The 1800 election

October 30th, 2010 at 3:47 pm by David Farrar

This video nicely shows how attack ads are nothing new. They use quotes that Jefferson and Adams used against each other in the 1800 presidential election – they are far far worse than anything said today.

1800 was the first time a sitting President lost an election, and showed how power can be transferred peacefully. It was also the first and only Vice-President to win an election against the President they served with.

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Posted in United States | 14 Comments »

John Adams wins 13 Emmies

September 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm by David Farrar

The seven part John Adams miniseries has won 13 Emmies, a record for a miniseries.

It is a compelling story of the first 50 years of the United States. Paul Gianatti did a powerful portrayal of John Adams, the first man to win and lose contested elections for President. The story of his friendship with Thomas Jefferson that turned to rivalvy and then loathing, before finally back to friendship is wonderfully told.

I hope a NZ broadcaster picks these up and shows them here.

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Posted in United States | 3 Comments »

John Adams

August 26th, 2008 at 6:30 pm by David Farrar

I loved watching the John Adams mini-series. It has ignited a passion to read more about some of the US founding fathers and I have now read the book the mini-series is based on, a biography of Jefferson and a book on the Johnson impeachment saga.

Anyway hopefully a NZ TV station will show the series here at some stage, now it has been nominated for a staggering 23 Emmies. I reckon it will win many of them also.

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Posted in United States | 6 Comments »

Happy Birthday America

July 4th, 2008 at 4:32 pm by David Farrar

Kiwiblog wishes America a very happy 233rd birthday, and dedicates this Independence Day to John Adams, 2nd President of the United States – a founding father whose contribution has been overshadowed by Washington and Jefferson – but was still incredibly significant.

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Posted in United States | 12 Comments »

John Adams

March 30th, 2008 at 10:33 am by David Farrar

Just watched the first episode of the seven part miniseries on John Adams, the second President of the United States.

I have studied Washington and Jefferson a lot, but little on Adams. The miniseries is excellent, giving a good background to the American revolution and the first 50 years of the United States. Adams has generally been overlooked by modern historians, but in recent times his reputation has been rising as he is re-evaluated.

I’m not sure if any NZ station plans to show the miniseries here, as ratings will probably be modest for a US historical series.  But I hope they do, as it is an excellent production (to date).

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Posted in United States | 9 Comments »