By 2016, second term president William Claymore, struggles with political infighting that stagnates vital improvements in American social and economic programs. Media reporters criticize possible solutions and bias frustrated citizens against his administration. New China Republic (NCR) leaders cast aside repressive communism and China becomes a nation of aggressive capitalists who increase efficiency and destabilize world economies. To maintain economic growth, the NCR government needs natural resources and they annex Russian territory by force. Their new remote-controlled hypersonic aircraft with laser weaponry dominate the skies, while the United States government searches for an alternative to war between two superpowers. President Claymore, caught in a maelstrom of foreign and domestic crises, must contend with the First Lady's terminal illness. When the president's extra-marital relationship with his biographer, Genevieve Hollings, threatens to destroy the First Family, the scandal enrages the nation's citizens. Mocked as the 'do nothing president', Claymore seems powerless to stop NCR military initiatives while embroiled in domestic chaos.