I really like Robin Williams and Christopher Walken, who are perfectly cast in this film. Linney is also very good, given what she attempted to do. However, the big hole in this film is simplicity; it is missing. Instead, we get a convoluted attempt at a sappy love story interfering with a potentially hilarious comedy. The conspiracy angle is also an unnecessary subplot. A comedien getting elected in the US was well within the possibility of real life.
Dobbs could have been elected on his own; look at President Trump. And Dobbs is a lot funnier than President Trump. A much more believalbe subplot might have been a news anchorwoman who is vehemently against Dobbs originally (like someone from MSNBC) and then warms up after a few personal interviews. The missed opportunities for meeting with foreign leaders is really a terrible shame. Couldnt you just imagine how funny a meeting with Putin and Xi Jinping would have been, among others (not to mention Merkel and May). Missed opportunities for a truly classic comedy. What a shame. Still worth watching despite the contrived conspiracy and romance.