Although the show focused much on how Obama and his campaign team organised themselves into the eventual winners of the election, what really struck me more than anything was the shear passion and dedication of all of those 'every day folk' who involved themselves in the campaign, essentially putting their lives on hold and investing their time and effort in this one man and what he stood for.
As someone who has has spent much time in the U.S. and has several American friends, I am lucky to be able to observe the psyche of our cousins across the pond. It is this open, unashamed excitement and passion that is one of the major differences between the British 'reserved' way and America. In one scene, the documentary showed a panoramic shot of the stadium in Denver where Obama officially took the democratic nomination. Both the volume of people and the emotions exhibited really stand out as something we do not have in the UK. Put simply, imagine if you will Gordon Brown (or any other Prime Minister) filling Wembley stadium, having 100,000 people on the edge of their seats hanging with admiration on his or her every word? It wouldn't happen.
As for the specifics of politics - well that for me is not the issue here. I simply found this "I really can make a difference even though I am 1/300,000,000" state of mind fascinating to watch and judge it only as "Wow, us humans sure are weirdly spectacular creatures".
Naturally I have a fondness for America, and though yes it has its flaws like we all do, the world sure would be a dull place without it!
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