Set in a contemporary suburban town, a discontented businessman named Jonah spends his free time campaigning for a congressional candidate. This candidate is unusual — she repeats nonsensical idioms and promises llamas to the elderly. Her name is Marigold Prentiss, and she is the congressional candidate for the Greater Good Party. As Jonah spends more and more time away from home, his wife begins to doubt his faithfulness to her. However, after following Jonah to the campaign headquarters, she realizes her mistake and joins Jonah in phone canvassing. 

At Marigold Prentiss’s campaign rally, Jonah encounters his coworkers. He is appalled to learn they are there to witness a “spectacle,” rather than a legitimate rally. Jonah’s wife leaves early to avoid being humiliated. History of the alien species the Zakanh is woven throughout Jonah’s struggles, linking Prentiss to the extraterrestrials. 

On a brief vacation they take together, his wife reveals her true feelings about the party. She sees it as a cult and accuses Jonah of joining it because he is bored with their marriage. Jonah says he yearns to make an impact and partake in some excitement as he is tired of being so reliable. The couple have sex. On their way home, they hear Marigold Prentiss being interviewed on the radio about the public’s perception of her.