Ep 3. Inside Obama's Presidency

Inside Obama's Presidency is an episode from season 31 of the investigative documentary series Frontline. In this episode, Frontline takes an in-depth look at the presidency of Barack Obama, exploring his successes and failures during his time in the White House.

The episode begins by examining Obama's rise to power and his early years in office, including his efforts to pass healthcare reform and his decision to bail out the auto industry during the financial crisis. It then delves into some of the major challenges Obama faced during his presidency, such as the rise of ISIS in the Middle East and the deadly attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi.

Throughout the episode, Frontline features interviews with a variety of individuals who worked closely with Obama during his time in office, including White House staffers, members of Congress, and journalists who covered the administration. These interviews provide a detailed and nuanced perspective on Obama's presidency, shedding light on both his strengths and weaknesses as a leader.

One of the key themes explored in the episode is Obama's approach to governing. Frontline examines how Obama's vision of a more pragmatic, bipartisan politics clashed with the hyper-partisanship and gridlock that characterized much of his time in office. The episode also explores Obama's leadership style, including his use of data-driven decision making and his reliance on a small circle of trusted advisors.

Despite his many accomplishments as president, the episode also acknowledges some of the criticisms of Obama's presidency. For example, the episode examines how Obama's administration struggled to address issues like income inequality and racial injustice, and how some of his foreign policy decisions were criticized both by Republicans and progressives.

Overall, Inside Obama's Presidency is a thought-provoking and informative exploration of one of the most consequential presidencies in recent American history. Through a combination of archival footage, expert commentary, and in-depth interviews, Frontline provides a balanced and nuanced portrait of Obama's time in office, painting a complex picture of a president who faced unprecedented challenges during a turbulent time in American history.