It's the waning days of the 2012 presidential campaign. A Taliban-like group, the Free Fascists, has come to power in Baghdad, and overrun the middle east and much of eastern Europe. France and Germany have gotten cozy with them. The story's main characters, Millie Bardoe and Matt Warner are at the center of the campaign action but at opposite ends of the political spectrum. Millie is chief strategist for a liberal senator, the anti-war candidate who's willing to offer the Free Fascists a deal for peace. Matt's the chief strategist for the conservative candidate, a hawkish former Secretary of State who believes Free Fascism must be met with force. Much to Millie and Matt's discomfort, the two must come together and bury their differences, at least temporarily, when it becomes increasingly apparent to both that one of their candidates is being controlled by the Free Fascists, who are orchestrating events in order to see this candidate elected. A nail-biter of a run-up to Election Day ensues with no less at stake than western civilization.