Frank is stumping in Iowa, awaiting the first primary. The Russians are doing their thing in the Mid-East, enraging the Israelis. The Israelis institute a no-fly zone, and the Russians laugh it off. Frank feels things are getting away from him and decides to have face-to-face with Petrov in the Jordan Valley. He has high hopes of getting the Russians out of the area and returning to military reduction plan that failed because of Claire's outburst. Petrov gives him an ultimatum. To get what he wants, Frank must agree to the deal made earlier, he must lower the numbers in another area, and the kicker, he must remove Claire as U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations. This is a huge decision because despite all their sparring, there is true love here. It seems that the Russians have been playing Claire, using her inexperience to manipulate the U. S.
Two other stories are continued. Doug goes to see the President, drunk, and Frank promises to get him help. Doug's brother comes and, eventually, his family. They discuss what freedom is. Also, Gavin goes to see Lisa and admits that he is a liar and to tell her not to admit knowledge of him to the FBI.
These are all wonderful story lines with only three shows to go in this season.