Plot Synopsis

On March 30, 1981 President Ronald Reagan is shot by John Hinckley. With the President in the hospital with a bullet lodged between his heart and lung, White House staffers, led by Secretary of State Alexander Haig race to handle the crisis. Confusion reigns and the press, unable to get definitive answers, concludes that no one is running the government. In an attempt at damage control, Haig mistakenly declares himself in charge. A struggle ensues over who is actually in control of the U.S. nuclear weapon codes when the Russians appear to be deploying missiles. Mrs. Regan stands watch as the President fights for his life amid misinformation, inaccurate press statements and a breach in security.