Release Date

12 Apr, 2010

Runtime

01:00: (HH:MM)

Synopsis

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'.

Original Title

How to Win the TV Debate

Photos

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Actors

Michael Cockerell

Neil Kinnock

Charles Kennedy

Michael Dobbs

Don Hewitt

Richard Nixon

John F. Kennedy

Robin Day

Никита Хрущёв

Ted Sorensen

Ted Rogers

Bill Wilson

Pat Buchanan

Pierre Salinger

Harold Wilson

Alec Douglas-Home

Edward Heath

Lady Falkender

Jimmy Carter

David Gergen

Gerald Ford

Crew

Michael Cockerell

Neil Higginson

Boyd Nagle

Rod Hutson

George Pinnock

Kate Redman

Valerie Hetherington

Daniel Noake

Jane Taylor

Julia Quin

Libby Hand

Sophie Cash

Denis McWilliams

Jay Mukoro