Although Russell had planned to release the film before November 2004, hoping to "perhaps make a difference before the election,"[1] Warner Bros. abandoned the project at the last minute, citing "controversy surrounding the documentary, combined with a later-than-expected arrival of the bonus footage".[2] Russell disputed the time-crunch excuse, saying "I think if they really wanted to they could make it happen."[2] Eventually, the documentary was purchased by the Independent Film Channel, where it was aired in its entirety the night before the 2004 U.S. presidential election.[2]