Frontline Season 4 Episode 12 The Disillusionment of David Stockman

The Disillusionment of David Stockman is the twelfth episode of the fourth season of Frontline. The episode explores the rise and fall of David Stockman, a former Republican politician who served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget during President Ronald Reagan's administration. As a young and ambitious politician, Stockman dreamed of transforming the United States' economic policies, cutting taxes, and shrinking the government's size.

The show begins with Stockman's early years, highlighting his academic achievements and early involvement in politics. We see how he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of Reagan's most trusted advisers. During his tenure, Stockman was tasked with implementing Reagan's ambitious economic plans, which aimed to reduce taxes and increase defense spending, while simultaneously balancing the federal budget.

However, as time went on, Stockman became disillusioned with his role in the Reagan administration. He began to question the feasibility of Reagan's economic policies, which he believed were not sustainable in the long term. As the deficit continued to grow, Stockman fell out of favor with Reagan and became the target of fierce criticism from both his political opponents and fellow Republicans.

Throughout the episode, we see how Stockman's disillusionment with politics grew, ultimately leading to his resignation from his position as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. We also get a glimpse into Stockman's personal life, including his relationship with his wife and children, who struggled to understand his growing cynicism.

The Disillusionment of David Stockman is a thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the inner workings of American politics and the impact of economic policies on the lives of ordinary people. Through Stockman's story, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of government and the challenges faced by those who strive to create meaningful change. Ultimately, the episode leaves us with a sense of the fragility and impermanence of political power and the importance of questioning the status quo.