis: "...SO GOES THE NATION" examines America's tumultuous electoral process through the eyes of diverse politicians, activists, and voters. The 2004 presidential election between George W. Bush and... "...SO GOES THE NATION" examines America's tumultuous electoral process through the eyes of diverse politicians, activists, and voters. The 2004 presidential election between George W. Bush and John Kerry provides the stage, showing how the voting public is manipulated by both parties' leaders and their political marketing machines. Political activism and the thoughts of voters themselves are revealed in the ultimate cross-section state: Ohio. In addition to interviewing American voters and grassroots campaigners, filmmakers James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo gained unprecedented access to high-ranking Republican and Democratic campaign strategists and officials. From the Republican end of the political spectrum, the documentary features exclusive interviews with Edward Gillespie (Chairman of the Republican National Committee), Ken Mehlman (Bush's 2004 campaign manager), Matthew Dowd (Bush's chief campaign strategist), and Mark McKinnon (Bush's media strategist). Balancing out the picture are insights from their Democratic counterparts: Terry McAuliffe (Chairman of the Democratic National Committee), Mary Beth Cahill (Kerry's 2004 campaign manager), Tad Devine (Kerry's chief campaign strategist), and Paul Begala (a senior democratic advisor). "...SO GOES THE NATION" documents the role played by these powerful individuals in promoting hot button issues to the forefront of the political process and in doing so, how they attempt to shape public opinion and swing an election. In the final two weeks of the election, the filmmakers sent fifteen camera crews crisscrossing Ohio, a battleground state that has consistently lived up to its familiar political axiom: "As goes Ohio - so goes the nation." Historically, the political and social status quo of Ohio is indicative of the American voting public at large and Ohio has been the center of the political maelstrom many times in its short history: In fact, since 1960, every President to reach office has carried the state. In the entirety of U.S. history, Republican candidates have never taken a Presidential election without winning in Ohio. "...SO GOES THE NATION" looks at the election and the voting public through lenses large and small, and in doing so, examines both the U.S. voting process and the American national psyche. The documentary ultimately provides a rare and unique opportunity to show the real electoral story of democracy in action. --© IFC Films [More]

Starring: George W. Bush, John Kerry

Starring: George W. Bush, John Kerry

Director: James D. Stern, Adam Del Deo

Director: James D. Stern, Adam Del Deo
Studio: IFC Films

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