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How to Win the TV Debate

With Britain's first-ever political leaders' television debate imminent, award-winning reporter Michael Cockerell uncovers what it's like to take part in these contests and how leaders try to win them. He tells the inside story of why it has taken so long for such debates to arrive in the UK. The programme features candid interviews with US Presidents and their advisers on the tricks of the debate trade. Blending new film and behind-the-scenes footage, some never seen before, it's a tragicomic tale of high politics and low cunning. From John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon through to Barack Obama, candidates are seen being prepared for their debates, then in the sometimes funny, sometimes disastrous results on live television. Cockerell shows why for our would-be next Prime Ministers - Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg - the three debate stages across Britain will be what one former US President calls 'Tension City'.

Top Billed Cast

Featured Crew

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Daniel Noake
Researcher
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Denis McWilliams
Editor
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Tom Giles
Executive Producer
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George Pinnock
Sound Mixer
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Jay Mukoro
Producer's Assistant
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Boyd Nagle
Colorist
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Michael Cockerell
Producer
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Neil Higginson
Camera Operator
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Julia Quin
Production Coordinator
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Libby Hand
Production Manager
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Valerie Hetherington
Researcher
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Sophie Cash
Production Manager

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