Tony Stark works hard trying to convince the American public that he's the right choice for Secretary of State. But he gets bad publicity from newscasts who paint him like a lier, a womanizer. And the ones that know him are at least surprised about his nomination. Even the Avengers are thinking about making him resign from the group if he becomes nominated.
In the meantime, Sonny Burch is pressing the defense contractors to use Stark inventions for new developments, not giving them enough time to fully test the weaponry, and doing things behind the Department of Homeland Security.
Finally, Stark must wear his Iron Man suit to reach the hearings on time, but walks in as Tony Stark.