Here is what the page “Divided States: Partisanship and Gridlock in the Modern Era” contains. This FRONTLINE documentary investigates the intense partisanship and political gridlock that characterized Washington during the presidency of Barack Obama. By examining the shifting political landscape of the early 21st century, the film explores how deep ideological divides fundamentally changed the way the American government operates. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the forces that fueled historic levels of friction between the executive and legislative branches.
As Donald Trump prepared to take office in early 2017, he stood to inherit a nation deeply divided along political and cultural lines. The documentary sheds light on the roots of this polarization, featuring insights into the events and decisions that shaped the political climate leading up to the 2016 election. This first episode of the two-part series serves as a critical historical record of a nation in transition. The full version stays on the original page, which this listing opens directly.