Jerry Frost, a disgruntled railway clerk, impulsively resigns from his job to pursue his dream of becoming President of the United States. Driven by a desire for status and the influence of his ambitious wife, Jerry navigates a series of absurd political maneuvers and bureaucratic failures. The narrative unfolds through a three-act structure that highlights the disconnect between his personal aspirations and the harsh realities of the political machine. He faces opposition from corrupt party officials and his own lack of qualifications, leading to a rapid descent from his political ambitions back to his original station in life.

Discussion often centers on the play's departure from the author's typical prose style, noting its heavy reliance on vaudevillian humor and political caricature. Readers frequently highlight the work as a rare comedic experiment that reflects the author's own anxieties regarding success and failure. Critics often debate whether the play functions as a coherent social critique or merely a lighthearted diversion from the author's more serious literary contributions. The pacing is noted for its frantic energy, which mirrors the protagonist's own chaotic pursuit of power and eventual disillusionment.