Geena Davis stars as America's first female president, and an independent to boot. A former vice-president, Mackenzie Allen takes office when her Republican predecessor dies. This does not sit well with GOP panjandrums, especially conniving House Speaker Nathan Templeton, who tries to thwart her at every turn. Rod Lurie, who wrote the 2001 political thriller 'The Contender,' created this ABC hit but Steven Bochco took over as showrunner soon after its debut.