First published 1984
In this political fiction, Sorensen presents an alternative vision of executive leadership through a reimagined presidency. The story follows a president who breaks from conventional political wisdom and traditional party constraints. This leader faces resistance from established Washington power structures while attempting to implement radical changes to how the office operates. The narrative explores tensions between idealistic reform and practical governance as the protagonist navigates congressional opposition, media scrutiny, and public expectations. Sorensen draws on his experience as Kennedy's speechwriter to craft scenarios that test the boundaries of presidential authority. The president must choose between compromise and principle while managing crises that threaten both personal credibility and national stability. The story examines whether genuine political transformation can emerge from within existing institutions or if the system itself prevents meaningful change. At its heart, this is a story about one person's struggle to redefine power in service of democratic ideals.
Genres: american-fiction, contemporary, political-thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Washington
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
Hardcover · HarperCollins Publishers