In this episode, Homer tries to find a way to reconcile with Lisa after he ruins her Father's Day gift, and circumstances lead to him running for mayor.
Meanwhile, Bart—on a dare from the bullies, who plant the idea in his head that he is allowed to steal public property that has his name on it—steals a "Bart Boulevard" street sign.
On Lisa's suggestion, Homer decides to run for mayor against candidates numbering more than 200, playing on his popularity as the Safety Salamander, and builds a huge lead in the polls.
To make things worse, none of the new candidates gain 5% of the master vote needed to defeat Quimby, who maintains his job as Mayor.
[1] Laughing Matters: Humor and American Politics in the Media Age cites the episode to illustrate an example of "it's only funny because it's true" humour.
Laughing Matters notes that "[w]hile the plot of the episode is about lack of citizen efficacy and the power of name recognition and popularity, the sophisticated humor for a few serves little comedic purpose.
[5] The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History cites the episode as an example of "increasingly explicit social and political commentary [that] we are now clubbed over the head with" in the Jean era.