In the aftermath of Wilson's victory in his campaign to become New Jersey's governor in 1910, Boss Jim Smith comes to collect his reward -- Wilson's support for Smith to fill a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate. But Democratic voters have decided in a non-binding primary that one James L. Martine is their choice for the Senate. Wilson's refusal to back Smith after Smith had backed him ignites a struggle for power between New Jersey Democratic party bosses and the party's insurgent wing, now backing Wilson. Wilson launches a public campaign on behalf of a progressive agenda of workmen's compensation and safety, an end to child labor, government regulation of the economy and an end to machine politics. In the end Jersey City's Boss Davis goes for Wilson, and Boss Smith is defeated. Woodrow Wilson emerges as a leading contender as president of the United States in 1912.
Produced by Charles Potter and Robert Clem. Written and directed by Robert Clem and aired on the Pacifica network in 1992. Original music score by Donald Stark. With:
- Timothy Jerome as Woodrow Wilson
- Merwin Goldsmith as Boss Smith
- Jack Gilpin as Joe Tumulty
- Ed Steele as George B.M. Harvey
- Ron Marshall as Boss Davis
- Earl Hammond as Jim Nugent
- Mitchell Jason as the Narrator
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