Review | By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

AIR DATE: Tuesday 11/3

One year after the 2008 election, Barack Obama's inspiring bid to be the nation's 44th president is documented in this behind-the-scenes recap. The result is surprisingly tame and perfunctory -- even though he and his staff allowed cameras to follow them throughout the campaign. Indeed, the footage of adversaries Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin provides the most captivating moments. (HBO, 9 P.M.)

-- JOHN GRIFFITHS