America 250 – Politics & Film Series
Join the political science department for viewings and discussions of three films, connected to themes of American elections, foreign policy, the two-party system, and more. Space is limited so please contact reichj@chc.edu if you are interested in attending one or more of the events.
February 11, 2 – 4:15 PM – Shirley (2024; John Ridley; Netflix – Runtime 1:57): Starring Regina King, Lance Reddick, Terrence Howard, and more, Shirley tells the story of the 1972 fraught but impactful presidential run of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress, representing New York. Chisholm’s journey from campaign through the DNC is chronicled as the film explores the American presidential election process and its shortcomings. Following the film, there will be discussion around the topic: Can the party system in the U.S. yield the best candidates for president?
February 20, 11 AM – 1:30 PM – Recount (2008; Jay Roach and Danny Strong; HBO – Runtime 1:54): Starring Kevin Spacey, Ed Begley Jr., Laura Dern, Denis Leary, and more, Recount, a three-time Emmy Award winning film, tells the story of the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election between Al Gore and George Bush, specifically its aftermath. The film begins with the election, telling the story from the results from the contest all the way through the final Supreme Court ruling over one month later. Following the film, there will be discussion around the topic: Can the electoral system in the U.S. give us the true winner in a presidential race?
February 23, 2 – 4:15 PM – Charlie Wilson’s War (2007; Mike Nichols and Aaron Sorkin; Universal Pictures – Runtime 1:40): Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and more, Charlie Wilson’s War is a biographical dramedy that is based on the true story of Congressman Charlie Wilson and a CIA operative, who spurred Operation Cyclone, a program that ultimately led to the United States supporting Afghanistan during the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s. Wilson’s efforts are credited with impacting the Reagan Doctrine, which expanded U.S. efforts in supporting foreign countries with anti-communist resistance movements. Following the film, there will be discussion around the topic: Should basic rights and support for democracies drive American foreign policy?
