Author Hedrick Smith is the host of this four-part series adapted from his best-selling book of the same name, which examines the hierarchy of power in Washington. We viewed the opening segment, "The Congress," which traces the changes that have occurred in Congress in recent years. Smith dates the shake-up back to some 15 years ago, when a group of younger Senators (the class of '74, and those to follow) took a more aggressive role in legislative action. Junior Senators such as George Miller, Steven Symms, Steve Solarz, and Tom Downey (barely 25 when he won his seat) both created and took advantage of the incoming era of video politics. In a few words, Senator Thomas Eagleton defines the current state of American politics as "money and 30-second spots." Smith traces the battle between the old guard and the new guard, and how the long-time incumbents had to adapt their styles to survive in the new age of electronic politics. Mixing interviews with politicians past and present, from Gary Hart to Tip O'Neill, with on location filming of fundraisers and Senators standing on the lawn waiting for their 30-seconds in front of the camera, the program moves along at a steady clip, maintaining a high level of interest throughout. The Power Game is an excellent primer for citizens who no longer understand the labyrinthine corridors of power in American politics. Highly recommended. (See BILL MOYERS: THE PUBLIC MIND for availability.)
The Power Game
(1988) 4 programs, 58 m. each. $125 ($395 for entire series). PBS Video. Public performance rights included. Vol. 5, Issue 1
The Power Game
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