Election Cycle

Election Cycle is a political documentary series launched by ABC News in 2016 to cover the dramatic 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. The show provides an innovative and engaging exploration into the atmospheric vibes of political landscapes, irrespective of party lines. The focal point of the series is to discover and broadcast the voices of American voters in different geographical locations, extracting and highlighting their unique stories and perspectives about the changing American political scene.

The show's pioneer season was especially significant due to the intensity of the 2016 elections, colliding the worlds of traditional politics and reality television. Building on the momentum of this extraordinary political season, the premise of the series was to journey across the United States, taking on an investigative format that sought to zero in on the nerve of the campaigns' verbal confrontations, public opinion, and candidate promises. The aim was not to provide just statistical analysis, but to delve into the heart of the nation's beliefs, ideals, and the political and societal divisions brewing beneath the surface.

Election Cycle enacts its role as a political analyst and observer through the lens of everyday Americans. Its unique presentation creates a platform for the voice of the public to speak directly to the national audience, bringing to the forefront the issues that are the most important to them. It's not merely about party affiliations or candidate preferences; it's about discovering and understanding the aspirations, worries, and opinions of people at the grassroots level.

The host for the show is Michael Koenigs, a versatile ABC News correspondent, well matched to the task of delivering this street-level view of the election season. His affable and relatable interaction with the show's interviewees provides a strong anchor for the series, keeping both the information and entertainment flowing.

The primary message of the series is clear - to make sense of the byzantine complexities of American politics and to break down societal barriers. By relying less on the noise from campaign propaganda and instead focusing on the voices of ordinary citizens, the show distinguishes itself from conventional political reportage.

Election Cycle does not shy away from any topic. It takes on a broad spectrum of subjects and concerns, from immigration and labor to education and social justice, scrutinizing the potential impact of these issues on the populace's future. One of its key elements is the artful juxtaposition of diverse ideas and viewpoints, reflecting the dynamism and multiplicity of American society itself.

The nationwide reach of the series is impressively broad, with Koenig bike riding across America, visiting varied locations from bustling cities to quiet small towns. This unique mode of transportation not only adds a fun and unusual twist to the heavily car-dominated American lifestyle, but also encourages a more immersive engagement with the landscape and its inhabitants.

The show does not claim to provide definitive answers, but creates space for a more profound conversation about the country's political destiny. Through a mix of interviews, travelogues, town meetings and cafe conversations, Election Cycle makes complex electoral issues relate-able and understandable for its viewers without becoming too overwhelming or bogged down with hyperbole.

The format of Election Cycle encourages open engagement, echoing the ethos of the democratic system. The series also focuses on the pivotal role of younger voters in shaping political destinities, acknowledging how their voices and opinions can be a powerful force of change in election outcomes.

With its emphasis on voter empowerment and civic responsibility, Election Cycle captures the essence of democracy in action, providing viewers with a unique, informative, and engaging experience. Despite being centered on the 2016 election, the show's resonance continues in successive political seasons, standing as an inspirational and thought-provoking resource that triggers and sustains dialogue about the important role of democratic participation.

Overall, Election Cycle from ABC News is an immersive and accessible series for viewers who wish to understand the intricacies of American politics. It effectively explores the driving forces behind political opinion and showcases the breadth and depth of the American public's view.