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IN THE PRESIDENTIAL BEDROOM at Camp David, the president clicks off the television. He has already been apprised of the situation in Iran. All in all, this night has left him at once frustrated and gratified. He had hoped that the first lady might be inclined to emulate Holly Mawn in the previous evening’s film, but she dozed off in the Camp David screening room just before the crucial, uncut scene. This accounts for his frustration. His gratification is less personal.

“At least,” he says to no one in particular, “it wasn’t us that did it.”

The first lady stirs softly in her sleep. Maybe, the president thinks, looking at her, the night can be win-win after all.