**From his triumphant debut with* Snow Crash* to the stunning success of his latest novel, *Quicksilver,* Neal Stephenson has quickly become the voice of a generation. In this now-classic thriller, he and fellow author J. Frederick George tell a shocking tale with an all-too plausible premise. **There’s no way William A. Cozzano can lose the upcoming presidential election. He’s a likable midwestern governor with one insidious advantage—an advantage provided by a shadowy group of backers. A biochip implanted in his head hardwires him to a computerized polling system. The mood of the electorate is channeled directly into his brain. Forget issues. Forget policy. Cozzano is more than the perfect candidate. He’s a special effect. “Complex, entertaining, frequently funny. *—Publishers Weekly* “Qualifies as the sleeper of the year, the rare kind of science-fiction thriller that evokes genuine laughter while simultaneously keeping the level of suspense cranked to the max. *— San Diego Union-Tribune* * ***“A *Manchurian Candidate* for the computer age.” *—Seattle Weekly * ** * * * *