In 2001, with Osama bin Laden still at large, public pressure for military action has grown tremendously.

Even some liberals normally opposed to the use of force have come out for invading Afghanistan in pursuit of the terrorist leader and his followers. President Gore, unable to offer the nation any positive results from the CIA?s Operation Kipling, feels he has little choice but to send in troops.

Nevertheless, he is determined to offer the Afghan government a final chance to cooperate wit the U.S. against Al Qaeda. Contacting the major television networks, the President requests an hour's air time for 9:00 the following evening.