A film that centers on the U.S. Senate’s role in confirming
executive nominations made by the president, Advise and Consent (1962) is arguably about whether moral limits pertain to
power. Put another way, should we expect
no-hold barred efforts to manipulate others in the political arena? Personal
lives and personal pasts being fair game?
Moreover, is the aim power for its own sake, or the manipulation of
others for the sake of a public policy and ultimately the good of the country?
The full essay is at “Advise
and Consent”