How to Win the TV Debate

Synopsis

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'.

Main Cast

Michael Cockerell

Self (Presenter)

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Neil Kinnock

Self

Age : 82 | Popularity : 3%

Charles Kennedy

Self

Age : 55 | Popularity : 5%

Michael Dobbs

Self

Age : 75 | Popularity : 3%

Don Hewitt

Self

Age : 86 | Popularity : 3%

Richard Nixon

Self (Archive Footage)

Age : 81 | Popularity : 4%

John F. Kennedy

Self (Archive Footage)

Age : 46 | Popularity : 9%

Robin Day

Self (Archive Footage)

Age : 76 | Popularity : 7%

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Production	Executive Producer	Tom Giles
	Producer	Michael Cockerell James Giles
	Production Manager	Libby Hand Sophie Cash
	Researcher	Valerie Hetherington Kate Redman Daniel Noake
	Production Executive	Jane Taylor
	Production Coordinator	Julia Quin
	Producer's Assistant	Jay Mukoro
Sound	Sound Mixer	George Pinnock
Crew	Presenter	Michael Cockerell
Camera	Camera Operator	Neil Higginson
Editing	Colorist	Boyd Nagle
	Editor	Denis McWilliams
	Online Editor	Rod Hutson
Directing	Director	James Giles
Department	Role	Name

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