Primary Colors 1998

As Henry Burton (Henry), a young and idealistic protégé of a renowned civil rights leader, joins the inner circle of Jack Stanton, a charismatic Southern governor vying for the Democratic Party nomination, he is struck by the governor’s genuine warmth and empathetic nature. Stanton’s camp, comprising his formidable wife Susan Stanton; the unconventional strategist Richard Jemmons; intelligent and captivating spokeswoman Daisy Green; and the cunning operative Howard Ferguson, embarks on a journey to New Hampshire, the first state to hold a presidential primary.

Following an impressive debate performance by Stanton against his rivals, Henry’s ex-girlfriend appears, questioning the governor about his arrest during the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. Stanton had called upon a U.S. senator to secure his release and later persuaded the mayor of Chicago to expunge his police record. The team becomes increasingly concerned that Stanton’s past indiscretions may be exploited by the press and opponents.

In an effort to address these concerns, the Stantons hire their old friend Libby Holden, a tough but unbalanced investigator, who digs into allegations surrounding Stanton’s notorious womanizing. One of these women, Cashmere McLeod, also serves as Susan’s hairdresser, produces secret taped conversations between the governor and herself, revealing an affair. Henry discovers that the tapes have been doctored, prompting Libby to track down the individual responsible, forcing them at gunpoint to confess their guilt in a letter to the American public.

The campaign is then rocked by a fresh allegation when Fat Willie McCollister, Stanton’s old friend, approaches Henry, revealing that his 17-year-old daughter Loretta, who works as a babysitter for the Stantons, is pregnant and that Jack is the father. Henry and Howard advise Willie to permit an amniocentesis to determine paternity, though they persuade him to remain silent. However, Henry’s disgust grows.

In response to Stanton’s dwindling poll numbers, his team adopts an aggressive strategy, launching a series of attacks on Senator Harris, his nearest rival, for casting anti-Israel votes and supporting cuts in Social Security and Medicare. During a radio talk show in Florida, Harris confronts Stanton but suffers two heart attacks during the encounter, ultimately forcing his withdrawal from the race. He is replaced by his friend, former Florida governor Fred Picker, whose wholesome and straight-talking image poses an immediate threat to Stanton’s campaign.

As a calculated move to discredit their opponent, Jack and Susan dispatch Henry and Libby on a clandestine mission to delve into Picker’s past, unearthing a trail of secrets that threaten to upend his political career. Their investigation reveals a troubled history, marked by a cocaine addiction as governor that ultimately led to the disintegration of his first marriage. The duo also encounters a pivotal figure from Picker’s past - a former cocaine supplier who not only provided the substance but also served as a romantic partner in a homosexual affair.

Libby and Henry return from their research expedition, armed with incriminating evidence they expected would remain buried. However, their revelations take an unexpected turn when Jack and Susan decide to weaponize this information against their opponent. Libby is horrified by their decision, knowing that her discovery could have far-reaching consequences. In a desperate bid to protect her idealized vision of Jack and Susan, she warns them that if they proceed with the leak, she will reveal a deep-seated secret: Jack’s tampering with paternity test results, which revealed his indiscretion with Willie’s daughter.

Libby’s world is shattered when she realizes that her entire existence has been built upon an unrealistic perception of Jack and Susan. Consumed by despair, she takes her own life, leaving behind a legacy of heartbreak and disillusionment. The weight of Libby’s tragic demise hangs heavy over Jack and Henry, who are wracked with guilt and regret.

In a last-ditch effort to make amends for their role in Libby’s downfall, Jack and Henry turn to Picker, bearing the incriminating evidence they had uncovered. With a mix of contrition and humility, they apologize for seeking out this information and beg for forgiveness. Picker, acknowledging his past transgressions, decides to withdraw from the race and publicly endorse Jack. Henry, however, has become deeply disillusioned with the political process and contemplates abandoning ship.

In the aftermath of these tumultuous events, President-elect Jack Stanton takes to the inaugural ball, surrounded by the trappings of power and prestige. He dances with his first lady, Susan, as the eyes of the nation turn to him. As he shakes hands with his campaign staff, Henry stands out as the last to receive this gesture of appreciation - a poignant reminder of the journey that has brought them all to this moment.