President Hollywood

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Synopsis

Jonathan Freedland reveals how 2008's dramatic race for the White House was run before on 'The West Wing'. The TV series held an election between a charismatic, non-white Democrat called Matt Santos and an appealing, experienced Republican Arnold Vinick; two candidates remarkably similar to Barack Obama and John McCain.

Freedland argues that the relationship between on-screen art and political life is nothing new. Both Hollywood and Washington have been exerting their power and influence over the image of the presidency for nearly a century.

This programme was originally broadcast in September 2008, before the US election.

Credits

Presenter

Jonathan Freedland

Director

Janette Ballard

Producer

Janette Ballard

Broadcasts

1. Mon 15 Sep 2008
   21:00
   BBC Four
2. Tue 16 Sep 2008
   00:55
   BBC Four
3. Tue 16 Sep 2008
   03:25
   BBC Four
4. Sun 21 Sep 2008
   23:00
   BBC Four
5. Mon 22 Sep 2008
   02:20
   BBC Four
6. Mon 6 Oct 2008
   23:30
   BBC Four
7. Mon 19 Jan 2009
   23:30
   BBC Four
8. Tue 20 Jan 2009
   23:40
   BBC Two (except Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland (Analogue))
9. Wed 21 Jan 2009
   00:10
   BBC Two (Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland (Analogue) only)