In this novel, President Werner, an independent with Libertarian concepts, loses the election during a Socialist revolution that gains the White House and the Congress. A series of unfunded welfare programs accelerates the downward spiral of the country into the worst Depression in history. President Werner, his family, and a host of high-level cabinet members and advisors are sequestered in a bunker somewhere in southeastern Pennsylvania. Over an eleven-month period, they plan a bloodless coup to regain control of America and govern with a compassionate Libertarian philosophy based upon limited programs for the needy and a dramatically reduced federal government, particularly aimed at eliminating disguised unemployment.
A key element of the president's plan is to woo billionaire inventor Matt Flynn and his wife, Heather, out of seclusion from their villa in Belize. As the Depression worsens, the Socialist president Bernie Cortez from California seeks Flynn's advice in a secret session at Camp David. One of Flynn's suggestions is for California to become a separate nation, a mecca for Socialists, with him as president. Matt also convinces wealthy industrialists to fund and develop massive infrastructure projects sorely needed in America to create tens of millions of jobs.
Rare in history, the secretary of defense's coup is successful without spilling the blood of any citizen, and President Werner returns to the Oval Office while former president Cortez flies to California, now called Calicopia. President Werner defends his programs before the House of Representatives and gains a vote of confidence to continue to restart the economy. In less than six months, real progress is made. People get back to work, banks reopen, and international trade resumes. Compassionate healthcare is offered to the public. Immigrants are vetted for citizenship while working on the infrastructure programs. And perhaps the most controversial element of the president's plan is the reduction of one million federal civil servants and half a million in the military, all forced into the private sector.
The novel ends with entrepreneur Flynn receiving his third Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Flynns retire to their new residence, called Beauvista, overlooking Thomas Jefferson's classic Monticello. Flynn's next challenge on behalf of his beloved republic is revealed in the light of a sunrise.
