We rejoin the Bartlet administration in the aftermath of the Gaza Strip attack that seriously wounded Donna and killed several others and finds President Bartlet facing strong opposition to his peace plans. Defying the wishes of the majority of Congress - including some of the White House's democratic allies - the American People and the Vice President, Bartlet persists in the hope that inviting Palestinian and Iranian leaders to participate in peace talks will forestall the necessity of a U.S. military retaliation. Even Leo feels that the President should order an attack to make a decisive statement on terrorism.

Adding to the stresses of the peace negotiations, magicians Penn and Teller cause controversy at the White House when they burn the American flag as part of their act celebrating Bartlet's birthday. An asteroid hurtles towards Earth and a leak of oxygen on the International Space Station requires a controversial rescue mission and Bartlet is stricken by a paralyzing episode of his multiple sclerosis.

Synopsis
The Presidential race is on. Following the events of the Gaza Strip President Bartlett continues in his hope to bring the Palestinian and Iranian leaders to peace talks so stop any chance of military action. In addition to this, the American flag goes up in smoke during a magic act celebrating Bartlett's birthday; an asteroid is rapidly moving towards Earth; a rescue mission is required at the International Space Centre; and Bartlett is debilitated by his multiple sclerosis.