New Documentary War Game Explores Alarming Future of American Democracy and Stability

In the unsettling landscape of American politics, a new documentary titled "War Game" emerges to challenge our complacency regarding the stability of democratic institutions. It poses a provocative question: What if the chaos of January 6, 2021, was merely a precursor to something far more organized and ideologically driven? This exploration unfolds in a simulated crisis scenario orchestrated by the Vet Voice Foundation, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to veteran advocacy. The documentary showcases a gripping role-play event held on January 6, 2023, where a diverse group of politicians, intelligence, and military advisers stepped into the shoes of decision-makers during a fictional coup attempt. Steve Bullock, the former governor of Montana, portrays President John Hotham, navigating through a high-stakes Situation Room set against a backdrop of impending upheaval. The tension mounts as Bullock and his team grapple with the fictional insurgents known as the Order of Columbus, a group rallying behind the losing candidate, portrayed by actor Chris Coffey. As the clock ticks down from six hours, the urgency intensifies. The game, with its well-defined parameters, simulates a scenario where the peaceful transfer of power hangs by a thread. The filmmakers, Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber, expertly distill this tension into a brisk 94-minute viewing experience, employing moody lighting and sharp editing to maintain a relentless pace. This is not just a dramatization; it serves as a stark reminder of the real threats that loom over democratic processes. Among the players, Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. senator, shines as the president's tough-talking senior adviser, adding depth to the unfolding drama. Meanwhile, Janessa Goldbeck, the CEO of Vet Voice and a former combat engineer officer in the Marine Corps, provides a grounding presence both on-screen and off, serving as the voice of the offscreen governor of Arizona and guiding the players through the simulated crisis. The origins of this war game can be traced back to a sobering 2021 opinion piece in The Washington Post, penned by retired Army generals Paul D. Eaton, Antonio M. Taguba, and Steven M. Anderson. They articulated their chilling fears surrounding a potential coup's success, urging the Defense Department to proactively engage in exercises that would prepare for future postelection insurrections. It is this call to action that inspired the Vet Voice Foundation to create a simulation that, while fictional, resonates with the real-life implications of unchecked political extremism. "War Game" serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to vigilance. It underscores the importance of preparedness in the face of potential threats to democratic integrity. In a time when political divisions seem to deepen, this documentary compels viewers to confront uncomfortable realities and consider the ramifications of inaction. As we reflect on the lessons of the past, "War Game" challenges us to ask not just what we can learn from history, but how we can ensure that the mistakes of yesterday do not become the tragedies of tomorrow.