How to Win the TV Debate (2010)
With Britain's first-ever political leaders' television debate imminent, award-winning reporter Michael Cockerell uncovers what it's like to take part in these contests and how leaders try to win them. He tells the inside story of why it has taken so long for such debates to arrive in the UK. The programme features candid interviews with US Presidents and their advisers on the tricks of the debate trade. Blending new film and behind-the-scenes footage, some never seen before, it's a tragicomic tale of high politics and low cunning. From John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon through to Barack Obama, candidates are seen being prepared for their debates, then in the sometimes funny, sometimes disastrous results on live television. Cockerell shows why for our would-be next Prime Ministers - Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg - the three debate stages across Britain will be what one former US President calls 'Tension City'.
Cast
- Michael Cockerell - Self - Presenter
- Neil Kinnock - Self
- Charles Kennedy - Self
- Michael Dobbs - Self
- Don Hewitt - Self
- Richard Nixon - Self (archive footage)
- John F. Kennedy - Self (archive footage)
- Robin Day - Self (archive footage)
- Nikita Khrushchev - Self (archive footage)
- Ted Sorensen - Self
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is How to Win the TV Debate about?
- With Britain's first-ever political leaders' television debate imminent, award-winning reporter Michael Cockerell uncovers what it's like to take part in these contests and how leaders try to win them. He tells the inside story of why it has taken so long for such debates to arrive in the UK. The programme features candid interviews with US Presidents and their advisers on the tricks of the debate trade. Blending new film and behind-the-scenes footage, some never seen before, it's a tragicomic tale of high politics and low cunning. From John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon through to Barack Obama, candidates are seen being prepared for their debates, then in the sometimes funny, sometimes disastrous results on live television. Cockerell shows why for our would-be next Prime Ministers - Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg - the three debate stages across Britain will be what one former US President calls 'Tension City'.
- Who directed How to Win the TV Debate?
- How to Win the TV Debate was directed by James Giles.
- Who stars in How to Win the TV Debate?
- How to Win the TV Debate stars Michael Cockerell, Neil Kinnock, Charles Kennedy, Michael Dobbs, Don Hewitt, Richard Nixon.
- How long is How to Win the TV Debate?
- How to Win the TV Debate has a runtime of 1h 0m (60 minutes).
- What genre is How to Win the TV Debate?
- How to Win the TV Debate is a Documentary, History, TV Movie film.
- Where was How to Win the TV Debate produced?
- How to Win the TV Debate was produced in United Kingdom.