Summary

In a narrative discourse, the author opens Chapter 27 describing the history of and rational behind party conventions and primary voting. The Convention of 1960 began with a bustling area of festivity, with banners on every car, hotel, and freeway overpass. Marco's army intelligence men and the FBI brief themselves on their mission as the candidate's speeches begin. Johnny and Eleanor skip the speeches, as they are busy behind closed doors, conniving, trading, and generally inching their way towards the vice presidential nomination. Their collaborator, General Francis Bollinger, leads a parade in honor or the Ten Million Americans Mobilizing for Tomorrow with a long petition for Senator Iselin trailing behind them. Meanwhile, Eleanor meets with the party delegates and trades away General Bollinger's nomination for Secretary of State to secure Johnny's nomination.

In Chapter 28, Raymond calls Marco from a pay phone, terribly confused about what he has...