BOOGIE MAN

My wife and I don’t always agree politically, but I don’t think anyone could disagree that this has been such an amazing week for our country. I was lucky enough to have been in Grant Park with my wife on Tuesday night to witness history and Barack Obama’s first speech as President-elect.

As a veteran of too many political campaigns and in anticipation of Election Day, I dragged my wife to see the political documentary Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story. Needless to say, Katie and I had very different reactions to the amazing documentary. As a disclaimer, Katie did think the documentary was well done.

Boogie Man is a must watch for anyone involved in public relations or marketing. The man behind the Willie Horton ads of 1988 is remembered by some as brilliant and effective, by others as shameful and destructive.

Politics aside, Atwater’s lasting effect is found in American politics. After watching Boogie Man, you’ll quickly release, Atwater’s legacy is visible everywhere. In many ways, he is the father of the modern political campaign. But don't take my word for it, go see Boogie Man.

David Zapata