 The president of United States of America Monroe "Eagle" Cole has just retired and divorced. His wife kept their house in Baltimore, and he decides to move to the small town of Mooseport, in Maine. His arrival is the motive for a great party in Mooseport, and the local authorities invite him to be the next Mayor and he accepts the invitation. However, the simple, shy, honest and clumsy local citizen Handy Harrison had previously accepted to be the Mayor, but he decides to decline the position. However, Handy decides to run for the election when Monroe invites his girlfriend for dinner. Their dispute and debates are broadcast and the place becomes a national sensation, with the press covering the movements of the candidates.