Watch Running Mates

Running Mates is a 2000 political drama film that stars Tom Selleck, Laura Linney and Nancy Travis. Directed by Ron Lagomarsino, it follows the story of a governor who decides to run for President of the United States, with his wife and campaign manager by his side. Tom Selleck plays the role of Governor James Reynolds Pryce, a popular Republican governor of Pennsylvania who embarks on a campaign to become President of the United States. Laura Linney plays his wife, Lauren Hartman Pryce, an ambitious woman who is also the governor’s campaign manager. Nancy Travis appears as Shawna Morgan, a journalist assigned to cover the governor’s campaign who eventually becomes romantically involved with him.

From the outset, Governor Pryce’s campaign is filled with challenges, as he has to contend with stiff competition from within his own party and the Democrats as well. His campaign message of “a new direction for America” resonates with voters, but the governor’s background as a former pro-choice, pro-environment politician comes back to haunt him.

As the campaign heats up, Governor Pryce is accused of flip-flopping on issues and pandering to the right-wing of the Republican Party. He is also attacked for his wife’s past as a former activist for women’s rights groups, which is seen as anathema to the conservative base of the Republican Party.

Despite the challenges, the governor is determined to win, but his relationship with his wife Lauren begins to fray under the pressure of the campaign. As Lauren becomes increasingly involved in the day-to-day operations of the campaign, she begins to feel sidelined by the governor’s advisors and is unsure of her own role in the campaign.

At the same time, the governor begins a secret relationship with Shawna Morgan, a journalist covering his campaign. The affair is complicated by the fact that the governor and his wife have a daughter with Down’s Syndrome, who has become a poster child for the governor’s campaign. The affair eventually becomes public, forcing the governor to confront his own hypocrisy and the consequences of his actions.

Running Mates is a well-crafted political drama that explores the complexities of political campaigns and the toll it takes on the individuals involved. The film is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices made by people in public life, as well as the toll it takes on their personal lives.

Tom Selleck delivers a strong performance as Governor Pryce, bringing depth and complexity to his character. Laura Linney is equally impressive as his wife, Lauren, conveying the tensions and pressures of life on the campaign trail. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their interactions are a highlight of the film.

Nancy Travis is also impressive in her role as Shawna Morgan, bringing a sense of integrity and poise to the character. Her chemistry with Selleck is also well-developed, and their relationship becomes a central plot point in the film.

Overall, Running Mates is a compelling political drama that combines serious themes with well-developed characters and strong performances. The film does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of the political process and the challenges faced by those involved. It is a must-watch for fans of political dramas and for anyone interested in American politics.