Documentary film exploring Ohio’s key role in presidential elections to have preview screening in Yellow Springs

Paul Leonard, Wright State University political science instructor, is one of the political experts featured in “As Ohio Goes,” a documentary about the state’s pivotal role in presidential elections. (Photo by Erin Pence)

“As Ohio Goes,” a documentary film that chronicles the state’s pivotal role in presidential elections and features insights from Wright State University political science instructor Paul Leonard and other top political experts, will have its preview screening at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs.

The 60-minute film will be screened Sunday, Oct. 16, beginning at 7 p.m.

The documentary will have its broadcast premiere Monday, Oct. 17, at 9 p.m. EDT on Think^TV (WPTD channel 16 in Dayton) and CET in Cincinnati.

Leonard will take part in a question-and-answer session at the theater following the screening along with Richard Finan, former president of the Ohio Senate, and documentary producers Mark Lammers and Colin Scianamblo.

“’As Ohio Goes’ is a film that demonstrates why the Buckeye State is truly the linchpin in the pathway to the presidency,” said Leonard. “Ohio is America and America is Ohio when it comes to presidential politics. This film is a must for anyone who is a student of the science in American politics and government.”

Since 1896, Ohio has voted for the winning presidential candidate 28 out of 30 times, a frequency unmatched by any other state.

“As Ohio Goes” explores the state’s invisible geographic borders known to scholars and strategists as “The Five Ohios,” a phenomenon that makes Ohio a political microcosm of the nation as a whole. The film, produced by Public Media Connect/ Think^TV and distributed to public television stations statewide, also captures voices from each of the “Five Ohios.”

The documentary was produced is in conjunction with “Election Central,” part of an online election hub developed out of a partnership between Wright State and Think^TV – Dayton’s PBS member station.

The Election Central portal is a PBS national resource that features election news, election history, inaugural addresses and debate information. “Elections Throughout History” portray those of Zachary Taylor to Abraham Lincoln to Woodrow Wilson. “60-Second Presidents” is a rapid-fire montage of historical photos, paintings and maps summarizing presidencies in a clever, playful way by using modernspeak and slang.

The Election ’16 Hub, which is designed to teach K-12 students about democracy and the political process, includes localized content developed with the expertise of Wright State political scientists and education faculty members.

Think^TV (WPTD channel 16 in Dayton and WPTO channel 14 in Oxford) is a service of Public Media Connect, a regional public media partnership with CET in Cincinnati.

The Election ’16 Hub at available ar www.thinktv.org/election.