Plot Summary:One week before the Iowa caucus, polls show: Dunbar 45%, Frank 39%, undecided 16%. Jackie's endorsement has been very helpful to Dunbar, especially with female voters. Seth suggests to Frank that he replace Remy as Chief of Staff after Remy's departure, and hands Frank his work plan; Frank says he will consider it. Justice Jacobs' health is failing, and he must retire immediately. He tries to persuade Dunbar to take his place, but Dunbar, believing she is still leading the presidential race, is unwilling. Jacobs says, "Frank will stop at nothing, and even if you win, the Republicans might still crush you. My vote is a swing vote. Frank's motive for recommending you is selfish, but the reason is correct; you are the most suitable candidate." Dunbar refuses, still wanting to be president. Because Claire's public approval rating is much higher than Frank's, the campaign team wants Claire to accompany Frank throughout the campaign and play a more active role. Claire accompanies Frank to an outdoor rally in Iowa, where she also gives a speech, which goes very well. Remy returns from a trip with his mother, in good spirits, and goes to see Jackie. Jackie hopes Remy will assist her, but Remy has decided to stay out of politics. Jackie wants to know about any scandals involving Claire to damage her public approval, but Remy says he was never in Frank's closest circle, so he doesn't know. Thomas has finished the first chapter of his book, but it's a completely accurate depiction of Frank and Claire's real relationship. Frank tells Claire he will fire Thomas. Thomas tells Frank, "Only now have I figured out what this book should be about: it should be about the two of you. I need to start over." Frank says, "I hired you to write a book quickly to win me votes, not to wait another six months for a book you want to write. It seems my plan has fallen through, but don't worry, I'll pay you." Thomas replies, "This book must be written! And it must be read!" Frank warns, "If you dare reveal a single secret about me, your best outcome is prison. Besides, you don't want others to know the secret of your first book, do you?" Dunbar tries to dig up dirt on Claire; she plans to pay Doug a large sum to buy evidence of Claire's previous lie about an abortion. Jacobs retires, forcing Frank to cancel his trip to Iowa and return to Washington to find a replacement. Claire campaigns alone, exhausted, constantly reading Thomas's first chapter, her mind heavy. Thomas and Kate exchange information. Kate says her investigation of military death records confirms that the secret mission in the Jordan Valley was indeed carried out by the US military. Thomas shows Kate his book, hoping she will report on Frank's ban of its publication. Kate disagrees, citing a conflict of interest due to their ongoing relationship, and reminds Thomas that this is the President. Thomas insists on finishing the book, even if it's fictionalized. Dunbar secretly meets Frank, demanding he withdraw from the race within three days, otherwise she will expose Claire's lie. Frank says, "You've finally become one of us." Claire is frantic when she learns this, and Frank tells her to stop her trip and return to him immediately. Jackie visits Remy's house and says, "I want you to work with me, because I can't get you out of my mind." "But you're married." "For the wrong reasons." "You should go." Jackie starts to leave, then returns, and they kiss passionately and have sex. Doug arrives at the White House and, in front of Frank, burns the evidence of Claire's lie. He tells Frank, "Dunbar doesn't have the evidence; I told Dunbar about Claire's lie to gain trust. I've been sober for 87 days. Let me be your Chief of Staff." "How can I trust you again?" "Because I just burned two million dollars." Doug immediately calls Dunbar, then hands the phone to Frank, who tells Dunbar, "I have only one thing to say. Go fuck yourself." Frank asks Doug to prepare a list of candidates to replace Justice Jacobs, and Doug instantly presents one. Frank tells Claire the evidence has been destroyed and that he plans to make Doug Chief of Staff. Claire strongly objects and begins to question why they are doing all of this. Kate publishes a report, revealing the inside story of the US military's secret mission in the Jordan Valley. Frank's handwritten condolence letter to the parents of the deceased soldier stated he died in training on October 18th (the same day as the secret operation), but Kate found no training that day and only one US military death. At the press conference, Frank skillfully dodges questions: "The reason for death was provided by the Department of Defense; other related matters are classified, and I cannot disclose them." When asked about Claire's previous resignation, he falsely states that Claire willingly resigned to help him campaign. Doug pressures the FBI to find Gavin. Claire tells Frank, "We've told too many lies, not just to others, but to each other."