The Candidate (1972 film)

The Candidate is a 1972 American satirical comedydrama film starring Robert Redford and Peter Boyle, and directed by Michael Ritchie. The Academy Awardwinning screenplay, which examines the various facets and machinations involved in political campaigns, was written by Jeremy Larner, a speechwriter for Senator Eugene J. McCarthy during McCarthys campaign for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination.

Lucas gives McKay a proposition since Jarmon cannot lose and the race is already decided, McKay is free to campaign saying exactly what he wants. McKay accepts in order to have the chance to spread his values, and hits the trail. With no serious Democratic opposition, McKay cruises to the nomination on his name alone. Lucas then has distressing news according to the latest election projections, McKay will be defeated by an overwhelming margin. Lucas says the party expected McKay to lose but not to be humiliated, so he moderates his message to appeal to a broader range of voters.McKay campaigns across the state, his message growing more generic each day. This approach lifts him in the opinion polls, but he has a new problem Because McKays father has stayed out of the race, the media speculates his silence is an endorsement of Jarmon. McKay grudgingly meets his father and tells him the problem, and the elder McKay tells the media he is simply honoring his sons wishes to stay out of the race. ........

Source: Wikipedia