Watch The Contenders - 16 for '16
- 2016
- 1 Season
PBS's The Contenders - 16 for '16 is a political documentary series that takes a closer look at the 16 candidates vying for the presidency in the 2016 United States presidential election. Each of the hour-long episodes focuses on one candidate from the primaries to the general election, providing an in-depth look at their campaign strategies, personal lives, and political ideologies.
Taking a non-partisan approach, the series sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of the candidates' histories and highlights pivotal moments in their campaigns. With exclusive interviews with campaign staffers, journalists, and political analysts, the show offers a uniquely insightful perspective on one of the most controversial and unpredictable presidential elections in modern history.
The series begins with two candidates who ultimately became the Democratic and Republican nominees: Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The episodes cover key events in each of their campaigns, such as the primary debates, the DNC email scandal, and the Access Hollywood tape leak. Viewers get an inside look at Clinton's image rebranding and her struggle to appeal to young voters, as well as Trump's unconventional campaigning style and his divisive policies.
From there, The Contenders shifts its focus to the many other candidates running for the presidency in 2016. The next episode covers Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, whose progressive platform galvanized millennial voters and sparked a movement for universal healthcare and free college education. The show also examines other Democratic candidates like Martin O'Malley, Jim Webb, and Lincoln Chafee, whose campaigns never gained much traction.
On the Republican side, the series covers candidates who eventually dropped out of the race like Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz. The episodes explore their different approaches to the election and highlight the moments that ultimately led to their departures from the race. They also feature lesser-known candidates like Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson, and Chris Christie, who surprised many with their strong performances in the primaries.
Throughout the series, The Contenders takes a deeper look at the issues that dominated the election, such as immigration, climate change, and income inequality. Each candidate's stance on these issues is explored, providing a comprehensive view of the political landscape during the 2016 election.
Overall, The Contenders - 16 for '16 is a compelling look into one of the most dramatic presidential elections in recent history. It provides a behind-the-scenes view of the candidates and their campaigns, revealing key insights into their personalities, strategies, and beliefs. The series offers a balanced and nuanced portrayal of the election, providing valuable context and perspective on this pivotal moment in American politics.