From the Campaign Trail

Watch From the Campaign Trail

  • 2012
  • 1 Season

From the Campaign Trail is a captivating and informative documentary series that explores the inner workings of American politics through the lens of presidential campaigns. Produced by HISTORY Vault, the show features exclusive interviews, rare archival footage, and expert analysis that gives viewers a comprehensive understanding of the electoral process.

Each episode of From the Campaign Trail delves into a specific presidential race, tracing the candidates’ journeys from the early stages of the campaign trail all the way to election night. From the 1960 showdown between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon to the 2016 battle between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the series covers some of the most contentious and impactful races in American history.

One of the strengths of From the Campaign Trail is its ability to provide viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the people and events that shaped each campaign. The show features interviews with campaign staffers, strategists, and journalists who offer fascinating insight into the workings of the campaign machinery. Viewers will also get to see key moments from each race play out, including primaries, debates, and major speeches, which provide a visceral sense of the intensity and drama of presidential campaigns.

Another highlight of From the Campaign Trail is its historical context. The series takes great care to situate each campaign within its relevant historical period, exploring the broader political, social, and cultural forces that shaped the election. For example, the 1968 race between Hubert Humphrey and Richard Nixon is examined in the context of the tumultuous events of that year, including the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. Similarly, the 2008 campaign of Barack Obama is analyzed against the backdrop of the financial crisis and the growing sense of national unease.

In addition to its historical perspective, From the Campaign Trail is also notable for its nuanced analysis of the candidates themselves. The show provides a balanced portrait of each candidate, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their key policy proposals. This approach helps viewers to better understand the complex calculus of electoral politics and the varying factors that go into shaping voter decisions.

Overall, From the Campaign Trail is a fascinating and engaging series that offers a unique and insightful look at American politics. Whether you are a seasoned political junkie or simply curious about the electoral process, this show will provide you with new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our democracy.

Filter by Source
No sources available
Seasons
Campaign Spot: Southerner Jimmy Carter (1976)
19. Campaign Spot: Southerner Jimmy Carter (1976)
August 10, 2012
In a radio commercial, Carter reminds his fellow Southerners that there had not been a president from the deep South since 1848. Carter ultimately won this region, but Ford got more white Southern votes.
Campaign Spot: China (1972)
17. Campaign Spot: China (1972)
August 10, 2012
No American president had ever visited China. Nixon's trip signaled a major change for both countries' policies -- and for Republicans, represented a huge reason to re-elect their candidate.
Campaign Spot: McGovern Defense (1972)
16. Campaign Spot: McGovern Defense (1972)
August 10, 2012
In this ad, McGovern's defense cuts are criticized, calling into question the candidate's priorities for national security.
Campaign Spot: Voting Booth (1972)
15. Campaign Spot: Voting Booth (1972)
August 10, 2012
George McGovern makes a play for the quintessential undecided voter. Though a clever spot, it didn't help the too-liberal McGovern much in the real polls: Nixon won in a landslide.
Campaign Spot: Laughter (1968)
13. Campaign Spot: Laughter (1968)
August 10, 2012
Spiro who? In 1968, Nixon chose the governor of Maryland as his vice-presidential running mate.
Campaign Spot: Ice Cream (1964)
12. Campaign Spot: Ice Cream (1964)
August 10, 2012
The anti-Goldwater "Ice Cream" spot first aired on Saturday, September 12, 1964, days after the broadcast of the controversial "Peace Little Girl"/"Daisy" ad.
Campaign Spot: Peace Little Girl (1964)
11. Campaign Spot: Peace Little Girl (1964)
August 10, 2012
One of the most famous political ads of all time, "the Daisy ad" aired only once, but was replayed on the news and elsewhere throughout LBJ's campaign.
Campaign Spot: Telephone Hotline (1964)
10. Campaign Spot: Telephone Hotline (1964)
August 10, 2012
Russia is calling. In the midst of the Cold War, who would you rather pick up the phone? This classic was produced by the vanguard Madison Avenue ad agency Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB).
Campaign Spot: We Will Bury You (1964)
9. Campaign Spot: We Will Bury You (1964)
August 10, 2012
In this ad for his defense, Goldwater implies that LBJ is soft on Communism. Democrats weren't the only party to use children in their ad campaigns.
Campaign Spot: Best Qualified (1960)
8. Campaign Spot: Best Qualified (1960)
August 10, 2012
After being used by JFK in a campaign ad for the other party ("Nixon's Experience"), Eisenhower fully endorses Richard Nixon's campaign.
Campaign Spot: Kennedy, Kennedy (1960)
7. Campaign Spot: Kennedy, Kennedy (1960)
August 10, 2012
This 1960 campaign spot makes use of JFK's relative youth and a repetitious jingle.
Campaign Spot: Nixon's Experience (1960)
6. Campaign Spot: Nixon's Experience (1960)
August 10, 2012
At the end of a long press conference, then-President Dwight Eisenhower was asked about his vice president, Richard Nixon. His hesitation and eventual answer sparked this spot.
Campaign Spot: The Man from Libertyville (1956)
5. Campaign Spot: The Man from Libertyville (1956)
August 10, 2012
Though he preferred appearing in then-typical half-hour live televised speeches each week, in 1956, Adlai Stevenson agreed to a series of five-minute campaign spots to promote his second try for the presidency.
Campaign Spot: Taxi Driver and the Dog (1956)
4. Campaign Spot: Taxi Driver and the Dog (1956)
August 10, 2012
In 1956, America faced the threat of Communism, conflict in the Middle East, and domestic issues. This spot assures viewers that Eisenhower will make the right choices to keep Americans safe and prosperous.
Campaign Spot: I Luv the Guv (1952)
3. Campaign Spot: I Luv the Guv (1952)
August 10, 2012
This love song to Illinois governor Adlai Stevenson celebrates his accomplishments while taking a swipe at Eisenhower.
Campaign Spot: Ike for President (1952)
2. Campaign Spot: Ike for President (1952)
August 10, 2012
For years, presidential candidates used TV for 30-minute speeches only. The idea for Eisenhower's shorter ads came from Madison Avenue ad exec Rossier Reeves.
Campaign Spot: The Truth About Taxes (1940)
1. Campaign Spot: The Truth About Taxes (1940)
August 10, 2012
Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt ran for an unprecedented third term in 1940. In this spot, his opponent Wendell Wilkie aims to paint FDR's campaign as the behavior of a budding dictator.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    August 10, 2012