Choice 2008, The 1x117

Since 1988, when FRONTLINE first presented a dual biography of presidential candidates Michael Dukakis and George H.W. Bush, The Choice has earned a reputation as one of the pinnacles of political broadcast journalism. Now, as Americans prepare to head to the polls in 2008, FRONTLINE produces its landmark two-hour program for an election that could be the most important in a generation. The 2008 election promises to have the highest gross participation in history, and FRONTLINE offers viewers a front-row seat in the debate over who should next lead the nation in this dual biography of the two presidential candidates.

It is one of the most memorable presidential elections in decades—a race that pits the iconoclast John McCain against the newcomer Barack Obama; the heroic former prisoner of war against the first African-American major party nominee. For two hours, the 20th anniversary broadcast of The Choice examines the rich personal and political biographies of these men and goes behind the headlines to discover how they arrived at this moment and what their very different candidacies say about America.

“The quadrennial PBS special, The Choice, is a highlight of the election cycle.” — The Denver Post

• Download Fact Sheet