Ep 8. President of the World: The Bill Clinton Phenomenon, a Hardball Documentary with Chris Matthews

President of the World: The Bill Clinton Phenomenon, a Hardball Documentary with Chris Matthews is the eighth episode of the first season of MSNBC Films. The documentary details the rise of Bill Clinton to the presidency of the United States and his impact on the global political landscape during his two terms in office. Matthews, the longtime political commentator and host of Hardball with Chris Matthews, provides expert analysis and insight into Clinton's political career.

The episode begins by exploring Clinton's early life and rise to power within the Democratic Party. It examines his early political campaigns, his tenure as Arkansas governor, and his controversial presidential campaign in 1992. Matthews interviews several political analysts and Clinton insiders to gain a deeper understanding of the political strategies that propelled Clinton to the White House.

Once in office, Clinton faced numerous challenges both at home and abroad. The documentary delves into the key issues that defined Clinton's presidency, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the passage of the controversial crime bill, and the ongoing conflict in Bosnia. Matthews speaks with key figures from Clinton's administration, including former White House Chief of Staff John Podesta and former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger, to gain insight into the decision-making processes behind some of Clinton's most significant domestic and foreign policy achievements.

The episode also explores Clinton's efforts to create a "New Democrat" identity for his party, one that focused on embracing centrist policies and appealing to moderate voters. Matthews examines the political acumen and charisma that made Clinton such a compelling figure, and the ways in which he was able to connect with voters both at home and abroad.

Overall, President of the World: The Bill Clinton Phenomenon, a Hardball Documentary with Chris Matthews provides a comprehensive look into the life and career of one of the most influential political figures of the modern era. Through expert analysis and interviews with key insiders, the documentary offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on the legacy of the 42nd President of the United States.