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By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

Play trailer Poster for By the People: The Election of Barack Obama Released Aug 7, 2009 1h 57m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.
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By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

Critics Reviews

View All (4) Critics Reviews
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

Audience Reviews

View All (42) audience 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
By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

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
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