Chapter 4 Summary

In this chapter, President Stevens announces at the press conference that he has secured enough votes to have his budget passed. The author points out how much the President enjoys manipulating the media. He relies on his personality and acting skills much more than his leadership skills. In order to answer as few questions as possible, Stevens only calls upon the reporters with whom he is familiar. They ask him predictable questions, and he already has his answers memorized.

Suddenly, he sees a beautiful woman seated in a section usually reserved for reporters covering foreign affairs. Impressed by the woman's appearance, Stevens calls on her even though he does not know who she is. She introduces herself as Liz Scarlatti from the Washington Reader. She tells the President that Congressman O'Rourke thinks his budget is "stuffed with more pork than a Jimmy Dean...