If you didn’t see HBO’s “Recount” when it aired Sunday evening, make sure you put it on your list to watch. The casting was great – you could actually tell who was portraying whom without the captions.
I happened to hear James Baker, a major player in this film, at the Norfolk Forum a few weeks ago. It was uncanny to hear him describe his entry into politics in the film – exactly the way that he described it himself.
Even though I followed the FL recount in the press, this movie had new information that went far beyond what the press reported. I’m not going to give it away – you just have to watch it for yourself.
Here’s the trailer.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I’m not at all sure I’d want to relive that. I can still tell you exactly where I was sitting in JFK when they announced the result of Bush v. Gore.
“Recount” was briliiant! Loved it! Like you said, excellent casting!!! Kathleen Harris — oh my gosh! That’s all I can about her royal Estherness! Wow — she must be related to “W”. 🙂
There are some interesting posts at http://www.letustalk.wordpress.com that you might find to be of interest.
Paulette
I thoroughly enjoyed it as well. It gave a real and meaningful look into the motivations behind the Bush and Gore campaigns in fighting for what they each did during the recount process. I thought the depictions of Katherine Harris went a tad bit too far, although it did seem she was essentially fluff and very little substance at the time, as well. But some of the depictions were a bit much.
I thought the reactions of Kevin Spacey as Ron Klain were awesome. That episode in American history was a complete travesty, and the Supreme Court sullied its pure name and traditions in the Bush v. Gore decision. They literally gave the presidency to W over fear of chaos. Outrageous since the precedent had existed for the US House of Representatives deciding an election in January!
Make that a MANUFACTURED fear of chaos, btw….
Great film. Was up at about 2 this morning watching it (a little insomnia), but it was definitely worth it. I too learned some new things. Most of the characters were spot on. A bit dramatic at times (like the limping staffer trying to halt Gore from giving the initial concession speech a split second before…all the while falling over) but still highly recommended!!
Ian, I’ll bet you learned a lot of new things 😉 After all, you were about 10 in 2000, right? 😀
Ha, no doubt about that!
When are democrats going to start fighting the way the republicans do. Politics is not a gentlemens game!
I watched last night and found it great To think of all the death, debt and destruction that has followed first because the SCOTUS stopped counting votes and overrode state law is more than tragic and sad.
Because of rampant voter intimidation and disenfranchisement of Florida voters (are you listening Obamanation), poor ballot design and Ralph Nader, we were saddled with the bush reign of error.
Actually, it was the Florida Supreme Court that overrode State Law.