How to Win the TV Debate
60 mins
With Britain's first-ever political leaders' television debate imminent, award-winning reporter Michael Cockerell uncovers what it's like to take part in these contests and how leaders try to win them. He tells the inside story of why it has taken so long for such debates to arrive in the UK. The programme features candid interviews with US Presidents and their advisers on the tricks of the debate trade. Blending new film and behind-the-scenes footage, some never seen before, it's a tragicomic tale of high politics and low cunning. From John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon through to Barack Obama, candidates are seen being prepared for their debates, then in the sometimes funny, sometimes disastrous results on live television. Cockerell shows why for our would-be next Prime Ministers - Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg - the three debate stages across Britain will be what one former US President calls 'Tension City'.
Ted Sorensen
Self
Ted Rogers
Self
Bill Wilson
Self
Alec Douglas-Home
Self (archive footage)
Lady Falkender
Self (archive footage)
Mike Pengra
Self (archive footage)
Mark Goode
Self (archive footage)
Harry Trewitt
Self (archive footage)
Alan Schroeder
Self
Sue Inglish
Self
Andy Coulson
Self (archive footage)
Rod Hutson
Online Editor
George Pinnock
Sound Mixer
Valerie Hetherington
Researcher
Neil Higginson
Camera Operator
Julia Quin
Production Coordinator
Sophie Cash
Production Manager
Jane Taylor
Production Executive
James Giles
Producer
James Giles
Director
Tom Giles
Executive Producer
Kate Redman
Researcher
Daniel Noake
Researcher
Denis McWilliams
Editor
Boyd Nagle
Colorist
Libby Hand
Production Manager
Jay Mukoro
Producer's Assistant