Watch 2008 Presidential Election Biographies

2008 Presidential Election Biographies is a documentary series produced by A&E that delves into the personal and professional backgrounds of the main candidates running in the 2008 United States presidential election. The series consists of six episodes, each focusing on one of the candidates: Barack Obama, John McCain, Joe Biden, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, and Mike Huckabee.

Each episode follows a similar format, starting with a brief overview of the candidate's political career and their key platforms in the election. The show then transitions into a more personal look at the candidate's background, including their upbringing, family life, and early career experiences. Through interviews with family members, friends, political allies and opponents, and the candidates themselves, viewers gain a deeper understanding of what shaped each person and their political beliefs.

The series is not just a retrospective of the 2008 election but aims to provide a window into the personalities and thinking of each candidate, their personal story, and the values they would bring to the President's office. The documentary takes a non-partisan approach and aims to offer insight and perspective for viewers, regardless of their political affiliation.

One of the unique aspects of this series is its focus on both major parties' candidates and their running partners. The episodes on Obama and Biden provide an in-depth look at how they met, the chemistry between them, and their close working relationship. Meanwhile, the episodes on McCain and Palin delve into the complexities and tensions of their partnership, how they complemented each other and where there were differences.

Throughout the series, viewers get an up-close look at each candidate's campaigning style and how they handle the challenges of running for President: the grueling schedule, the never-ending fundraising, the scrutiny of the media and public, and the crushing disappointments of setbacks and losses.

The series also offers a historical context and perspective on the election, exploring the significance of Obama's candidacy as the first African-American major-party nominee or Clinton's push to break the glass ceiling as the first woman with a viable chance of winning the nomination. It also sheds light on some of the lesser-known aspects of the candidates' careers, such as Huckabee's background as a pastor, Palin's experience as a small-town mayor, or Biden's family tragedies.

Overall, 2008 Presidential Election Biographies is an informative and engaging series that provides a window into the personal stories and political beliefs of the major candidates in one of the most pivotal elections in recent history. With its mix of personal interviews, historical context, and in-depth analysis, the series offers a balanced and nuanced perspective that appeals to viewers regardless of their political affiliations.