The Runner-Up

An exclusive, all-access look at one of the most unique political campaigns of the 2014 mid-term elections - the improbable Congressional run of American Idol star Clay Aiken.

Storyline

An exclusive, all-access look at one of the most unique political campaigns of the 2014 mid-term elections - the improbable Congressional run of American Idol star Clay Aiken.

First Aired

2015-04-07
Last Aired

2015-04-28
Creator

Simon Chinn
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

4
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

Esquire Network

Keywords:

politics political campaign political candidate

Stream and watch The Runner-Up

Season 1

1. Run Clay, Run!

Aiken begins his run with hopes of being the South's first openly gay congressman but a shocking twist...More

Aiken begins his run with hopes of being the South's first openly gay congressman but a shocking twist sends him into a tough general election against the incumbent Republican candidate.Less

43mins 2015-04-07

2. Go for the Jugular!

Clay wins a razor-thin primary victory but faces new challenges in the general election. He argues wit...More

Clay wins a razor-thin primary victory but faces new challenges in the general election. He argues with his team when they want him to run a negative campaign and, desperately short of cash, he holds fund-raisers with "American Idol" winners Ruben Studdard and Fantasia. Clay also prepares for a televised debate.Less

43mins 2015-04-14

3. Into the Belly of the Beast

Clay gets to within striking distance of his Republican opponent, but his lack of finances forces him ...More

Clay gets to within striking distance of his Republican opponent, but his lack of finances forces him to venture into dangerous Tea Party territory. As Election Day looms, Clay creates a firestorm with his position on same-sex marriage.Less