Frontline Season 11 Episode 4 The Best Campaign Money Can Buy
- October 27, 1992
After a hotly contested presidential campaign, Americans looked to the newly elected President George W. Bush to lead the country through a new era of politics. Yet, many were left wondering what role the unprecedented sums of money spent on the campaign played in the ultimate outcome.
In the Frontline season 11 episode 4, titled "The Best Campaign Money Can Buy," viewers are taken behind the scenes of the 2000 election to explore the role of big money in modern American politics. The episode investigates how George W. Bush's campaign was able to raise and spend an astounding $150 million during the election cycle, outspending his opponent Al Gore by a margin of almost 3 to 1.
Viewers will be introduced to key figures involved in the Bush campaign, including Karl Rove, the campaign's chief strategist, and Joe Allbaugh, the campaign manager. With unprecedented access to the campaign's inner workings, Frontline offers insight into how the Bush team was able to leverage the power of money to secure the presidency.
Featuring interviews with top political analysts, journalists, and campaign insiders, "The Best Campaign Money Can Buy" dives into the strategies and tactics used by political candidates to raise and spend massive amounts of money in pursuit of electoral victory. The episode explores the changing landscape of American politics and the growing influence of money in shaping elections.
Throughout the episode, Frontline takes a critical look at the state of campaign finance in America, examining the impact of Supreme Court decisions such as Citizens United, which opened the door to unlimited spending by corporations and unions in support of political candidates.
With the 2020 presidential election fast approaching, "The Best Campaign Money Can Buy" offers a timely and thought-provoking examination of the role of money in politics. The episode raises important questions about the influence of big donors on the political process and the need for greater transparency and reform.
Overall, "The Best Campaign Money Can Buy" is a must-watch episode of Frontline for anyone interested in the mechanics of American politics and the impact of money on the electoral process. Through in-depth reporting, insightful analysis, and powerful interviews, the episode sheds light on the complex and often opaque world of campaign finance and its impact on democracy.