Two military school cadets, one a junior and the other a senior, compete in an intense academic competition before the entire academy. When the junior cadet wins, the senior cadet verbally attacks and threatens him.
Their paths cross frequently as they attend university and later pursue careers—the junior as a university professor and author, the senior as a corrupt lobbyist in Washington, and eventually, a member of Congress.
Years later, hearing that he is about to announce his candidacy for President, his rival unearths secrets of the Congressman's immoral and illegal past, including his involvement in a mysterious death. He recruits hi-tech accomplices to sabotage the nationally televised press conference to announce his candidacy for President.