Who is James Beckwith from The Mark of the Assassin: A Novel and what is their importance?

President Beckwith has just been re-elected for his second term in office as the novel begins. He has not been an enthusiastic candidate but is so controlled by Paul Vandenberg and Mitchell Elliott that he allows himself to be "sold" on policies and actions that line the pockets of greedy corporate executives and promote criminal activity throughout the world. He is a weak leader, preferring to abdicate authority to those only too willing to take control.