It's January 1789 at the Hebron Lutheran Church in Colt Pepper County, Virginia.

The ground is covered with 10 inches of snow, with the windshield, it's well below freezing,

but the foul weather hasn't stopped a crowd of hundreds of Lutherans from gathering

outside the church. A young man of 21 and his father huddled together and watched

as a musician plays a fiddle to entertain the crowd.

Yeah, it's freezing out here. Stamp your feet, son. Couldn't they have done the

debate inside? The church has no place for politics. Neither the snow. The young man

blows in his hands to try and stay warm. Who will you owe for, Father? I'll vote with

a congregation, which candidate he prefer. It doesn't matter. This Congress will decide

the future of the country. I'd say it matters a great deal. They're both fine Virginia

men. The paper saying, Mr. Madison does not believe in religious liberty. I highly doubt

that. They also say he's in favor of a tax to support the Episcopal Church. Mr.

Madison is a fine man. Mr. Madison is a Federalist. Mr. Monroe stood against the Federalist

from the beginning. They're both good candidates. They both make Virginia proud in the Congress.

I don't know how you can say that, Madison wants another monarchy. Look at me, son.

Colt Pepper County will likely decide this election for Virginia. But only if we vote

as one. My personal preferences don't matter as much as the will of the congregation.

I will vote with my fellow brethren and so will you. You understand? Yes, Father.

I'll stand the white double doors to the church swing open. The Fiddler stops playing as

a hush falls over the crowd. James Madison and James Monroe walk outside and meet on the

steps of the church. As they shake hands, the young man notices the contrast in their physical

appearance. Madison shorts and frail. Monroe tall and muscular. The boy leans over and whispers

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