Focus Films asked 5 politicos about their 5 favorite politics-heavy movies (1 is MIA). Looks like Redford's The Candidate is the big winner.
My personal fave is The Machurian Candidate -- heavy on the McCarthyism, easy on the brainwashing. Not so blunt and late to the party as the upcoming W.
Rick Perlstein's picks:
1776 (1972)
The Candidate (1972)
The Earrings de Madame de (1953)
Lumumba (2000)
Punishment Park (1971)
Katha Pollitt's picks:
Bob Roberts (1992)
The Contender (2000)
Election (1999)
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Wag the Dog (1997)
Dan Rather's picks:
Advise & Consent (1962)
All the King's Men (1949)
The Candidate (1972)
Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005)
The Last Hurrah (1958)
David Sirota's picks:
Brewster's Millions (1985)
Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore? (2006)
The Candidate (1972)
The Distinguished Gentleman (1992)
Wag the Dog (1997)