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By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

Representation Score

8.3/10

Excellent

2009

Director

Amy Rice, Alicia Sams

Runtime

116 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz 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 women in authoritative, high-stakes roles, 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.

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Category Breakdown

Does By the People: The Election of Barack Obama have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not center on LGBTQ+ narratives or specific non-cisgender identities. It does not explicitly highlight queer identities or challenge assumptions that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does By the People: The Election of Barack Obama portray gender?

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.

How racially and ethnically diverse is By the People: The Election of Barack Obama?

Excellent

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

How does By the People: The Election of Barack Obama represent religion and culture?

Good

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

Does By the People: The Election of Barack Obama include 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.

Present on Screen

  • 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.

Limited or Absent

  • 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 straight-centered structures or use disability as a lens for social critique.

Official 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.

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