The Contender

Released 2000
Stars Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman, Sam Elliott, Christian Slater, Robin Thomas, Mike Binder, William L. Petersen
Directed by Rod Lurie

When the sitting Vice President dies, Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) is chosen by the President (Jeff Bridges) to be the first woman to hold the office. The selection meets with opposition from members of both parties, in particular a powerful political adversary (Gary Oldman) who will seemingly stop at nothing to discredit her. Her confirmation hearings set off a firestorm of controversy as shocking secrets from Hanson's past are revealed, threatening her personal life as well as her political future.

Laine Hanson has what it takes to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Now she must prove she has the stomach for what it takes to get the job.

Summary from Netflix