poster
How to Win the TV Debate

First aired on Apr 12, 2010

Runtime: 60 mins

0%

Genres: Documentary, History, TV Movie

With Britain's first-ever political leaders' television debate imminent, award-winning reporter Michael Cockerell uncovers what it's like to take part in these contests and how leaders try to win them. He tells the inside story of why it has taken so long for such debates to arrive in the UK. The programme features candid interviews with US Presidents and their advisers on the tricks of the debate trade. Blending new film and behind-the-scenes footage, some never seen before, it's a tragicomic tale of high politics and low cunning. From John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon through to Barack Obama, candidates are seen being prepared for their debates, then in the sometimes funny, sometimes disastrous results on live television. Cockerell shows why for our would-be next Prime Ministers - Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg - the three debate stages across Britain will be what one former US President calls 'Tension City'.

Featured Cast: click image to view more
Michael Cockerell | Self - Presenter
Neil Kinnock | Self
Charles Kennedy | Self
Michael Dobbs | Self
Don Hewitt | Self
Richard Nixon | Self (archive footage)
Featured Crew
crew image
Michael Cockerell | Producer
crew image
Neil Higginson | Camera Operator
crew image
Boyd Nagle | Colorist
crew image
Rod Hutson | Online Editor
crew image
George Pinnock | Sound Mixer
crew image
Kate Redman | Researcher