Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is THE iconic movie about American politics because its story is one that Americans have always wanted to believe about their democracy: that no matter how venal and corrupt politics can be, a virtuous, innocent man like Jimmy Stewart’s Mr. Smith — a small-town nobody picked by cynical powerbrokers to fill a Senate seat — can triumph and redeem it.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!