Recommended viewing

Regardless of political affiliation, Americans would be well served to watch the HBO documentary film, "By The People: The Election of Barack Obama". It's a behind-the scenes account of the 2008 Obama campaign. The filmmakers were granted almost unlimited access, and as a result captured some really great moments with the candidate, his family and campaign staff workers.

There's lots of little after-hours, one-on-one, hotel room interviews with Obama, David Axelrod and David Plouffe that shed some light on the men and their thoughts as they speak openly about their strategy, hopes and fears in surprisingly unguarded moments.

We grow so accustomed to the blue lit, flag-draped video images of the people in this film that it's refreshing to see them just chatting, eating pizza or hugging their kids and wives. There is a candor and charm shown here that's absent in the highly produced, 24-hour news cycle, sound bites and TV moments.  It's easy to be distracted from the mundane reality of these real people with real lives.

Most Americans are well aware that TV  interviews and debates with a presidential candidate are highly rehearsed affairs. Peeling back the curtain to see the actual process is compelling.  There is much good humor exchanged between the campaign senior staff, but the thing that really shines through is the fatigue factor, as the team seeks to achieve the near impossible task of getting their man elected.  

What struck me most was the youth of some of the biggest players in the campaign. Of particular note was Jon Favreau, Obama's chief speech writer. This 28 year old kid (I can call him that because he's only six months older than my son) has been instrumental in some of the great public speaking moments in modern American political history. Obama call's him his mind-reader, for good reason, he is absolutely dialed in on what to say and when to say it.

Watching the film brought me back emotionally to the moment that Ohio was called for Obama and I realized that this was actually happening. He was going to win. Being an eye-witness to history is a rare privilege.