From NetFlix:

Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman’s (Ryan Gosling) idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where “victory” is relative. The film, directed by George Clooney, is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean’s failed 2004 run.

Sometimes a film with many “stars” can be a disaster. But this time the combination of Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Paul Giamatti has produced a superb political film.

“Loss of Innocence” is the sad theme of the story. Idealistic Ryan Gosling makes some personal mistakes and also discovers the dark side of handsome, well-spoken (“smooth” is the better word), and inspiring George Clooney. Hoffman and Giamatti contribute the elements of cynical compromise. Acting could not be better. Both Gosling and Clooney have mastered the art of having their eyes mirror their emotions.

Marisa Tomei plays a newspaper reporter who is not to be trusted.

For a better understanding of the title you could read the Wikipedia article. Even there I could find no reference to the Howard Dean compaign.

You have a treat in store. DO NOT MISS!