Overview
reflection paper on ‘Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story” (link below)
https://tubitv.com/movies/15602/boogie_man_the_lee_atwater_story
The film is a documentary on the man who changed modern campaigning in America. Keep in mind that Atwater went after both Republicans and Democrats with equal vigor. Winning was the goal –– at any cost. Was the cost too high? This is for you to decide. Atwater’s lies cost many politicians their political careers when the media failed to do adequate fact checking. So, despite all the harm he caused, why did Atwater remain a popular figure on the campaign trail?
Along with your own reflections–thoughts, comments, conclusions, assessments, observations––include thoughtful commentary on ALL of the issues listed below. Write all of your responses in paragraph format – not bullet points. Points will be deducted for missing information.
Should there be campaign laws that demand truthful campaigning? Why or why not?
Should the media be held accountable for failure to fact check on what it reports? Why or why not?
Was Atwater ‘Machiavellian’ in the ‘truest sense,’ as was said at his funeral? Why or why not? This requires a dictionary definition of ‘Machiavellian,’ which you must look up, in a hard-copy or online dictionary, and include in your paper. Then you will be able to compare Atwater’s politics to this definition.
Who was Willie Horton, and how did Atwater exploit Horton’s actions to help his candidate win? Who was Atwater’s candidate at this time?
On the subject of being prepared to vote upon the age of 18, should there be more emphasis on K-12 education regarding elections so that voters will not be fooled by tactics such as negative ads (ie: Atwater’s slamming Governor Dukakis for his voting record in Congress – where he never served a single day in office – so how could he vote? It’s distracting nonsense, and a PLSI 01 student would know better). Why or why not? (Keep in mind that sleazy campaign tactics are likely to go undetected by ignorant voters. How much did you learn about politics and voting during your K-12 years?)
Even though Atwater died years ago, his protégé, Karl Rove, continues the Atwater legacy – including the ‘push poll.’ Considering what you saw, and what you think about the film as both a citizen and a voter (or possible future voter), offer commentary on the various people who were interviewed:
Did you think their comments were valid and accurate?
Who among those interviewed best characterized Atwater and why? You must be specific. List a name with the commentary. What did they say about Atwater that was so compelling and accurate as to capture the real Atwater? Be specific. What were the comments? Quote them.
How does music play into Atwater’s life?
Why did the students at Howard University reject Atwater?
What does the film say about high school campaign managers?
Why did Atwater become a Republican?
What happened to Atwater’s political career when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor?
Do you believe that Atwater was sincere in repenting for his ‘political sins’ when he wrote contrite (apologetic) articles for newspapers/magazines and sent apology letters to those he had wronged? Why or why not?
Finally, had he recovered from his brain tumor and lived to a ripe old age, would Atwater have gone back to his old dirty-dealing ways or would he have changed his ways? Why or why not?
Final paragraph: Your final thoughts on Lee Atwater