The Man Who Made Washington Work
As Seen on PBS
James Baker:
This 90-minute documentary tells the story of James A. Baker, III, a remarkable American politician and statesman who represents a time when our government functioned, when Congress got things done, when presidents and politicians worked together.
Baker helped get three presidents elected, served in top posts for two of them, and was a central player in some of the most momentous events of the late 20th century.
With candid testimony from Baker, and first hand accounts from former presidents Clinton, Carter, and George H.W. Bush, former Secretaries of State Rice and Kissinger, former Vice president Cheney, as well as a host of other Washington insiders, journalists and historians, the James Baker documentary The Man Who Made Washington Work is an eye-opening behind-the-scenes story of power, persuasion and diplomacy at the highest levels.
Baker helped to secure the election of President Gerald Ford and earned the nickname Washington’s “Miracle Man.”
As Reagan’s second term drew to a close, Vice President George H. W. Bush decided to run for president. He asked Baker to lead his campaign – and Baker accepted. The gloves came off during the campaign, but despite the negativity – or perhaps because of it – the Bush team won comfortably in November.
In 1990, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded the neighboring country of Kuwait, a blatant act of aggression. All eyes were on the United States, the world’s “lone” superpower, to see how it would react. It was up to Baker and Bush to show the world that the U.S. could respond appropriately.
A coalition is a group of diverse entities that come together for a common cause. On a small scale, a coalition may be a group of people. On a larger scale, it could be made up of multiple organizations or nations. Frequently the entities within a coalition have differing viewpoints or beliefs, which they attempt to bridge via the coalition.
TIME LINE
Underwriters
EXTRA MEDIA
Watch exclusive footage, interviews, and behind the scenes.
Funding for the program was provided by:
The Burnett Foundation Energy Future Holdings
The Fondren Foundation Cherie and Jim Flores
Ralph and Shirley Alexander Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Flour
The Honorable and Mrs. Hushang Ansary Mr. and Mrs. Kane C. Weiner
Sid R. Bass Robin C. and Lela Gibbs
John and Carolyn Bookout Scott and Mia Gieselman
J.P. Bryan Kathleen and Martyn E. Goossen
Mrs. Ila Clement Windi and David Grimes
Westlake Chemical Corporation Mr. and Mrs Frank J. Hevrdejs
Lynn and Peter Coneway Jeffrey D. Hildebrand
Harlan Crow Kay and Ned Holmes
Jim and Molly Crownover James Huffines
Jamal and Rania Daniel Nancy and Rich Kinder
Ann and C.W Duncan, Jr. Foundation King Ranch, Inc.
Susan and Mac Dunwoody Lancaster Family Fund
Lisa and Ralph Eads Pierre and Laurie Lapeyre
Mr. and Mrs. C. Berdon Lawrence
Virginia & L.E. Simmons Family Foundation
David M. Leuschen Charitable Foundation The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Red McCombs The Robert K. Steel Family Foundation
Sheila and Gary McKinney Judy and Charles Tate
Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Ambassador and Mrs. Warren W. Tichenor
Steven and Sheila Miller Foundation Robert M. and Maya L. Tichio
Dianne and John Moores Phoebe and Bobby Tudor
Reed and Laurie Morian Christopher S. Van Riet
Edith and Peter O’Donnell Elizabeth and P.B. Weymouth III
Palmetto Partners, Ltd.
Bill and Andrea White
Edward and Ellen Randall Foundation William and Marie R. Wise
Barbara and Corbin J. Robertson, Jr.
Beth Robertson
David M. Rubenstein
Feyez Sarofim
Steven J. Schaefer
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