prose
There are many political productions out there to enjoy if you love politics, whether film, television, books, or stage. We have compiled some of our favorites in each category and hope they entertain and inform you.
political books we recommend
The federalist papers
America’s founding fathers explained the United States Constitution in 1788 and their thinking as they formed perhaps the most powerful nation since the mighty Roman Empire.
thomas jefferson: the art of power
Jon Meacham’s remarkable 2012 look into America’s author of the Declaration of Independence and the years before, during, and after his presidency.
team of rivals: the political genius of abraham lincoln
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin looks at Lincoln in 2005 and how he beat three better-known rivals for the White House.
Credit: Ben Everidge
hoya: the watchmen waketh
A fictional 47th president of the United States has to navigate threats from within and outside of the United States, including the nuclear sword of Damocles.
Credit: Ben Everidge
rescuing nicholas: the secret mission to save the tsar
Nicholas did not die in Siberia. Three other people did, according to an eyewitness. But if Nicholas lived, where did he go?
Our Favorite Political Movies
The American President
A widower president (Michael Douglas as Andrew Shepherd) falls for a talented environmental lobbyist (Annette Bening as Sydney Ellen Wade) in this warm romantic comedy about life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s a touching movie that will make you love politics again. Rob Reiner directs the Aaron Sorkin screenplay.
(Columbia Pictures, Universal Pictures, Castle Rock Entertainment, 1995)
Air force one
A group of terrorists hijack Air Force One before the President of the United States (Harrison Ford as James Marshall) saves the day, retaking the iconic plane in a heart-pounding final scene that will leave you rooting for the red, white, and blue. This movie is as good today as it was first released. Wolfgang Petersen directs the Andrew W. Marlowe screenplay.
(Columbia Pictures & Touchstone Pictures, 1997)
dave
A funny political impersonator takes on the role of a lifetime when the president (Kevin Klein as Bill Mitchell and Dave Kovic) has a stroke. But the First Lady (Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Mitchell) is not fooled. It’s a terrific comedy that will have you laughing at the White House for a good reason. Ivan Reitman directs the Gary Ross screenplay.
(Northern Lights Entertainment, 1993)
must see political television
West wing, NBC
It was a brilliant series created by Aaron Sorkin from 1999 to 2006, starring Martin Sheen as Josiah Barlet, Stockard Channing as Abbey Bartlet, Jimmy Smits as Matt Santos, and Teri Polo as Helen Santos. An incredibly talented cast rounded out this well-crafted Oval Office escapade.
madam secretary, CBS
CIA analyst turned political science professor and Secretary of State, and elected President Téa Leoni stars as Elizabeth McCord in this intriguing, entertaining political drama, co-starring Tim Daly as Henry McCord. Created by Barbara Hall with assistance from Morgan Freeman, the show ran from 2014 to 2019.
House of cards, netflix
This landmark dark political drama aired from 2013 to 2018 on the streaming platform Netflix. Starring Robin Wright as Claire Underwood and previously Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood, this series had all the real-life political drama to back it up.
outstanding stage to experience
hamilton
This Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda is, for all practical purposes, in a category all by itself. Having drawn in record crowds and attention from all ages, especially our nation’s youth, Hamilton is based on the well-written book by Ron Chernow. If you can see it anywhere, do. It is intensely creative. We only wish Mr. Miranda would choose to do a counterpart musical called Jefferson!