African American senator Douglas Dillman becomes designated survivor of a tragic accident that kills the U. S. President. Eventually, Dillman becomes the first black U. S. President and attempts to end the bigotry standing in his way.

When the President and Speaker of the House are killed in a building collapse, and the Vice-President declines the office due to age and ill-health, Senate President pro tempore Douglas Dilman (James Earl Jones) suddenly becomes the first black man to occupy the Oval Office. The events from that day to the next election when he must decide if he will actually run challenge his skills as a politician and leader.—Kevin Lantry