Lars and Michael discuss their film picks for the Carter era -- a blend of optimism, underdogs, and perhaps naivety over the coming backlash Jimmy Carter would face through the lens of "Rocky" and "Star Wars."

Lars and Michael discuss the films of the Ford administration, exploring government incompetence and corruption (or maybe it's just about a shark) through the lens of "Jaws" and "Chinatown." But in true Gerald Ford fashion, they spend most of the time talking about Watergate and Nixon anyway.

Lars and Michael discuss the films of the Nixon administration, reflecting on hippie culture, racism, a developing "us versus them" mentality within the United States -- and a whole bunch of dirty tricks -- through the lens of "Easy Rider" and "Blazing Saddles."

Lars and Michael discuss the films of the Johnson administration, reflecting on dramatic domestic progress and a distrust of America's foreign policy apparatus through the lens of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "Dr. Strangelove."

Lars and Michael discuss the films of the Kennedy era, discussing themes of heroism and elitism in American society through the lens of "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and "Lolita."

Lars and Michael discuss the films of the Eisenhower era, comparing the infamous "The Blob" and the more-critically-acclaimed "Shane." The narratives on being driven from one's home, McCarthyism, and generational strife give context to Eisenhower's above-the-fray approach in his presidency.

In the first episode of Watching Mates, Lars and Michael team up to discuss the films of the Truman era, comparing film noirs "The Third Man" and "The Hitch-Hiker." The international intrigue and sense of being lost in a new world that are reflected in both films shapes their discussion on how President Truman had to adapt the United States and shape the world order as the first post-war president.

Running Mates stars Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito introduce their new show, Watching Mates.