Who is President Zachary Herney from Deception Point and what is their importance?

Zachary Herney is the beleaguered current President of the United States. He has been taking a beating in the polls against Sexton. The discovery of the meteorite and fossils reinvigorates his campaign. However, when they are discovered to be false, he is upset to discover that he lied to the American people. President Herney also has integrity and wants to be honest. Throughout the story he is portrayed as likable and charismatic.