Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

Watch Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

  • 2021
  • 1 Season
  • 6.7  (1,155)

Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union is a three-part documentary series that premiered on HBO on August 3, 2021. The show is directed by Peter Kunhardt, who previously produced documentaries about the Civil Rights Movement and Abraham Lincoln. The series explores the life and presidency of Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States. It is narrated by actor and activist, Jurnee Smollett, and features interviews with a range of political figures, activists, and journalists, including Reverend Al Sharpton, writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, and the late Congressman John Lewis.

Part One of the series, titled "Becoming Obama," chronicles Obama's early life and political career, tracing his journey from Hawaii to Chicago, and from community organizing to law school. It explores the complex issues Obama grappled with, including his multiracial identity, his relationship with his absent father, and his ambitions to create change on a national level.

Part Two, "Obama's America," focuses on Obama's historic 2008 presidential campaign and his first term in office. It examines how Obama's leadership style and policy decisions were shaped by his identity as a Black man, and how he navigated the challenges of the financial crisis, foreign policy, and race relations in his presidency.

The final installment, "Legacy," looks at Obama's second term and his efforts to secure his legacy by addressing issues such as climate change, criminal justice reform, and healthcare. It examines the political opposition he faced during this time, including the rise of the Trump administration, and emphasizes the significance of Obama's achievements in the context of ongoing struggles for racial justice in America.

Throughout the series, the interviews provide nuanced commentary on Obama's presidency and how it was received by different communities in America. Some of the interviewees, such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, offer critical perspectives, arguing that Obama's policies were not radical enough to truly address systemic issues of racism and inequality. Others, such as John Lewis, offer unwavering support for Obama and emphasize the importance of his presidency in inspiring future generations of political leaders.

The series also features archival footage, photographs, and personal reflections from Obama himself, creating a compelling portrait of a complex historical figure. It balances reverence for Obama's legacy with critical analysis of his limitations as a political leader, making it an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal moment in American history.

Overall, Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union is an engaging and informative documentary series that offers a nuanced depiction of Obama's presidency and its lasting impact on American politics and society. With insightful commentary from a range of perspectives, it provides valuable context for understanding the complex challenges facing the country today.

Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between August 3, 2021 and on HBO

Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union
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Seasons
Part Three
3. Part Three
August 5, 2021
Obama confronts formidable hurdles as a president with a divided Congress, and, after passing the Affordable Care Act, the chasm grows ever wider. As the nation enters a period of heightened awareness around police brutality, critics accuse the administration of not doing enough to lead a conversation about race, and the president enacts policies that focus on racial justice.
Part Two
2. Part Two
August 4, 2021
A look at Barack Obama's presidential bid to his election to the White House in November 2008 explores the obstacles and successes along the campaign trail. With constant pressure to define his identity along racial lines and frustrated by what he saw as a distraction from other important issues, Obama delivers his "race speech" of March 2008, a determined defense of the U.S. Constitution and a plea to look beyond America's "racial stalemate" in order to advance prosperity and unity.
Part One
1. Part One
August 3, 2021
A look back at Barack Obama's upbringing by a single mother from Kansas and white grandparents, his early schooling in Hawaii and his education at Columbia University and Harvard Law School. Through archival interviews, Obama reflects on the impact of having an estranged African father, growing up bi-racial and his evolving relationship with the African American community in Chicago, where he worked with Black churches as a community organizer. Series premiere.
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Where to Watch Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union
Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union is available for streaming on the HBO website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union on demand at Max, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, HBO NOW and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    August 3, 2021
  • IMDB Rating
    6.7  (1,155)