Imagine sitting down to watch a repeat of West Wing when you know the outcome. That is what By the People: The Election of Barack Obama is like. It might seem like strange timing to show a programme about the election process of the now president of the United States. But actually, hindsight is a powerful thing.

It is easy to forget that Barack was behind Hillary Clinton in most polls and that a name that is now firmly penned into history meant so little to so many. Film-makers Amy Rich and Alicia Sams do err on the side of sentimentality while documenting the most overly-analysed campaign in American history — but it works. The shaky camera and the lack of commentary lets the story tell itself. Trust me, it doesn’t need a narrative. It is powerful stuff.

Hearing Obama’s daughter admit to her father: “I had to eat a lot of chocolate today” or a nine-year-old kid doing phone canvassing for an almost unknown African American candidate offers a candid and compelling angle that is unlikely to be seen again while Obama occupies the White House.

If you were ever remotely inspired by the American election of 2008, I urge you to watch this. If you weren’t inspired, I dare you not to be now.

By the People: The Election of Barack Obama will be broadcast on BBC Two at 19.30 on 9 January