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Inside 16 of the most influential presidential campaigns of the last 50 years.
From Jesse Jackson's groundbreaking 1984 and 1988 campaigns to Barry Goldwater's 1964 campaign that launched of a brand of conservatism that influenced both Ronald Reagan and Hillary Clinton, 16 for '16 - The Contenders revisits the most influential presidential campaigns of the last 50 years.
From Jesse Jackson's groundbreaking 1984 and 1988 campaigns to Barry Goldwater's 1964 campaign that launched of a brand of conservatism that influenced both Ronald Reagan and Hillary Clinton, 16 for '16 - The Contenders revisits the most influential presidential campaigns of the last 50 years.
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More About the Show
The Contenders is an eight-hour documentary series that examines the most compelling and influential presidential campaigns in modern history. From Jesse Jackson’s groundbreaking 1984 and 1988 campaigns that changed the way delegates are distributed, to Barry Goldwater’s 1964 launching of a new brand of conservatism, the 16 stories covered by "The Contenders" reveals how previous elections are still influencing today in unexpected ways.



More About Each Episode
THE STRAIGHT TALKERS | Shirley Chisholm and John McCain were unafraid to speak their minds on the campaign trail.
THE FLAMETHROWERS | Howard Dean and Pat Buchanan used fiery rhetoric to push America in a different direction.
THE TECHNOCRATS | Michael Dukakis and Mitt Romney ran into trouble when they were defined by the opposition.
THE VISIONARIES | Gary Hart and Jesse Jackson were giant personalities with big ideas on a new world order.
THE CONSERVATIVES | Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan defined the modern conservative movement and the GOP.
THE INDEPENDENTS | Ross Perot and Ralph Nader challenged the two-party system and ran as independents.
THE TRAILBLAZERS | Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin challenged the notion of what makes a strong VP.
THE MASTER STRATEGISTS | George W. Bush and Barack Obama were two of the best campaigners in modern history.
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