We observe, rather depressingly, that despite the almost 2 year long campaign, the glitz, the rhetoric and its staggering billion dollar cost, Americans receive little information about the substance and policies of the candidates. The important issues like Medicare, social security, the budget surplus or foreign affairs are deemed too complex for the crucial swinging voters. The contest is effectively fought on impressions - Do I like the candidate? Do I think he’s a liar? Is he too bland? The televised debates actually provide the highlight of campaign substance, but even here the mainstream analysis concentrates on broad perceptions - Was Gore too aggressive? Did Bush mince his words? The film begs the question: can this really be the best way to choose the leader of 250 million Americans, or indeed the man to lead the world’s major economy and have a strong influence on the rest of the planet?

Produced by ABC Australia