Elisha "Eli" James, a reporter at the Washington Chronicle, breaks the story that Yale University alum, Olympic gold medalist, and best-selling author Nate Sterling is running as an independent in the upcoming presidential election.

She tells him that she has uncovered a conspiracy: Turnbull is embezzling funds from the lottery (specifically $1 for every $1000) and smuggling them into her Super PAC (political action committee) at the expense of the country's public schools.

She cited Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom, Chris Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker's The War Room, and the series House of Cards as major influences.

[4] In September 2021, Jodie Turner-Smith, Brian Cox, John Cena, and Kathy Bates were added to the cast, with Nanjiani dropping out.

[12] While praised for its well-written script and timely themes, some critics feel the film lacks the gritty, hard-hitting quality often associated with political thrillers.

Some argue that the conflict of interest is portrayed too simplistically, and that the film misses an opportunity to delve deeper into issues of minority representation and media responsibility.