Hey everybody, you remember that election last week, with the socialist guy who hangs around with a terrorist and a scary black preacher, the one whose wife hates America... you know, "that one"? But then "that one" said he wanted to "put an end to this kind of politics"? And somehow, as if the whole country was suddenly tripping acid, he actually won?
Well, Karl Rove is today's master of "that kind of politics," but he had a teacher: Lee Atwater. whose terrifying and awesome resume included 1988's infamous "Willie Horton" ad. PBS is airing Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9. [Ed.: Yesssssssss!] It's a fascinating - and important - story of a man who greatly influenced 2 decades of politics. Atwater's story has the feel of a Shakesperean tragedy -- after a strange and tragic childhood, he develops a passion for Republican politics and destroying all who opposed it on behalf of Strom Thurmond and Geroge H. W. Bush -- only to develop an inoperable brain tumor at the age 40, and, racked with guilt, spend much of the last year of his life looking for forgiveness.
Click through for the trailer.
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