As the second episode of "Death by Lightning" unfurls, Lucretia Garfield, James's wife, is informed of her husband's presidential nomination amidst her displeasure. In the bustling city of Chicago, Roscoe implores Chester to cease funding the Republican Party, accusing them of betrayal towards Grant. In the convention center, the delegates await James's arrival, while Senator Blaine cunningly suggests that Chester be elected as James's Vice President due to his ties with influential Roscoe, who wields complete control over New York's funds. Blaine extols Chester as a popular and powerful customs officer.
Chester meets with Roscoe and is shocked by James's request for him to accept the Vice Presidential nomination. Roscoe, stunned by the decision, urges Chester to reject it if he values their friendship. Chester, however, brushes off Roscoe's suggestion and accepts the offer. James and Chester are introduced to the members of the Republican Party, setting the stage for a tumultuous campaign ahead.
Meanwhile, at the Republican Party office, Charles tries to reach out to James but stumbles upon Senator Blaine. Using his charm, Charles sweet-talks Blaine and invites him for an interview. While praising Charles's efforts, Blaine feigns busyness and turns down the offer.
Back at home, James returns to find Lucretia chastising him for his decision. He assures her that he will campaign from Ohio and spend time with her. He implores Lucretia for her support in his upcoming campaign.
Elsewhere, Charles is with Myrna, a sex worker, and invites her to attend the Republican rally as his guest. Myrna mocks Charles by revealing that Chester used to be her regular client. Charles agrees to pay Myrna more money, begging her to let him stay with her for longer. The scene sets the tone for a complex web of intrigue and ambition that will unfurl throughout the series.
The citizens of Ohio began to pay a visit to James' abode, bearing gifts and displaying their unwavering support for him. Senator Blaine implored Chester to devise a strategy to enlist the support of the wealthy New Yorkers in their cause. Chester, unperturbed by the election hype, casually suggested bribing voters, echoing a tactic employed by Roscoe in the past. However, Senator Blaine emphasized the importance of focusing their efforts on New York.
At this juncture, Charles entered the room, proposing a different approach—to rally the working class through donations, given that James represented the proletariat, who constituted the majority voting block. Charles reminded Senator Blaine of their previous conversation where he had agreed to allow Charles to speak at the upcoming Republican rally. The senator's attempts to disregard Charles's input left him feeling disrespected. Charles clarified that he had no political affiliations but wished to join their cause due to his admiration for James.
In response, Charles was escorted out of the office and went to meet Myrna. There, he found her conversing with two men who were inquiring about Charles on behalf of George. Myrna lied on Charles's behalf to protect him, but that night, some men chased after him.
Charles entered a packed bar where Republican Party members were drinking in the aftermath of their loss in Maine. A heavily intoxicated Chester inadvertently aided Charles in avoiding arrest by George's men. Charles thanked Chester for his assistance, who then revealed his despair, stating that he was aboard a sinking ship and had no faith in winning the upcoming elections. Charles attempted to lift Chester's spirits by suggesting he use his recently deceased wife as a means to connect with the working class. Chester promised to let Charles speak at the upcoming rally.
Simultaneously, Blaine makes an appearance at James's residence in Ohio, while in his absence, Chester shakes hands with Roscoe, who has taken over the Republican Party office to amplify the impending rally's buzz. Charles, having squandered all the ill-gotten funds he'd procured from Franny and her spouse, attends the rally, where James delivers a stirring speech to the people of Chicago. Back in Ohio, Blaine informs James that they are amassing funds with Roscoe's backing. However, he discovers that a labor protest is brewing due to low-wage Chinese laborers invading American job markets. Mollie, James's daughter, frets that her father is not taking a stand for what is just. As the elections unfold and one by one, all the verdicts are announced, the Republican Party, along with James and his family, celebrate his victory as he is elected as the new President of America. Charles is overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the news, while James seems to be filled with remorse as the episode draws to a close.
