At the 1880 Republican National Convention, the lives of Ohio Congressman James Garfield and newly released convict Charles Guiteau are forever altered.

In the runup to Election Day, Garfield welcomes the nation to his front porch, while Guiteau struggles to ingratiate himself with Party leadership.

Treachery from within the White House complicates Garfield's attempts to appoint a Cabinet. Guiteau tries everything to secure a Presidential audience.

Conkling goes on the offensive as Garfield challenges the New York political machine. Isolated and desperate, Guiteau weighs a history-making decision.