I think it was actually a theatrical release.
Gary Oldman actually criticized the editing of the movie, saying it was cut to advance a liberal agenda. Though one has to wonder how he could expect anything else?
In the movie, Oldman plays the evil Republican Senator who is out to destroy the compassionate, sympathetic Hanson. Oldman thought his character was actually the hero of the story.
Yes, you are correct - - it was a theatrical release. But I am pretty sure it did much better in the DVD aftermarket than it did in the theaters. Barry Soetero said President Jackson Evans was his favorite fictional president.