Poli Discussion Post

[Name of the Writer]

[Name of Instructor]

Political Science

[Date]

Thirteen Days

The movie that is chosen for the given task is Thirteen Days directed by Rodger Donaldson. It reminds of an actual story of the Cuban Missile Crisis that has an important position in US history. It was a very difficult situation for US President John. F Kennedy and his advisors, when the Soviet Union placed its missiles and nuclear weapons in Cuba. The movie covers those thirteen days, when the US president was planning an action along with his advisors and Congress. The Federal government was afraid that Russia had placed the missiles very close to the US and they can easily hit any city in the country. At the same time, the Joint Chiefs of Staff was in favor of attacking the missile sites whereas Kennedy was not ready to start power. It was an unthinkable situation for the whole world, as two of the powerful nations were going to use nuclear weapons against each other. The determination, uncertainty and suspense chaos are captured in the movie.

The movie revolves around a critical political decision where a president has to choose between whether to go on nuclear war or not for the sake of the safety of his people. The movies present the process of political decisions in Congress. At the same time, it also depicts the role of a president for any country. In addition, the movie also shows that any decision taken place at the presidential level is not easy as it seems to the general public. The president has a responsibility a whole country, therefore he or does make decisions that could bring severe consequences for the country. Moreover, the President cannot take a decision alone, instead, he has to take Congress in confidence before deciding anything. Likewise, in the movie, President Kennedy is shown convening a meeting with the Cabinet members and other higher officials based on the crisis and decides an action for it (Donaldson). All of the members are seen in the meetings throughout the movie. Each member has given an equal chance to speak and all of them fully participated in the meeting. Upon discussion, two options were available for the President to choose either blockade of Cuba or initiate a war (Donaldson). However, Kennedy decides to block the sale of arms to Cuba. At the same time, the country has to gain support from its allies. Moreover, the movie highlights the role of a President in the challenging times for the country.

Thus, the selected movie is very much relevant to American politics and the role of the federal government. The consistent position of the US president played a significant role in saving the country from a destructing war. It was time to keep patience and make a decision based on the outcomes. To the US president, a peaceful resolution was the first priority, as he was aware the war would destructions to both countries. It is a highly-recommended movie that presents the internal affairs of the US government in difficult situations. The movie shows the multi-dimensions of the government. It is relatable to multiple themes related to the politics and government of the US. Finally, the movie can help the historians, researchers and other individuals from academia to learn about the Cuban Missile Crisis. In addition, it will also help the student to get an idea about the historical event. People prefer to watch a movie rather than reading a book, in that case, it is helpful. However, a positive step was taken by the US president John. F. Kennedy saved the people of both countries. It is an example of enduring and thoughtful decision.

Works Cited

Donaldson, Roger. Thirteen Days. New Line Cinema, 2001.