As Dave begins to fill in for President Mitchell, he quickly realizes how disconnected from the people and their needs the President is. With the help of his friend and accountant, Murray, and the First Lady, Ellen, Dave sets out to make a positive impact on the country.
One of Dave's first actions as President is to reinstate funding for a program that provides meals for homeless children, which President Mitchell had cut. Dave also demonstrates his natural problem-solving skills and people-first mentality by visiting a shelter for the homeless and working with the staff and residents to improve their living conditions.
Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Bob Alexander is scheming to manipulate Dave and take advantage of his popularity with the public to push through his own agenda. He sets up a meeting between Dave and a group of wealthy businessmen, hoping to sway Dave's opinion on certain policies. However, Dave sees through his tactics and stands up for what he believes is right, earning the respect of those around him and proving his worth as a leader.
As Dave grows more comfortable in his role, he and Ellen grow closer, even as rumors spread about President Mitchell's infidelity and the circumstances surrounding his stroke. Bob Alexander capitalizes on these rumors, hoping to push Dave out of the presidency and take control himself, but Dave and his allies are not easily pushed aside.
In the end, Dave's innate goodness and kindness win out, as he inspires the nation with his leadership and compassion, and even manages to pass a landmark jobs bill through Congress. Though he ultimately steps down as President, his legacy lives on, and he becomes a symbol of hope and positivity in the American political landscape.