16 for '16 - The Contenders

Assistant Professor Niambi Carter, National Chief of Staff Messina, Director, Annenberg Public Policy Center University of Pennsylvania Kathleen Jamieson, Stephanie Cutter, and Campaign Supervisor Donna Brazile discuss the ways that Obama used the internet and social media to mobilize young voters. This strategy ultimately defeated the powerful establishment behind Hillary Clinton in 2008.

Journalists Ponnuru, Hockenberry, Weisberg, Nichols, and Republican Strategist Trynham describe Bush growing up and how he contrasted with the rest of his family. He was never expected to be successful in politics and was the black sheep of his family. Experts as well as Sr. Advisor Karen Hughes state George W. eventually decided to turn his life around after his father entered the White House.

Republican Strategist Karl Rove, National Chief of Staff Jim Messina and others discuss the momentum and mainstream attention of Obama's campaign, which translated to his great success in Iowa. All the while Hillary Clinton was close behind, criticized for being "less likeable. When she showed her human side, she defeated him in New Hampshire, illustrating the neck-in-neck race between the two.

Republican Strategist Trynham, journalists Weisberg, Couric, and advisors Rice, Norquist, and Brazile discuss Bush's inarticulacy and inexperience, as well as how he was honest enough about his shortcomings that he just surrounded himself with experienced strategists. Consequently, Bush came off as personable and as an average American to those that ultimately voted for him.

Journalist Lynn Sherr, former presidential candidate Walter Mondale and historian Nichola Gutgold describe the enthusiasm at the 1984 Democratic National Convention with which Geraldine Ferraro was greeted during her speech as vice presidential candidate. It was a sign of hope and opportunity especially for the many women on the floor.

Historian Nichola Gutgold and others discuss how the media focused on Palin's appearance and often objectified her in the way she was filmed and photographed. Not only was her wardrobe discussed by news anchors and reporters, she was often photographed from angles that accentuated parts of her body rather than focused on her face and the things she had to say.

Walter Mondale, Lynn Sherr, and Maria Cardona discuss George H.W. Bush’s condescending behavior towards Geraldine Ferraro during the vice presidential debate in 1984. Bush questioned her knowledge of foreign policy, and Ferraro called him out on his patronizing behavior. The discussion revolves around Bush’s inability to take a female opponent seriously.

Historian Nichola Gutgold, journalists David Corn and John Nichols, and Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center discuss how Sarah Palin's appearances in the media and in particular the parody of her appearances on Saturday Night Live quickly showed the public that she was unprepared for the position of the vice presidency.

Barry Goldwater's defiant 1964 Republican Convention speech ultimately scared off voters, as criticism spread that he was too extreme.

Ronald Reagan's commitment to the economy, shrinking the government, and renewing the country's optimism are considered as factors leading to his growing popularity.

Barry Goldwater's early background as a photographer and pilot is discussed up until he was elected to the Senate.

The RNC in 1976 was contested, giving the undecided delegates the final say in the ultimate nominee. Though Reagan lost, his gracious comments after his defeat made a lasting impression.