From Our Soundbooth | April 12, 2019

In this episode of The Missouri Review’s Soundbooth Podcast, audio intern Annie Thomas gets a glimpse into Rachel Lears’ experience creating her documentary Knock Down The House, which follows the congressional campaigns of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Amy Vilela, and Paula Jean Swearengin. This documentary emphasizes the drive and ambition of these four women, ultimately highlighting the intensity it takes to run for Congress with no political background, little funds, and large competitors. Lears’ documentary will be released at a crucial time in American political history, as it emphasizes the current tension in Washington, and parallels with everyday citizens practicing their constitutional rights to run for public office. Ocasio-Cortez, Bush, Vilela, and Swearengin’s  campaigns share a common desire to represent the undermined communities of America, yet their runs for office result in three devastating losses and one groundbreaking win. Bought by Netflix, for the highest sum they have paid for a single documentary, Knock Down The House will be available to the public on May 1st.