The Best Government Money Can Buy

The Best Government Money Can Buy is a political documentary directed by Francis Megahy. This 90-minute long film emerged in 2009 and sparked a thought-provoking conversation about the state of U.S. politics, particularly the significant role that lobbying plays in shaping the nation's laws and policies.

The term 'lobbying' refers to the practice of influencing decisions made by officials in government, mostly legislators or members of regulatory agencies. The tactics used can range from information campaigns and sponsorship to direct advocacy. It's an integral part of U.S. politics and democracy, but many perceive its role and the role of lobbyists as controversial. The question at the heart of this film is whether lobbying is a legitimate exercise of democratic rights or a corrupt practice that undermines democracy.

Director Megahy deeply explores the world of lobbying in Washington DC, by presenting an array of interviews with lobbyists themselves, along with congressmen and senators, academics, and the journalists who cover the political scene. The raw and candid discussions provide a close-up view on how lobbying operates and its influence on the American political landscape. Megahy maintains a neutral stance throughout the documentary, raising questions and then allowing all sides to present their perspectives.

The film adopts an easy-to-follow narrative, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in politics and how the American political system operates. 'The Best Government Money Can Buy' effectively demystifies the concept of lobbying and its practices. It is paced to meticulously supply viewers with enough data to form their opinions by providing the lesser-known details about lobbying and how it's pivotal in the legislative process.

Megahy weaves together stories from a broad spectrum of political interests. He presents the lobbying strategies of various groups, including those concerned with healthcare, defense, energy, and agriculture. This insight into a wide range of lobbies helps the viewer understand the scale and depth of lobbying activities in Washington DC.

Discussion topics in the film include the implications of the laws and rules around lobbying, the critical issue of ‘revolving door’ practices (whereby individuals switch roles between being lobbyists and law-makers), and how a lobby group devises a strategy and carries it out. These discussions are plain-spoken enough to be interesting to a general viewer, yet unflinching and in-depth enough to engage those with more extensive knowledge.

The interviews that form the fabric of the film reveal the functioning of President Obama's administration. It contrasts Obama’s declared intention to limit lobbyists’ influence with the realities of Washington politics, providing a rich and layered understanding of the political system in the United States. The lobbyists, politicians, and journalists who participate in the interviews candidly share their insights, helping viewers gauge the size and power of the lobbying industry.

One of the key strengths of this documentary is its ability to inform without being preachy. The depth of investigation and breadth of views offered contribute to rounding out a complex subject matter. The stock footage and clips from news and media sources add an extra layer of context to the dialogue.

The Best Government Money Can Buy is a film set to stimulate discussion and debate. It is more than a thought-provoking exploration of lobbying; it encourages viewers to question how they feel about the process and its implications. It paints a vivid picture of the intricate dance between legislation and lobbying, making it a mandatory watch for those intrigued by the inner workings of American politics.

Although the film touched upon some uncomfortable realities of the U.S. political system, it also made clear that lobbying is a deeply ingrained element, unlikely to be removed or even substantially revised soon.

In conclusion, The Best Government Money Can Buy delivers a comprehensive exploration of the lobbying industry in the American political landscape. The portrayal is impartial and insightful, making it a crucial viewing for anyone seeking to understand the nexus between money, lobbying, and politics in the United States.