Description:
Sarah Fishman (freelance journalist, producer of “See Mike Run”) talks about her work and following Michael Capuano on his Congressional campaign for this documentary. She talks about the production process.
Fishman voiceover about Capuano’s position as mayor, during footage of Cambridge streets, Capuano in his office, campaign signs and stickers on vehicles. Voiceover continues about the history of the House seat, the other contenders, and the district itself. Footage of Capuano formally announcing his candidacy. Voiceover continues about Capuano’s youth, how he got interested in politics, and about his father’s political career. Footage of man dressed in town crier costume announcing Capuano’s birth. Voiceover continues, during photos of Capuano as a boy and young man.
Interview with Capuano and his wife, Barbara, where she talks about meeting him in school. She talks about campaigning and her role in his career, intercut with footage of her and Capuano at a T station shaking hands with passengers and photos of their children. Capuano talks about why he became interested in politics, in part because of the nation’s disillusionment with Vietnam.
Fishman voiceover about Capuano’s career as Somerville alderman, during footage of photo of newspaper article and footage of Beacon Hill. Interview with Capuano in his office about the challenges of his job. Voiceover continues about the effects of his work on Somerville, over footage of people at a parade. Voiceover continues about some corrupt Somerville politicians and criminals, over photos of newspaper articles. Voiceover continues to say that Capuano has a reputation for cronyism and bullying. Interview with Dorothy Kelly Gay (Governor’s Councilor) about this perception and Capuano’s tenacity. Footage of Capuano at a school committee meeting where he strongly disagrees with someone. Voiceover continues about Capuano’s unpopularity with some DPW employees, during footage of some workers marching. Interview with Kevin Tarpley (alderman) about the workers’ demands, footage of a worker speaking to the crowd.
Footage of Capuano in his car, shaking people’s hands, meeting with Joseph Kennedy II. Footage of congressional candidates Marjorie Clapprood, Capuano, Ray Flynn, George Bachrach. Voiceover continues about Ray Flynn’s traditionalism, the political nature of the district, and Capuano’s appeal. Footage of Capuano at an interview where he talks about his status as a progressive. Footage of him giving a speech at a political event.
Voiceover continues about his popularity among city hall workers, over footage of cars with bumper stickers and people holding signs. Voiceover continues about his earlier unsuccessful bid for state office, over photograph of newspaper article about that campaign and photograph of him and his father.
Voiceover continues about his campaign activities, over footage of him in his car, signs, and a debate area at Harvard. Footage of Capuano debating Ray Flynn. Interview with Jon Lenicheck (campaign coordinator) in which he talks about Capuano’s long tenure in office. Voiceover continues about Flynn’s switch to the Congressional race, with footage of Flynn, photos of newspaper articles, footage of Capuano playing basketball, and footage of his fundraiser at Anthony’s Pier 4. Voiceover continues about his increase in popularity. Footage of him addressing campaign supporters, photos of newspaper articles.
Footage of Capuano and supporters on Democratic primary election night, as he wins and gives a speech. Voiceover continues about his assured victory in the general election, over footage of campaign signs. Interview with Capuano as he describes what he wants to do as a Representative, over footage of Longworth House Office Building. Voiceover concludes over footage of Somerville streets.
Credits over Capuano and other people performing Village People’s “YMCA.”
