With his moderately liberal political stance, impeccable professional and personal life, intelligence, humanity, and sensitivity, President Andrew Shepherd has become America's most popular Commander in Chief. But then the widowed leader falls in love. This romantic comedy chronicles his travails as he and his new lady friend try to build a relationship amidst the clamor of the press and the moral indignation of his Republican opponents. Shepherd meets her while working very hard on pushing through a crime and environmental bill. Personally, he also spends time with his teenage daughter. His life dramatically changes when he encounters Sydney Ellen Wade, a dedicated, feisty, pro-environment lobbyist. Totally smitten, he invites her to join him at a state dinner. Surprised, she accepts and soon finds herself grist for the Washington gossip mill. They tentatively begin dating and poor Ellen is alternately confused, embarrassed and tickled pink. Things progress slowly, but inevitably the two end up bedded down in the Presidential boudoir. With an army of gossip-hungry reporters camped outside waiting to see Ellen, and Shepherd's political rival, ultra-conservative presidential hopeful Sen. Bob Rumson hovering about looking for fodder to launch a smear campaign against the popular incumbent, the lovers' initial happiness looks as if it may be fleeting.