Journeys with George

JOURNEYS WITH GEORGE

Journeys with George is a documentary by Alexandra Pelosi (daughter of current Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi) that follows George W. Bush for more than a year on his campaign trail to the presidency in 2000. Working for NBC and as part of what she calls the "travelling press corps," Pelosi offers the only behind-the-scenes look at Bush's campaign. With light journalism and a good sense of humor, she achieves considerable access to the then-Governor of Texas. The film focuses on the relationship between the press and presidential candidates, the life of a traveling journalist in such a relationship, and Bush and the inner workings of his campaign (usually in a humorous light) with less attention given to the issues. It earned six Emmy nominations

Objectives:  Look for manipulation of the media  Look for media manipulation of the candidate  Look for the problem of the media’s relationship with the campaign / candidate  Consider the relationship of the candidate to Pelosi  Consider the relationship and its impact on press neutrality  Consider the candidate’s relationship to the press corps

Questions:

1. What happens to access for the press once Bush gets the nomination?

2. What are photo ops?

3. What impact do photo ops have on everything that happens?

4. What is the effect of the same stump speech everywhere?

5. Karl Rove; “I’m not a liar. I’m not a journalist.” What appears to be the attitude of the campaign staff toward the press corps?

6. Is the relationship between the press corps and the candidate one of love-hate? How is it manifested?

7. What is the impact of the President’s sense of humor?

8. In your mind, does the president come across with sincerity? Explain. 9. Bush, at Bob Jones University, “This is my place.” Why is this entire episode controversial? 10. What is “Full access George?”

11. What does “I’m a little quicker than you think” tell you about the candidate’s persona?

12. What is the reaction by Bush to the Pelosi question on the death penalty in Texas?

13. The reaction to “how many hands did you shake?”

14. What can be predicted about the relationship between the press and a future Bush presidency?

15. Is there bitterness between McCain and Bush? Why/why not? Explain.

16. Why is Sandra Hughes in the background whenever Bush is near the press?

17. Why does Bush constantly schmoose with Pelosi? Why is trying to get her vote, or is he?

18. What happens to press, access and security when Bush wins the nomination?

19. What happens at the convention?

20. Are trains a good means of campaigning in 2000?

21. If the press corps doesn’t see reality how can they report it?

22. “Campaigns are a series of ops, mass produced signs not made by real people, everything staged for the cameras.” Explain 23. What’s the overall message of this film? Expound on this question in the space below.