How to Win the US Presidency

How to Win the US Presidency is a compelling and insightful documentary from 2016 that breaks down the complex process of presidential campaigning in the United States. The film, directed by Cal Seville and featuring Adam Baylis-West, Tony Blair, and Pat Buchanan, dives deep into the details, strategies, and vast sums of money involved in winning the highest political office in the country.

The movie begins by acknowledging the seemingly impenetrable enigma that is the U.S Presidency. As the title suggests, it aims to decipher the blueprint of how to capture the White House, starting with a deep dive into the historical context of presidential campaigns. The film puts into perspective the unfolding of American history linked to presidential campaigns and elections.

Adam Baylis-West, a known sports commentator and voice actor, aptly narrates the film, guiding viewers through the campaign trail's tumultuous terrain. Baylis-West's background in sports commentary shines through, as he brings his skillful narration to the political arena. The narrative backbone, alternately dramatic, gripping, and humorous, brings eventful historical instances to life.

Tony Blair, the former UK Prime Minister, offers his expertise and perspective to trace the minute details of presidential campaigns and the correlations observable in other international elections. His insightful commentary and direct experience in politics lead viewers to understand the presidency's nuances and international context.

We also get to delve into Pat Buchanan's political stage experience, a well-known political commentator and advisor, and three-time presidential aspirant. He provides firsthand accounts of electoral wars, effectively adding a layer of authenticity and insider perspective to the journey. Having been both a White House insider and a campaigner himself, Buchanan's inputs give viewers a unique peek behind the curtains of a presidential race.

The documentary explores the presidential campaigns' role and methods, including the manipulation of media, use of propaganda, and the influencing power of money in American politics. It also critically examines the role of technology and the Internet in modern-day campaigns, exploring how these tools have dramatically transformed the landscape of political communication and publicity.

The story delves into the intricacies of the campaign structure, explaining the critical roles of pollsters, advisors, and volunteers. Besides, it highlights extraordinary lengths campaigns go to manage public image and perception, revealing the art and science of electioneering as a high-stakes game that involves much more than on-the-surface inspirational speeches and well-executed debates.

While tracing these strategies is intriguing, the film also offers a sobering commentary on the vast amounts of money required to fund a presidential campaign. The film presents an unflinching look at the influence of wealth and power in deciding who gets to run for office and how successful their campaigns are.

The documentary's exploration is considerate of the rising questions about the current state of American democracy, effectively provoking thought about the inherent inequalities of the process and the toll it takes on the democratic ideal of equal representation.

However, How to Win the US Presidency isn't just a critique. Simultaneously, it is a riveting portrait of American cultural and political history, offering a tour-de-force through much of the 19th and 20th centuries and the early 21st century. The presidential campaigns become a lens through which the larger socio-cultural environment of those times is viewed.

In summary, How to Win the US Presidency is a crash course in U.S. political history and the art of political campaigning, with it being both educational and thought-provoking. It provides a holistic portrayal of the electoral process packed with enlightening commentary, historical retrospection, and a genuine attempt to bust the myth surrounding this prestigious public office. Providing a layman's manual on this intricate procedure, it successfully dispels multiple misconceptions, equipping the viewer with a better understanding of political landscapes, particularly focusing on the chess game of winning the US Presidency.