Chapters 3 and 4 Summary

In Chapter 3, "Descent with Pomp and Authority," Buck leaves his office only to encounter a Marine Corps major who checks his identification and escorts him through corridors to a military elevator he had never seen. Outside it, they meet the President and his secretary, a white-haired woman named Mrs. Johnson, who used to work for the President's famous father. Her nickname is "Johnnie" and her demeanor toward the President is neither frightened nor too familiar. The President greets Buck, remembering that they meet several years ago. They all enter the elevator, go deep underground, and step into a large room that contains about six desks and a screen covering one wall. Buck recognizes White House staff members in the room. The President enters a small office, gives Johnnie instructions for the press secretary about how to handle the media, and asks...