Watch Contenders: They Lost The Election But Changed Political History

Contenders: They Lost The Election But Changed Political History is a C-SPAN series that explores the lives and legacies of individuals who ran for President of the United States but ultimately fell short of the Oval Office. Each episode focuses on a different candidate and their impact on American politics despite not winning the presidency.

Through interviews with political experts, historians, and the candidates themselves (when available), the show delves into the campaigns, key issues, and factors that contributed to their defeat. However, the main focus of each episode is on how these individuals continued to shape the political landscape and sometimes even change history in the wake of their failed campaigns.

The show covers a wide range of candidates, some of whom are more well-known than others. For example, the first episode features Henry Clay, a politician who ran for president multiple times in the 19th century and is known for his advocacy for the American System economic plan. Another episode focuses on William Jennings Bryan, a three-time presidential candidate who famously defended evolution in the Scopes Monkey Trial and played a key role in the populist movement.

Contenders also features episodes on more recent candidates, such as Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to run for president in a major party in 1972, and Howard Dean, who propelled himself to the forefront of the 2004 Democratic primary before ultimately losing to John Kerry.

One notable aspect of the series is its emphasis on the impact these candidates had on their respective political parties and movements. Many of the Contenders were trailblazers who challenged the status quo and paved the way for future candidates who shared their values and ideas. For example, Chisholm's campaign inspired future generations of Black women to run for office, while Dean's use of grassroots organizing and digital fundraising laid the groundwork for President Barack Obama's historic campaign in 2008.

Overall, Contenders: They Lost The Election But Changed Political History is a fascinating look at some of the most influential and consequential figures in American political history. While their campaigns may have ended in defeat, their legacies live on and continue to shape the political discourse and landscape today.