The Presidents' Gatekeepers

The Presidents' Gatekeepers is an insightful four-part documentary series that aired on the Discovery Channel in 2013. The show features the undaunted role of the White House Chiefs of Staff, who, for years, have acted as the trusted, unwavering adviser to the president, making them a central fulcrum in the ever-revolving world of politics in Washington, D.C.

As one might infer from the title, the Chiefs of Staff are considered by many to be the gatekeepers to the President, deciding who gets access to the most powerful leader of the free world. They act as the president's confidantes, critical advisers, and often, the voice of tough love when needed; they shape the president's agenda and, in many ways, the fate of the nation. Such responsibility makes their roles complex, demanding, and pivotal.

The series offers a unique, intimate perspective into the lives of these 20 living chiefs, the presidential Administrations they served diligently, and their roles in some of the landmark moments in American history. Each episode chronicles the demanding expectations and high-stakes game of politics, interspersed with strategic decisions that shift with the subtleties of the global and national landscape.

Events covered in the series range from the Cuban Missile Crisis to 9/11, from the Vietnam War to the economic crisis. These events represent but a fraction of the crossroads that marked turbulent times in American history, and where the Chiefs of Staff played a crucial role. Their accounts of the handling of these events, combined with their candid confessions, shed valuable light on the underbelly of American politics.

The heart of The Presidents' Gatekeepers lies in the coveted interviews the program secured with these chiefs. Their unfiltered recollections offer a human side to the historical events that they have been a part of and the presidents they've aided. Some of the chiefs interviewed in the series include James Baker, who served under both Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Dick Cheney, who served under Gerald Ford, and Rahm Emanuel and William Daley, both serving under Barack Obama. Their words provide not merely a recollection of events but a rich tapestry of the American political landscape, feelings, emotions, and the very essence of power and responsibility.

These interviews, combined with abundant archival footage, form the backbone of the story presented in The Presidents' Gatekeepers. They offer an understanding of the tenets that made some chiefs succeed while others struggled, the lessons learned, the victories savored, and the battles lost. One distinct theme that comes across is how the chiefs' role has evolved over time, aligning with the changing presidential leadership, with each chief bringing unique layers to the role based on their personalities, experience, and the time they served.

In addition, the show delves into the personal lives of these chiefs, their families, their sacrifices, and their struggles under the constant spotlight that comes with such a high-profile position. This exploration humanizes them, moving away from their public persona into the realm of their private lives, adding a unique dimension to the series.

The documentary series is remarkably non-partisan in its approach, focusing more on the vital aspects of the job, the challenges faced, and the crucial decisions made, rather than the politics that ensued. This objective stance makes the series accessible to audiences across the political spectrum, offering an educational journey into the annals of American political history.

Produced by Chris Whipple, Peabody and Emmy Award-winning producer, and co-produced by filmmakers Jules and Gédéon Naudet, known for their ground-breaking documentary on 9/11, The Presidents' Gatekeepers is a well-crafted series that provides an unparalleled perspective into the most crucial non-elected position in the U.S. government.

This series is an essential watch for anyone interested in American politics or history. Through its insightful and candid storytelling, The Presidents' Gatekeepers offers a unique perspective into the pivotal role these individuals play, the immense pressures they face, and the monumental decisions they influence, all while operating from behind the scenes. This comprehensive view into these men's lives, their characters, style, triumphs, and failures offers an irreplaceable contribution to understanding the workings of the White House and American politics.