"Television advertising is now the largest and fastest-growing expense in national political campaigns. ... The health of our political system requires us as a society to alleviate this financial burden and make it easier for candidates to get their ideas across to the electorate. In creating Race for the Presidency, TCI has taken an important first step in meeting this challenge." -- FCC Chairman Reed Hundt
TCI welcomes you to Race for the Presidency, a revolutionary approach to political coverage from TCI News. Every week until Election Day on cable systems and public television stations across the United States, citizens can hear directly from all major candidates who are seeking the nation's highest office.
Tele-Communications Inc., the nation's largest cable operator, is producing and funding this unprecedented forum -- and offering it free to cable networks, public TV stations, and other MSOs as well as backyard dish owners.
Race For The Presidency presents unedited, long-form messages from President Bill Clinton, all prominent contenders for the Republican nomination, and any strong independent or third-party challengers who get into the race. Candidates who meet the selection criteria receive equal opportunity to have a campaign video of their choosing aired weekly.
Race For The Presidency is your direct connection to the evolving 1996 campaign. Every one hour show also includes a campaign news roundup, expert political analysis from differing sides of the political spectrum, a field report from award-winning journalist Douglas Kennedy, an exploration of the campaign in cyberspace, and hard-hitting media criticism. Veteran journalist Clifford May hosts the discusssion, assisted by prominent voices from both major parties.
By tuning in to Race For The Presidency, you can equip yourself for more effective citizenship in this important political year. You also can help TCI News make history -- TCI is the first television company given free national air time to the candidates. It's a bold step toward better decision-making and away from money-dominated elections in our democracy.
If you have any comments or suggestions about our coverage, we hope you'll contact us through our feedback feature. You also can use it to relay questions to the candidates. Although we are unable to reply through e-mail, we'll try to use your ideas on the air.
We'll see you every week as the race courses to November. May the best candidate win!