Remembering an election BY THE PEOPLE
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As we near the midpoint of 2010, the optimism and excitement that surrounded Barack Obama’s election in November 2008 may have faded a bit from view. The economic downturn that was just starting then is still with us, the war in Afghanistan has become even more perplexing, and as oil gushes into the Gulf of Mexico, we’re facing the worst environmental crisis in U.S. history.
Sometimes things look pretty bleak and it’s good to be reminded of the joy that surrounded Obama’s election, and the hope that his supporters felt for the future. As I watched Amy Rice and Alicia Sams’ documentary, By the People: The Election of Barack Obama, I was transported back to those days—what seemed like the longest campaign in history, culminating in an election that was one of those rare moments that can be pointed to as when history changed.
By the People is an inside glance behind the scenes, following Obama from the early days of his campaign through the moment of his election. The filmmakers talk to some of the key figures in his campaign, such as speechwriter Jon Favreau and political consultant David Axelrod. We see the importance of Obama’s relationship with his wife, Michelle, who campaigns with the best of them but also candidly relates her concerns for their family.
The filmmakers’ primary objective, however, is showing the young campaigners who devoted themselves to the Obama cause in huge numbers. Though at times the senior advisors seem to be wary of the 20-somethings’ naivete, cautioning them to not celebrate a win too soon, Obama repeatedly makes clear that he is campaigning for the future—for the “young people” who have supported him.
Unlike the election night film 11/4/08, the majority of By the People is spent on the primaries; shorter segments cover the general election campaign and election day itself. We revisit the most memorable moments of the campaign, from the long competition with the Clinton campaign, to the Jeremiah Wright incident and Obama’s “race” speech, to Sarah Palin.
The emotion is palpable as Obama’s advisors and supporters watch him elected the first African-American president of the United States of America. Tears of joy, exhaustion, perhaps anticipation. Two years later, more than ever, we need to hear, “Yes, we can!”
by Mattie Akers
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| Posted on July 9, 2010
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