In the late 1960s, as the United States grappled with social upheaval and a contentious presidential election, ABC News sought to boost its lagging ratings by orchestrating a series of televised debates. The network invited the provocative conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. and the outspoken liberal writer Gore Vidal to engage in a public battle of wits. These debates were set to take place during the Republican and Democratic national conventions of 1968. The ideological clash between these two intellectual titans promised explosive and unfiltered television, capturing the nation's attention as it dealt with issues like the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War.

As the debates commence, the true animosity between Buckley and Vidal quickly surfaces, morphing into personal attacks that go beyond mere political discourse. Their verbal spars reveal deep-seated enmities and draw significant media coverage, influencing public opinion and becoming a focal point for political and cultural tensions in America. These heated exchanges not only serve as a lens for examining the political landscape of the era but also underscore the growing role of television in shaping public discourse. The escalating conflict highlights the power of media and its impact on the personal lives of those in the public eye, leaving an indelible mark on American broadcasting history.