And then Charlie's life begins to fall apart. He campaigns for the presidency and fails...and Senator Martin begins to learn that politics in an era of spin, marketing, and vicious personal assaults can be as treacherous - and life-threatening - as combat was.

Finally, Charlie Martin must confront the two greatest challenges in his life - a political opponent who has no scruples and a dazzling, unconventional woman who loves him but is appalled by his life's work. Charlie's dilemma is one that has come to haunt contemporary American politics: Is it possible to be a good politician and a good man? Can you live in the public glare and still construct a habitable life?

Listen to a conversation with Joe Klein.