Thoughts about "The Candidate" (1972).

Just rewatched this last night. This movie starred Robert Redford. Still hits home over 50 years later.

A political consultant must find a Democratic to oppose three-term California Senator Crocker Jarmon in the upcoming election. With no big-name Democrat eager to enter the unwinnable race, Lucas seeks out Bill McKay, the idealistic, handsome, and charismatic son of a popular former California governor.

McKay receives 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. Then, distressing news: according to the polling, McKay will be defeated by an overwhelming margin. Lucas says the party expected McKay to lose but not to be humiliated, so he convinces McKay to moderate his message to appeal to a broader range of voters.