The popular, widower President Sheppard (Douglas) is attempting to pass a difficult crime bill, so the last thing he needs is a romantic relationship, with a lobbyist no less. But although things start professional with Sydney Ellen Wade (Bening), it is very apparent that the two are quickly falling for one another. Until, that is, the President is forced to make a difficult decision: pass his bill, or keep the woman he loves. Rob Reiner’s direction and Aaron Sorkin’s tight script benefit tremendously from an ensemble cast that also includes Michael J. Fox, Martin Sheen, and Richard Dreyfuss.

Written by Aaron Sorkin, The American President is reminiscent of another Sorkin project: the television show The West Wing. In fact, Sorkin developed ideas for the show while writing the screenplay for the film, using many ideas, subplots, and characters that ultimately did not make it into the final cut of The American President.