Deep in the political trenches of the nation's capital, eight-year-old Jamie Douglas mourns his mother's recent death. With a strange and lifelike teddy bear as his only companion, Jamie suffers alone from his father's neglect and the harsh ridicule of two cruel classmates. Senator Paul Douglas works all day and night in a desperate attempt to forget the loss of his beloved wife. At his lowest point, Paul becomes the victim of a political tug-of-war. Two powerful rivals each want something from him. Each promises retribution if he does not fulfill their wishes. Burdened by a decision that could alter the nation's power structure, Paul finds himself weaker and more fragile than his young son. Enter the Colonel. Theodore Roosevelt returns to Washington with all the fervor, bombast, and humor that marked his previous life. No other character from history possesses the experience, knowledge, and practical sense to help the Douglas men solve their problems and repair their broken relationship. Wielding his big stick for all to see, America's great Bull Moose prepares Paul and Jamie for a final showdown against their respective bullies. If he can just stay out of trouble, Theodore Roosevelt might be the family's best hope...