The American President

The American President

Year: 1995

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

DramaComedyRomance

As re-election approaches, U.S. President Andrew Shepherd, a widower, finds himself falling for Sydney Ellen Wade, a lobbyist. Their unexpected romance quickly becomes public, subjecting them to intense scrutiny and threatening his presidency. A shrewd political rival uses the situation to his advantage, creating further complications. Shepherd must now navigate the pressures of his political career and the demands of his office while considering the personal happiness he has found.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The American President yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The American President (1995)

Trace every key event in The American President (1995) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Shepherd's Re-election Campaign

President Andrew Shepherd begins preparations for his re-election campaign as he aims to maintain his popular 63% approval rating. His administration intends to introduce a moderate crime control bill to enhance public support, despite mixed reactions from both conservatives and liberals.

2

Meet Sydney Ellen Wade

After realizing his loneliness as a widower, Shepherd meets Sydney Ellen Wade, an engaging lawyer from an environmental lobbying organization. He invites her to host a state dinner for the French president, marking the start of their personal and professional relationship.

3

State Dinner and Chemistry

At the state dinner, Sydney captivates the guests with her charm and shares a memorable dance with Shepherd. This event cements their growing connection and sets the stage for deeper involvement in each other's lives.

State Dinner Venue
4

Wade's Environmental Bill

Shepherd and Wade strike a deal where she must secure 24 votes for her environmental bill ahead of the State of the Union Address. Although MacInerney doubts Wade's ability to deliver, Shepherd sees the potential for collaboration to strengthen their causes.

5

Rumson's Criticism

Senator Bob Rumson intensifies his criticism of Shepherd, targeting Wade's activist background and questioning Shepherd's ethical values. Shepherd's silence on these attacks begins to affect his approval ratings and threatens the momentum of the crime bill.

6

Unsuccessful Meeting

Wade faces disappointment after a meeting with three Michigan congressmen who are poised to defeat both her environmental bill and Shepherd's crime bill. The news weighs heavily on her and leads to contentious discussions with Shepherd and MacInerney about their next steps.

Michigan
7

Dwindling Support

Despite Wade's efforts, Shepherd realizes he is lacking votes for his crime bill while Wade successfully gathers enough support for her environmental initiative. This creates tension as he must choose between furthering his own cause or supporting Wade's legislative goals.

8

Wade's Departure

Facing scrutiny and a lack of progress, Wade’s firm decides to part ways with her. In a poignant conversation, she reveals her plans to leave for an opportunity in Hartford, prompting a critical moment in her relationship with Shepherd.

Hartford, Connecticut
9

Shepherd's Press Room Visit

On the eve of the State of the Union Address, Shepherd boldly addresses the media to refute Rumson's accusations against his character and relationship with Wade. He announces his determination to propose a stricter environmental bill, which marks a significant shift in his political agenda.

Press Room
10

Reconciliation

In an emotional moment, Shepherd and Wade reconcile after his press conference. Their shared commitment to fighting for what they believe in revitalizes their bond, and she supports him as he prepares for the State of the Union Address.

11

State of the Union Address

Shepherd enters the chamber to applause, prepared to deliver his pivotal address. He announces his new environmental bill with an ambitious target and withdraws the crime bill, signifying a bold new direction for his administration.

House Chamber

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 11:30

Unlock the Full Story of The American President

Don't stop at just watching — explore The American President in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The American President is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The American President Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The American President, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The American President Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The American President

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The American President. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The American President

More About The American President

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The American President: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The American President

Similar Movies to The American President

Discover movies like The American President that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.