Watch America's Great Divide: From Obama to Trump

America's Great Divide: From Obama to Trump is a four-hour documentary series that explores the political and cultural divisions within America. The show debuted on PBS in January 2020, and features interviews with past and present politicians, historians, journalists, and other experts.

The series is hosted by former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore and PBS NewsHour producer Gabrielle Schonder. Throughout the course of the series, Gilmore and Schonder provide viewers with a detailed look at the factors that contributed to the rise of Donald Trump and the current political polarization in America.

The first two hours of the series focus on the Obama presidency, examining how his election and subsequent eight years in office impacted the nation. Viewers are taken on a journey through Obama's successes and failures, including his efforts to pass healthcare reform and his response to the financial crisis. Throughout this section of the series, interviews with people like former Vice President Joe Biden, political strategist David Axelrod, and former White House chief of staff Bill Daley are interspersed with archival footage, providing a multifaceted look at the Obama presidency.

The second half of America's Great Divide: From Obama to Trump examines the 2016 election and the first three years of the Trump presidency. In this section, the filmmakers delve into the factors that led to Trump's unlikely victory, including his appeal to disaffected voters and his portrayal in the media. They also examine the ways in which Trump's presidency has been marked by chaos and controversy, including the Mueller investigation and the impeachment hearings.

Throughout the series, Gilmore and Schonder provide viewers with a level-headed analysis that avoids partisan biases or sensationalism. Instead, they present a nuanced look at the issues that have divided the country, taking pains to ensure that different perspectives are presented fairly.

One of the strengths of America's Great Divide: From Obama to Trump lies in the breadth of perspectives it presents. In addition to the politicians and analysts mentioned above, the series features interviews with conservative media personality Glenn Beck, activist Linda Sarsour, and Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, among others. By giving voice to a wide range of perspectives, the filmmakers create a well-rounded portrait of America's political landscape.

Overall, America's Great Divide: From Obama to Trump is an insightful and comprehensive examination of the factors that have led to our current political climate. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the divisions within our country and how we might begin to bridge them.

America's Great Divide: From Obama to Trump is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between January 13, 2020 and on PBS Documentaries