Wag the Dog

President Michael Belson finds himself in deep trouble when he is caught making advances on an underage girl in the Oval Office. This scandal emerges shortly before a crucial election, jeopardizing his political future and drawing public scrutiny.

To counteract the scandal, presidential aide Winifred Ames enlists the help of Conrad Brean, a master spin doctor. Brean devises an audacious plan to fabricate a war in Albania to divert the public’s attention from the President's scandal.

Conrad Brean collaborates with Hollywood producer Stanley Motss to produce convincing war footage and an enticing theme song. They craft a heartwarming story involving an orphan to create a more appealing narrative for the public.

Initially, the strategy proves successful as public interest in the fabricated war overshadows the President’s scandal. The President's popularity rebounds, and people rally around the war narrative.

The CIA catches wind of the fabricated war and sends Agent Young to investigate. Brean manages to convince Young that revealing the truth would harm both their interests, adding pressure to the cover-up.

In a twist, the CIA, aligned with the President's political opponent, announces the war as reality but claims it’s nearing an end. This revelation redirects media attention back to the President, reigniting concerns about the ongoing scandal.

In a desperate attempt to distract the public once more, Motss develops a narrative about a heroic soldier allegedly stranded behind enemy lines. This tale is enriched with themes of loss and sacrifice to rally national support.

Folk singer Johnny Dean records a poignant song titled 'Old Shoe' to amplify the fabricated war effort. The song is aged to look historically significant and symbolizes the foundation of public support for their scheme.

As the hoax unfolds, pairs of shoes appear on power lines, symbolizing the growing support for the fictional war. The coordinated efforts bring emotional weight to an otherwise fictitious narrative.

In a bizarre twist, Brean and Motss liberate a mental patient with military credentials due to his last name, 'Shoe.' This act aids in further stirring national sentiment through a constructed story that binds individuals together.

As they attempt to secure their fabricated hero Schumann, the team discovers he is an insane criminal. Their plans go awry when a plane crash occurs, yet they are rescued by an illegal alien farmer hoping to exchange a compelling story for citizenship.

After the chaotic ordeal results in Schumann's demise during a violent event, Motss orchestrates a lavish military funeral to portray him as a hero. This serves as a pivotal moment in solidifying public support for their war narrative.

Motss becomes increasingly frustrated upon noticing that the President is credited for soaring poll numbers based on a mundane campaign slogan. He demands recognition for his role, despite Brean’s cautious advice.

Motss's insistence on recognition leads to unforeseen consequences when Brean is forced to make a dire decision that results in Motss's death from a heart attack. This outcome underscores the perils of their deception.

In the aftermath of the scandal and the fabricated war, the President successfully wins re-election. However, the chaos leaves lasting implications, with a foreign terrorist group claiming responsibility for a violent act, hinting at the lasting effects of their lies.