The film begins with Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams), a comedian and the host of a satirical talk show, whose sharp wit resonates with the widespread frustrations of the public regarding the divisive political landscape dominated by special interests. During one of his warm-up acts, a enthusiastic audience member throws out the idea that he should run for President. Initially, Dobbs finds the notion amusing, but as a wave of popular support begins to swell, he decides to announce live on air his candidacy.
His campaign unexpectedly gains traction, allowing him to qualify for the ballot in 13 states and participate in a highly publicized national debate against President Kellogg and Senator Mills. Parallel to this, we follow Eleanor (Laura Linney), who is employed at Delacroy, a voting machine company responsible for the voting systems across the nation. Just as the elections draw near, Eleanor uncovers a troubling flaw in the voting system, yet her concerns are blatantly disregarded by the company's leadership.
At first, Dobbs takes his run for office earnestly, much to the dismay of his staff, especially his manager Jack Menken (played by Christopher Walken). However, during the pivotal night of the debates, he recognizes the absurdity of the political theatrics and reconnects with his comedic roots, deftly balancing humor with sharp political critique. His ratings soar post-debate, although he still trails behind Kellogg and Mills.
As Election Day unfolds, polls predict a 17% vote for Dobbs, who surprises everyone with an unexpectedly solid performance. As results start rolling in, Kellogg seems to dominate, but in a surprising twist, Dobbs begins winning key states like Virginia, North Carolina, and even major battlegrounds such as California and Texas. As his electoral count approaches the magic number of 146, it appears he is on his way to an unbelievable victory against the established political figures.
Eleanor, meanwhile, grapples with the ramifications of the voting error. After an attack on her home — likely orchestrated by Delacroy's agents — she becomes embroiled in a dangerous battle to expose the truth. Despite suffering severe side effects from a cocktail of drugs, she attends Jack Menken's birthday party where she meets Dobbs. There, she struggles to reveal the dark reality of the election, even managing to capture his attention.
As they deepen their connection through shared celebrations, Eleanor makes an effort to inform Dobbs about the fraudulent nature of the elections but is unable to find the right moment. In a twist of fate, Dobbs attempts to reach out to her, leading to further complications with the Delacroy executives, who become increasingly suspicious.
In an act of courage, Eleanor manages to escape several dangerous encounters, culminating in a dramatic series of events that leads to her second hospitalization. Meanwhile, Dobbs, still grappling with unexpected results, ultimately chooses to break the news about the election's flaws during a live sketch comedy show, asserting that he cannot accept a victory that was built on deception.
With integrity at the forefront, Dobbs steps back from the presidency, which prompts a second election in which Kellogg triumphs, albeit with newfound sensitivity to public opinion rather than just special interests. Eleanor, having supported Dobbs throughout this turbulent journey, ultimately stands by his side as his producer and wife, while Delacroy executives face justice for their corrupt practices. The film wraps up with a humorous nod to the absurdity of the situation, featuring a mock TIME magazine cover showcasing Dobbs as Person of the Year, highlighting the unusual dynamics of modern political discourse.
