10 Political Rivalries That Played Out Like Hollywood Dramas (3 of 6)

Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney

The 2012 presidential election offered a more subtle rivalry but one that was still rooted in opposing perspectives and worldviews. Obama, the incumbent Democrat, positioned himself as a pragmatic candidate in support of reform to successfully navigate post-recession recovery. Romney, in contrast, was a wealthy businessman and a former governor of Massachusetts who positioned himself as the candidate with managerial competence.

Winston Churchill vs. Neville

Before World War II, Britain’s political establishment was split over how to confront Nazi Germany. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain pursued appeasement, while Winston Churchill was against compromise. Their rivalry became a defining factor in Britain’s pre-war identity crisis.