We have twice now attempted to elect a demigod president. The consequence of the first time is described by McCarry in the following, from this novel: ""They're a funny bunch," he said. "They're bright. They believe in action, and at first that seemed refreshing. But they're almost totally innocent. They have about as much experience as you and I had when we were recruited, and there's no way to season them. They got into the White House and opened the safe, and the power they discovered took their breath away. `Christ, let's use it!' Power really does corrupt."Many --notably in the press-- looked to the Obama administration as a second Washington Camelot. If so, we have the unique opportunity to see if history is indeed repeated the second time as farce.