However easy this film makes it look to be Commander in Chief, "The American President" makes it clear that keeping the fizz in happily escapist comedy is tricky. Despite the presence of Frank Capra 3d as first assistant director and a nod to his grandfather in the dialogue (Sydney, first visiting the White House on business: "I'm trying to savor the Capraesque quality"), this film can't match the blitheness that was possible in more innocent times.