Race for the White House

Seasons

2016

7.7

Notable US Presidential election races throughout American history are examined.

Episode List

S1 • E1

1960: John F. Kennedy vs Richard Nixon

John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon have the first televised presidential debate; one where presentation made as much of an impact as message, and may have cost Nixon the election.

1860: Abraham Lincoln vs Stephen Douglas

S1 • E2

1860: Abraham Lincoln vs Stephen Douglas

From prairie lawyer to President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln's journey may have seemed impossible, but his strong public speaking and ruthless tactics helped him beat Stephen Douglas.

1988: George H.W. Bush vs Michael Dukakis

S1 • E3

1988: George H.W. Bush vs Michael Dukakis

Vice President Bush fights off the Iran Contra scandal in his campaign against Democrat Michael Dukakis, attacking him in a series of devastating TV attack ads that sunk Dukakis's campaign.

S1 • E4

1948: Harry Truman vs Thomas Dewey

Harry S. Truman inherited FDR's presidency and steered the US to the end of World War II. He must win his own term against the more popular Thom Dewey.

1828: Andrew Jackson vs John Quincy Adams

S1 • E5

1828: Andrew Jackson vs John Quincy Adams

Andrew Jackson is convinced that John Quincy Adams struck a corrupt bargain to become President. Four years later, and he is out for revenge.

S1 • E6

1992: Bill Clinton vs George H.W. Bush

Branded an adulterer and a draft dodger, Bill Clinton finds himself at the bottom of the polls until he and his team devise one the of most effective campaigns in the history of US Presidential campaigns.