Watch – The Contender
The Contender (2000) stars Joan Allen as the president’s nominee for the position of vice-president of the United States when the incumbent VP dies. The nomination comes under a variety of political attacks from within and without the party, some particularly reserved for a woman. A strong cast including Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman and Christian Slater tells a gripping story with unexpected twists. Joan Allen is fabulous.
Read – Personal History by Katherine Graham
This amazing autobiography won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize in that category. It tells the story of a shy Washington socialite who suddenly became the publisher of the Washington Times during Watergate. This book covers her life, including complex family relationships, political society, journalism, feminism, her changing role with the labour movement and leaving a legacy. I found it inspirational.
Listen – Jackie Kennedy In Her Own Words
There are a series of clips available online in which you can hear the former First Lady of the United States give her account of her time in the White House and the background to events such as the Cuban missile crisis. The recordings were made a few months after the assassination of John F. Kennedy and were released by her daughter Caroline to mark the 50 years since JFK’s inauguration. It’s even a little bit bitchy at times.
