The film follows the story of Jack Stanton (played by John Travolta), a charismatic Southern governor running for President of the United States, and his campaign team, led by political consultant Henry Burton (played by Adrian Lester). Stanton’s campaign is a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows as he navigates the rough waters of the political landscape.
As the campaign progresses, Henry becomes increasingly disillusioned with Stanton’s tactics and the compromises he must make to win the presidency. He struggles with his own morality and integrity as he witnesses the cutthroat nature of politics and the lengths to which Stanton and his team are willing to go to win.
One of the major challenges Stanton faces is the revelation of his extramarital affair with a woman named Cashmere McLeod (played by Gia Carides). The scandal threatens to derail his campaign, but Stanton and his team manage to spin the story and keep the public’s attention focused on his political message.
Another obstacle Stanton must overcome is the presence of his opponent, Senator Lawrence Harris (played by Larry Hagman), who is determined to expose Stanton’s flaws and weaknesses. Harris launches a smear campaign against Stanton, but Stanton fights back with his own dirty tricks and manipulations.
Throughout the campaign, Henry forms a close bond with Susan Stanton (played by Emma Thompson), Jack’s wife and political advisor. Susan is a savvy strategist who is fiercely loyal to her husband but also pragmatic about the realities of politics. Henry finds himself drawn to Susan’s intelligence and strength, and their relationship becomes increasingly complicated as the campaign heats up.
In the end, Stanton wins the Democratic nomination for president, but his victory comes at a cost. Henry is forced to confront his own ethical dilemmas and decide whether he can continue to support Stanton’s campaign in good conscience. He ultimately chooses to stand by Stanton, believing that he can make a difference from within the system.
“Primary Colors” is praised for its sharp wit, biting satire, and stellar performances, particularly from John Travolta and Emma Thompson. It offers a revealing look at the world of American politics and the moral compromises that often accompany the quest for power.