Watch Let's Get Frank

Let's Get Frank is a documentary film that follows the story of Bob Barr, a former Republican congressman from Georgia, who headed the effort to impeach President Bill Clinton. After a few years, Barr shifted his stance, joining the Libertarian Party and criticizing Republicans for their branding on civil liberties issues like same-sex marriage and drug legalization.

The documentary explores the complex relationship between Barr and Clinton, both of whom are polar opposites in terms of political ideologies. In the early 1990s, Barr was a fierce critic of Clinton, accusing him of various scandals, including the Whitewater real estate affair, the Travelgate scandal, and the so-called "Filegate" controversy. Barr was also among the first lawmakers to call for Clinton's impeachment after the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke out.

Despite their political rivalry, Barr and Clinton shared an unusual camaraderie when it came to personal interests. Both men were fond of jazz music and had a mutual friend, saxophonist Ron Holloway. The documentary traces the unlikely friendship between the two politicians through their mutual love of jazz, a connection that has largely gone unnoticed by the media.

Let's Get Frank also sheds light on Barr's transformation from a firebrand conservative to a Libertarian advocate. In 2002, Barr decided to contest the congressional seat for Georgia's 7th district as a Libertarian, creating a huge stir in the political arena. The move sparked controversy on both sides of the political spectrum, with some accusing Barr of betraying his conservative principles, while others hailed him as a visionary for daring to break free from established party norms.

The documentary features interviews with several prominent figures, including journalist Sam Donaldson, who covered Clinton's presidency extensively, and Barr's former colleagues from Congress. It also includes rare footage of Barr's impeachment speech and other iconic moments from the Clinton presidency.

One of the key themes of Let's Get Frank is the concept of political transformation. Through Barr's story, the film explores the idea that politicians can evolve and change their views on issues over time. The documentary also touches on the role of partisan politics in shaping public discourse, with Barr criticizing both Republicans and Democrats for their lack of focus on civil liberties issues.

The film is directed by filmmaker and political commentator Gary Johnson, who was also a former Republican governor of New Mexico and the Libertarian Party nominee for president in 2012. Johnson's personal experience with party politics gives the documentary a unique perspective on the inner workings of American politics.

Let's Get Frank is a thought-provoking documentary that challenges preconceived notions about partisan politics and the nature of personal relationships in the political arena. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two politicians who, despite their differences, found common ground through their love of music. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in American politics and the people who shape its course.