Documentary on Clinton Tests Campaign Finance Law

Next month, the Supreme Court will consider if "Hillary: The Movie" the sort of "electioneering communication" that the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law of 2002 says may not be broadcast in certain time windows before elections? And if it is, can the law itself then be squared with the First Amendment? Theodore B. Olson, who was the United States solicitor general in the administration of George W. Bush after playing a supporting role in promoting the scandals that swirled around the Clinton White House, is defending the film in the Supreme Court. In a brief, Olson called it "a critical biographical assessment" that provides "historical information about the candidate and, perhaps, some measure of entertainment as well." The Obama Justice Department sees the documentary differently. "Every element of the film, including the narration, the visual images and audio track, and the selection of clips," its brief said, "advances the clear message that Senator Clinton lacked both the integrity and qualifications to be president of the United States."