History, it seems, repeats itself. So, hadn't we best take a good look at our past American presidents to see where our present-day politicking pundits may be leading us in the future. This list of recommended documentaries--selected from hundreds of titles about the U.S. presidency and precedent-setting presidents--is an excellent place to start.
US Presidents (2007)
A 17-DVD Box Set primer about the American preidency that covers the presidents and presents key political speeches, presidential inaugurations & historical newsreel footage.
Just The Facts: The Executive Branch of Government (1999)
The Just The Facts educational series' elemental primer about the U.S. government's Executive Branch, covering the presidency's history, powers and limitations and how it is intended to function in our political system.Road To The Presidency (2004)
In this PBS-produced documentary, director Scott Jacobs traces Bill Clinton's rise to the presidency, giving audiences a fascinating and intimate look at what happens behind the scenes in American political campaigns.Frontline: The Clinton Years (2001)
PBS' Frontline presents this early analysis of the legagy of Bill Clinton's eight years in The White House. The filmmakers interview Clinton's close aids--including spokeswoman and press secretary Dee Dee Myers, communications director George Stephanopoulos, budget director Leon Panetta, and political advisor David Gergen--to reveal the behind-the-scenes maneuvering characteristic of the Clinton administration, and how it influences policy decisions and current events.Ronald Reagan: An American President (2004)
This Reagan Library tribute to the president presents his official biography, covering his years as a Hollywood actor and his years in office.Jimmy Carter Man From Plains (2007)
Filmmaker Jonathan Demme documents Jimmy Carter's post-presidential efforts to effect world peace.JFK: A Presidency Revealed (2003)
David Taylor's thoughtful portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy is a comprehensive study of life, career and legacy of the charismatic president who still influences American politics decades after his assassination.The Real Richard Nixon (1994)
In this less than scandalous portrait of a scandal-clad president, Richard Nixon focuses primarily on his wife, Pat.American Experience: Truman (2006)
Vice President Harry S. Truman, a compromise candidate on the Democrat's 1944 ticket, was as shocked as the rest of the world was when the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt thrust him--a little known politician with only local experience--into the role of world leader. This PBS documentary, directed by David Grubin, takes a look at the background and presidency of this surpisingly capable and effective leader.American Experience: Woodrow Wilson (2002)
Carl Byker and Mitch Wilson directed this PBS American Experience episode that investigates Woodrow Wilson's decisions to end American isolationism and other key aspects of his controversial presidency.