You are here:
By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

2009

Director

Alicia Sams, Amy Rice

Runtime

116 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

By the People: The Election of Barack Obama is a documentary film produced by Edward Norton broadcast in November 2009 on HBO, which follows Barack Obama and various members of his campaign team, including David Axelrod, through the two years leading up to the United States presidential election on November 4th, 2008.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

6.3/10

Good


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Fair

The film lacks a central focus on LGBTQ+ narratives or specific non-cisnormative identities. It does not explicitly center queer identities or critique heteronormative structures as a primary thematic driver.

Gender Representation

Good

The documentary highlights women in high-stakes, authoritative roles rather than purely supportive capacities. It depicts female strategists and organizers as essential drivers of the campaign's intellectual and operational success.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Excellent

The narrative centers on a multiracial coalition and the complexities of racial identity. It provides significant agency to a diverse array of supporters, illustrating how racial representation catalyzed political mobilization.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

The film explores the tension between traditional institutions and an evolving social landscape. It touches upon faith and religious identity while maintaining a focus on the secular mechanics of political organizing.

Disability Representation

Fair

There is no significant or intentional focus on neurodivergence or physical disabilities. While capturing a broad spectrum of the public, disability is not used as a central narrative device.

Strengths

  • The film provides a profound departure from historical norms by centering on a multiracial political coalition.
  • It effectively showcases women in authoritative, high-stakes roles as essential campaign drivers.
  • The documentary illustrates how racial identity and representation can act as catalysts for massive political mobilization.

Areas for Improvement

  • The film lacks visible, intentional character arcs or narratives centered on LGBTQ+ identities.
  • There is no significant or intentional focus on neurodivergence or physical disabilities within the footage.
  • The narrative does not explicitly critique heteronormative structures or use disability as a lens for social critique.

AI Analysis

The documentary excels by documenting a multiracial political movement that disrupts traditional historical narratives of American leadership. By centering on Barack Obama, the film provides a profound departure from the historical Anglo-Saxon norm of the presidency. While the film offers a meaningful portrayal of female agency in a male-dominated arena, it lacks intentionality regarding LGBTQ+ identities and disability. These omissions prevent a more comprehensive exploration of the diverse American landscape. Ultimately, the film serves as a vital record of how identity and systemic representation can reshape mainstream institutional dynamics through grassroots mobilization.

How are these scores produced? →

Similar Movies

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.