Watch The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinksy & His Legacy

The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinksy & His Legacy is a powerful documentary that examines the career of Saul Alinksy, a political strategist who fundamentally reshaped political activism in the United States in the 20th century. Directed by Peter LeDonne, the film explores the ways in which Alinksy's work continues to influence politics today.

The movie begins by introducing viewers to Alinksy himself, providing a brief overview of his life and work. Born in 1909, Alinksy grew up in a poor Jewish family in Chicago. He became involved in labor organizing as a young man, and eventually went on to develop a new approach to political activism that was based on grassroots organizing and community empowerment.

The film then goes on to explore Alinksy's most famous book, Rules for Radicals, which remains a foundational text for activists and organizers today. Alinksy believed that change could only happen through collective action, and urged activists to focus on building strong, sustained local networks of support. His model of organizing emphasized the importance of empowering people to take collective action to achieve specific goals, rather than relying on traditional top-down methods of political change.

Throughout the film, viewers see clips of Alinksy speaking and leading community organizing campaigns, giving them a sense of his forceful personality and his unwavering commitment to social justice. The documentary also features interviews with activists and organizers who have been influenced by Alinksy's work, including Hillary Clinton, who wrote her senior thesis on Alinksy's ideas.

One of the most interesting parts of the movie is its exploration of Alinksy's legacy in contemporary politics. The documentary argues that Alinksy's organizing model has influenced a wide variety of social movements, from the civil rights movement to anti-war activism to the Occupy Wall Street protests. It also examines the ways in which Alinksy's ideas have been co-opted and watered down by mainstream political campaigns, and raises important questions about the role of big money in modern campaign finance.

The documentary is also notable for its stellar cast of contributors. In addition to archival footage of Alinksy himself, the film features interviews with several prominent public figures, including Alec Baldwin, Bill Moyers, and Garry Trudeau. These interviews add significant depth and nuance to the film's exploration of Alinksy's legacy, and help to connect his ideas to larger conversations about the future of politics and activism in the United States.

Overall, The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinksy & His Legacy is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that offers a compelling look at one of the most influential political thinkers of the 20th century. It's a must-see for anyone interested in politics, history, or social justice, and provides valuable insights into the power of grassroots organizing and community-led change.