Commander in Chief

A longtime outspoken critic of the Equal Rights Amendment dies, so Mac seizes the opportunity to pass the ERA and amend the Constitution. Mac also decides to participate in an event that is supposed to get more young people to vote, but instead turns into a sort-of presidential debate with Templeton. The divide between Mac and Dickie widens. Someone from Kelly's past arrives to do a story on the President's marriage. Rebecca and her IM buddy finally meet, and are shocked to learn each other's identities. less

On her birthday, Mac is forced to deal with an American hostage situation in Turkey. Dickie feels very strongly about who Mac should pick to be her new Vice President. Mac's children don't know what to get her for a birthday present. Rebecca has a new IM buddy who turns out to be an unlikely friend. less

Mac's appendix bursts while flying on Air Force One. Since there is no vice-president in place, Templeton, the Speaker of the House, is sworn in. Templeton, who has been planning to run for president, uses this as his opportunity to handle an issue his own way, and oversteps his boundaries. less