Winning New Hampshire

Produced during the beginning of the 2004 Presidential election, "Winning New Hampshire" is a documentary on the historic 'first in the nation' New Hampshire Primary, famous for its decisive influence over the selection process of each party's Presidential nominee. The film highlights the importance of this one small New England state in determining the eventual nominees, as exemplified by John Kerry's unexpected political comeback against then frontrunner Howard Dean in 2004. His victory in New Hampshire secured his nomination and faced him against incumbent President George W. Bush.

The film covers several topics, ranging from the political youth movement, the media, third party candidates and the voter’s decision-making. Known for their fiercely independent political spirit, New Hampshire voters appear throughout the film and present themselves as political aficionados, attuned to every candidate’s position on every issue.

Filmmakers Aram Fischer, Mark Lynch and William Rabbe tracked candidates Wesley Clark, Joseph Lieberman, John Edwards, Howard Dean and John Kerry as they campaigned vigorously throughout the state. At times, the film captures comedic moments and at times pokes fun at the carnivalesque nature of the grassroots campaigns. One such moment arises when third-party protest candidate Vermin Supreme arrives wearing flipper shoulder pads and a boot on his head. More discreet tongue-in-cheek humor is evident in the score and the dramatization of otherwise low-key and intimate gatherings.

Other appearances include Bill Gardner, NH Secretary of State, U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, Ed Markey, Congressman, Vanessa Kerry and Martin Sheen.

External links

* [http://www.winningNH.com Official Site]
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0429247/ IMDB Entry]