John Whitehead's Commentary

"Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectful, and give an appearance of solidity to pure wind."--George Orwell

Lately, we've been so bombarded with endless propaganda from the candidates and their spinners that grasping the truth has become nearly impossible.

Americans want to believe that those running for office and the ones who ultimately get elected are telling us the truth. History, however, indicates otherwise. A brief look at events over the last 40 years reveals political lies and chicanery that led one president to resign and saw another one impeached.

Unfortunately, we get most of our news from television. But politics on television has devolved to pure entertainment, and any attempt at reality is met with rebuff. As a commentator for the Wall Street Journal notes: "It's become comical to watch the TV people shooting one 'tough' question after another at guests who bat them away like fruit flies on a steaming peach pie. The morning Sunday shows used to make news but rarely do in a big way anymore."

But the truth is out there. And a good place to start looking for it is in the movies. Not surprisingly, there have been some filmmakers who have tackled the nasty business of politics and analyzed it quite well. So maybe it's time to turn off the tube and pop in a video or DVD. The following films are worth watching and studying.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939): In Frank Capra's classic film, Jimmy Stewart plays the part of a naïve young man who is selected to fill in for an ailing senator, only to find that Washington, D.C., is filled with corrupt politicians. Against all odds and in the face of power and greed, he takes a courageous stand for his beliefs. Idealism, something that is difficult to find these days, triumphs. A fine supporting performance from Claude Rains.

The State of the Union (1948): A multimillionaire (Spencer Tracy) seeks the Republican nomination for president. His estranged wife (Katharine Hepburn) is asked to join him to masquerade as a happy couple. But, not surprisingly, the political machine erodes Tracy's personal convictions. Again, Frank Capra directs.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962): Written and directed by John Frankenheimer, this superb thriller--an adroit analysis of backstage political maneuvering--is one of the best films of its kind. It tells the story of an American Korean War veteran who suspects that he and his platoon were brainwashed during the war and that his highly decorated and heroic friend was programmed to be a political assassin. Loaded with great performances, including Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury, James Gregory and Frank Sinatra, this film chillingly foreshadows the Kennedy assassination, which was less than one year away.

The Best Man (1964): Two presidential contenders vie for the endorsement of the aging ex-president. In the process, personal ambitions and politics mix to trample ethics. There is an adept screenplay by Gore Vidal from his play and fine performances by Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson and Lee Tracy.

Seven Days in May (1964): Another fine film from John Frankenheimer that was written by Rod Serling. It focuses on an American general (Burt Lancaster) who plans a military takeover of the United States because he considers the president's pacifism traitorous. This is an important film today in light of the ever-increasing presence of the military in our lives. Great ensemble cast of Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Ava Gardner and Fredric March, among others.

The Candidate (1972): In this film, a young, idealistic lawyer (Robert Redford) who is a product of the sixties is convinced to run for a senate seat in California and soon learns that politics means compromise. This well-written, realistic look at politics and political campaigning is supported by fine performances from Redford, Peter Boyle and Melvyn Douglas.

All the President's Men (1976): Based on the book by Washington Post reporters Woodward and Bernstein, this film is the purported true story of the Watergate break-in that eventually led to one of the greatest political fiascos of all time. The reporters slowly uncover the facts that ultimately lead to the criminal indictment of the Nixon Administration. Masterfully shot by director Alan Pakula and with a fine cast, including Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman and Jason Robards.

Tanner '88 (1988): Made for cable television by the legendary improvisational director Robert Altman, this realistic political satire centers on a long-shot politician (Michael Murphy) on the trail of the Democratic presidential nomination. The story is by Gary Trudeau of Doonesbury fame. This film caused controversy because of Altman's documentary approach to the story. Some who watched it thought it was an actual candidate in a real political race.

Nixon (1995): This bio-epic, directed by Oliver Stone, is one of the best films ever made. It touches all of Richard Nixon's public life, while speculating on his private one. Stone's interpretation of historical events--which caused so much controversy with JFK (1991)--is present here as well. But be that as it may, this movie exhibits great cinematography, writing, directing and acting. Indeed, Anthony Hopkins is so effective as Nixon that he seems to melt into the former president on the screen. Joan Allen is also fine as Pat Nixon. A must-see film.

Wag the Dog (1997): A Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) is hired by White House personnel to stage a military attack against the United States to divert media attention from accusations that the president fondled a young girl. The film is a satirical look at politics as entertainment. It is also an astute commentary on the essence of politics, which is a continuing maneuver to stay in power. Good performance from Hoffman.

13 Days (2000): This film, set during the two-week Cuban missile crisis in October 1962, centers on how President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy and others handled an extremely tense international situation. Poised on the brink of nuclear war, John Kennedy courageously rejected attempts by the military to exploit an already explosive situation. This is a good, old-fashioned thriller with a fine performance by Bruce Greenwood as JFK.

"Humankind cannot bear too much reality," T. S. Eliot once said. That is one reason we are so drawn to fiction. However, it is in fiction--such as that found in movies--that we can peer into the mirror of truth. And, after all, isn't politics about fiction, anyway?

ABOUT JOHN W. WHITEHEAD

Constitutional attorney and author John W. Whitehead is founder and president of The Rutherford Institute. His most recent books are the best-selling Battlefield America: The War on the American People, the award-winning A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State, and a debut dystopian fiction novel, The Erik Blair Diaries. Whitehead can be contacted at staff@rutherford.org. Nisha Whitehead is the Executive Director of The Rutherford Institute. Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at www.rutherford.org.

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