Documentary gives inside look at Obama on campaign trail (When: 9 p.m. Tuesday, HBO.)

[Bravo Zulu]

Barack Obama presses the flesh while campaigning in "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama."

A viewer's political allegiance will largely dictate whether he or she chooses to watch HBO's "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama" (9 p.m. Tuesday). For virulent Obama opponents, the documentary represents just another opportunity to paint the media with an extra-large Obama-lovers brush. For supporters, it's a chance to relive the president's rise to power.

Taken as a documentary apart from politics, it's a surprisingly affecting portrait of a campaign, especially so because viewers know the outcome. Directors Amy Rice and Alicia Sams wisely focus on many of the youngest campaign staffers, allowing viewers to witness history through their determined, idealistic eyes.

Ronnie Cho, an organizer who began with the campaign in Iowa in April 2007, proves to be an especially astute choice. He has a fantastic back story -- his parents emigrated from South Korea; the family lived in a car for about a year when he was a child -- and Cho is enthusiastic, leading campaigners in an "O" dance, but at the same time responsible and dedicated to the cause.

What's most remarkable is how even-keeled the campaign strategists seem, reflecting Obama's renowned equanimity. Or maybe that's just what the filmmakers had access to and the screaming fits took place off camera.

Obama is featured throughout, and viewers get glimpses of just a few candid moments, including debate prep where he freezes up, joking, "I don't remember my plan, but it's a really good plan."

There's actually a fair bit of humor throughout the film, from an exasperated 9-year-old making calls on behalf of the campaign ("Who's Diana? No, OBAMA!") to speechwriter Jon Favreau succinctly and humorously describing the high points of any Obama speech during the primaries: "Thank you, thank you. Hillary, you're great. Hope. Change."

'By the People: The Election of Barak Obama'
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday, HBO.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09304/1009594-67.stm?cmpid=newspanel0##ixzz0VXk9YKWq

[Diamonique]

1. Thanks for the reminder!

I've set my DVR to record this in case I forget.

[firedupdem]

2. Looking forward to it. n/t

[quantass]

3. You can watch it online all over the place on Tuesday (if u dont have HBO). nt