Filibuster News

The Senate isn't meeting this week (but the House of Representatives is). Monday is the day it is due to return - and the issue of the Filibuster is likely to come up. Common Cause has an article about the issue on its website - accessible here. There are links to a number of useful pro-reform resources.

One of the key arguments put forward by those who don't want any reform - is that the Filibuster has been a key tool to protect the rights of the minority against the majority. Reformers point out that the current use of the tool is very different from the principled (and romantic) use of the filibuster, which is fondly remembered from the film "Mr Smith Goes to Washington".

What are your views? Do share them with the "Washminster Community"

Political Films

During my recent short break in Bournemouth (a frequent party conference venue - though not this year), I read a number of interesting books. One was Michael Coyne's "Hollywood Goes to Washington". It outlines some of the great (and some not so great) films about politics in America. Whilst mainly dealing with cinema releases it also covers some made for TV fils and series.

The first chapter deals with the history of the American political film - identifying six main phases - from a "mythic/idealistic phase" (from the 1930s to the 1950s) through to the "Apocalyptic Phase" in the twenty first century. Later chapters deal with themes such as Presidents and Conspiracies. A book which is worth (and enjoyable) reading.

There a few films I'll be looking out for. Obviously some are already firm favourites - "All the President's Men" was a film which excited my growing interest in US Politics. As someone who specialises in Congress - "Mr Smith Goes to Washington" remains a particular favourite. Last week "Advise and Consent" was shown on British TV - I thoroughly enjoyed it! Of course, amongst the made for TV series which I enjoy revisiting, West Wing stands head and shoulders above all the others.

Parliament, Congress and Films

I picked up a book this week called "Hollywood Goes to Washington" by Michael Coyne. It discusses the various films that portray politics in the USA. I'm particularly interested in plays and films that are set in either Congress or Westminster.

A full list would be very long (but do nominate your favourites by commenting on this blog) but would include

Congress

Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

West Wing (1999-2006)

Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

Thank You For Smoking (2005)

- to say nothing of the various films portraying the lives of members of Congress and Presidents.

Westminster

Cromwell (1970)

Ali G Indahouse (2004) - from Sacha Baron Cohen [Borat; Bruno]

Amazing Grace (2007)

Old Mother Riley MP (1939)

The Chiltern Hundreds (1949)

Whipping It Up (Stage Play)