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Documentary Premiere: Race for the White House “Obama v. McCain”
  • Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2020
  • Time: 7:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater

Race for the White House is a six-part CNN Original Series narrated by Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali. Using rare archival footage, interviews, and stylized dramatizations, each episode of the docuseries tells the story of one iconic campaign for the Presidency of the United States.

Join us for the premiere of the episode “Obama v. McCain” focusing on the 2008 race which sees freshman Senator Barack Obama go up against “maverick” Republican Senator John McCain.

Following the screening, a distinguished panel moderated by CNN anchor Brianna Keilar will discuss the episode. Panelists include: David Axelrod, former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Barack Obama; Charles R. Black, former chief strategist for Senator John McCain in the 2008 Presidential election; and Barbara A. Perry, Professor and Director of Presidential Studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center.

Presented in partnership with CNN Original Series

All public programs at the National Archives are free. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program – please arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the program. Your seat may become available to any waitlisted guests at that time. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. Click here for more information on getting to the National Archives and parking.

Live captioning will be available online and in the William G. McGowan Theater. If you require an alternative or additional accommodation for an event (such as a downloadable transcript or a sign language interpreter), please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202.357.5000 in advance.

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