Taking On The Kennedys

One Man's Race Against A Political Dynasty

When Kevin Vigilante took on Patrick Kennedy for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, he intended to run a clean race. He was about to get the political education of a lifetime. P.O.V. presents TAKING ON THE KENNEDYS, an acerbic, witty, and revealing look at the dark underbelly of contemporary politics.

An idealistic Rhode Island doctor and political novice, Vigilante went up against Patrick Kennedy, heir to one of the country's most powerful political families, only to find himself front and center in a modern-day David vs. Goliath battle distorted television imagery and sound-byte rhetoric. Desperate to revive his dying campaign, Vigilante finally abandoned his ideals and slung mud back at Kennedy - with surprising results.

With unrestricted access to the candidates as they plot strategies, vie for media attention, debate, and nearly come to blows on the sidewalk, award-winning filmmaker Joshua Seftel exposes the hard-hitting reality of political campaigns and powerful dynasties, featuring appearances by Caroline Kennedy, Senator Edward Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr., and other powerhouse political figures.