POV Season 10 Episode 10 A Perfect Candidate

A Perfect Candidate is an episode from the tenth season of the acclaimed documentary series, POV. This episode focuses on the election campaign of Oliver North, a controversial figure in American politics known for his involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal. As the episode follows North on his campaign trail, it investigates the complex relationship between politicians and the media, the impact of money and influence in politics, and the high stakes involved in running for public office.

The episode opens with footage from a North campaign rally, where the candidate is shown to be a charismatic and captivating speaker who is able to rally his supporters effortlessly. The narration then moves to explain how North's campaign was intertwined with the political landscape of the time, including the presidential race between Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, the rise of the 24-hour news cycle, and the role of the religious right in American politics. These factors are shown to have played a significant role in shaping the public perception of North and his campaign.

The documentary then delves into the inner workings of North's campaign, showing how his team worked to shape his image and message in order to appeal to various voting demographics. It exposes the behind-the-scenes tactics used by political campaigns to manipulate public opinion, such as hiring focus groups to test messaging and using commercials to paint their opponents in a negative light. The episode also explores the influence of money and influence in politics, including the role played by political action committees and wealthy donors.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that North's campaign is not without controversy. The documentary exposes an incident in which North's campaign attempted to bribe an opponent to drop out of the race, as well as allegations of voter suppression and intimidation. These revelations raise questions about the ethics of political campaigning and the integrity of the democratic process.

Finally, the episode concludes with the election day results, showing the outcome of the race and the impact it had on the political landscape at the time. It also reflects on the legacy of Oliver North and his place in American politics.

Overall, A Perfect Candidate is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the complicated world of politics and elections in America. It provides an in-depth look at the inner workings of political campaigns, the role of the media and money in shaping public perception, and the high stakes involved in running for public office. Through its examination of the North campaign, the episode offers a nuanced and complex understanding of American politics and the issues that shape it.