The American President Still Resonates Over 20 Years Later
The 1995 romantic-comedy The American President centers on President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) who falls in love with a lobbyist (Annette Bening) while seeking re-election. Written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), the film shows how their relationship becomes a problem for their careers. In 2016, Presidential candidate Ted Cruz paraphrased a quote from the film when Donald Trump insulted his wife. In 2013, the New York Times noted how President Obama failed to secure a piece of legislation, which was in direct contrast to the vote gathering effort from the film. Obama responded by asking rhetorical questions to actor Michael Douglas.
