'

By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

Play trailer

By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

Released Aug 7, 2009

1h 57m

Documentary

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

Tomatometer

4 Reviews

63%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

In 2006, Barack Obama -- a largely unknown freshman senator from Illinois -- hits the campaign trail in a struggle to gain national recognition. Cameras follow Obama as he recovers from nearly losing to Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and meets the challenge of his Republican rival, Sen. John McCain, in the general election. After a hard-fought campaign, Obama successfully captures the nation's imagination, becoming the first African-American president in U.S. history.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

John Anderson

Variety

A less-than-electrifying account of an electrifying election.

Aug 11, 2009

Full Review

Andy Dehnart

Reality Blurred

That's the bulk of the film and, frankly, it's boring and seems repetitive.

Rated: B

Mar 27, 2020

Full Review

Andrea Beach

Common Sense Media

Slow-paced, one-dimensional docu captures historic election

Rated: 2/5

Jul 26, 2016

Full Review

James Plath

Movie Metropolis

A great election souvenir, but it falls short as a documentary.

Rated: 6/10

Feb 26, 2012

Full Review

Read all reviews

Harmony N

This is a GREAT way to show the political process of choosing a nominee. It's well done, presents different perspecitives, and gives you a great look at Obama's campaign. Even though we know the outcome, you find yourself rooting for Obama to win.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/01/24

Full Review

Audience Member

It might not be the best documentary in the world but the story of our president's campaign is impressive. "I will never forget that the only reason I'm here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky. Stood up when it was hard. Stood up when it wasn't popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stoop up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they managed to change the world." Barack Obama Jan. 8, 2008

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

it's always good to hear from those voicing their own opinions. It helps you form your own ideas and look for the facts.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

THE MAKING OF A PRINCESS.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Two and a half years after, Obama has proven that he can govern as well as he can campaign. But considering the mountain of opposition he has had to face, one must wonder if Obama sometimes regrets taking the job. Hatred of him spawned a whole political movement and "party." In spite of all this, and a Republican congress determined to destroy him, he has accomplished a great deal in a short time. He is the real deal.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

Audience Member

i watched this one's last 20-30 mins but i got what it means.......a fascinating story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@(áµ.áµ)@

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Amy Rice

Director

Alicia Sams

Director

Barack Obama

Self

Ronnie Cho

Self

Tommy Vietor

Self

Dick Armey

Self

View more photos

Synopsis

In 2006, Barack Obama -- a largely unknown freshman senator from Illinois -- hits the campaign trail in a struggle to gain national recognition. Cameras follow Obama as he recovers from nearly losing to Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and meets the challenge of his Republican rival, Sen. John McCain, in the general election. After a hard-fought campaign, Obama successfully captures the nation's imagination, becoming the first African-American president in U.S. history.

Director: Amy Rice, Alicia Sams
Producer: Edward Norton, Stuart Blumberg, Benjamin Goldhirsh, Bill Migliore, Dan O'Meara, Chris Romano
Production Co: Class 5 Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 7, 2009, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 5, 2016
Runtime: 1h 57m

Most Popular at Home Now