Madam Secretary (2014–…): Season 5, Episode 20 - Episode #5.20 - full transcript
Big day today, Pete.
Try not to be a jerk.
Sir, can you move?
Oh!
No, no, no, no, no! No!
Ah, geez.
He answer your text yet?
Still MIA, ma'am.
Oh, great. It's only
the most historic vote
the U.N.'s taken in the last 30 years,
but sure, take your time,
Mr. Ambassador.
Where are we with Russia and China?
Still the biggest holdouts.
How much to commit to the fund,
how many climate-change
refugees to take in...
There he is.
Good morning,
Ambassador Harriman.
New York used to be
the one place in America
where people knew how
to walk in crowds.
No more. Thank you, cell phones.
Everything okay there, Peter?
Sorry, ma'am.
I lost something on the way in.
A lucky charm, of sorts.
Think you can get your game face
on in the next few minutes?
Got kind of a big day ahead of us.
So, the state of play is
that China and Russia
might make us wait until the chamber
for the big reveal,
but if we work 'em hard enough
in the consultation rooms,
I think we'll get 'em to yes.
And since nothing
less than the survival
of a cohesive human society
in the face of
catastrophic climate change
is at stake, we damn well better.
There's my guy. Shall we?
- Let's.
- What was this lucky charm?
It was a Bobby Kennedy campaign pin.
I got it when I was a kid.
Oh, wow, it certainly
beats a rabbit's foot.
People still have those?
Seems like a super gross thing
to carry around in your pocket.
So, what do you think?
Nice. Very "McCord for president."
- Yeah, it's fine.
- Wrong.
It's terrible.
The HQs for winning campaigns
aren't "nice" and "fine."
They have a vibe... scrappy,
indomitable, like a prizefighter's
training camp in the mountains.
This place... feels like
the former offices
of a lobbying group that went under
after playing footsie
with too many dictators.
Which it is, by the way.
I have something else I need
to discuss with you two.
Come on, step into
what will never be my office.
We need you to vet the kids.
Does M-Sec know about this?
Would we be here if she didn't?
Look, finding out that
Carlos Morejon's son
was dating, um...
Help me out with the middle one.
- Alison.
- Knew that.
...was a wake-up call.
Worked out well for us, actually.
But we need to make sure
that the kids don't have
any other big surprises hiding
up their gawky young sleeves.
Campaigns are feeding frenzies.
Sit down with each of the kids,
ferret out any other potential oppo.
But also, give them a sense
of what it's gonna be like
to be in the hot seat. Be tough.
Absolutely. We can do that.
Can we, though?
What's that supposed to mean?
I can be tough. Can you?
Yes, of course I can be tough.
I'm just saying, you like to be liked,
especially by the McCords.
I just really don't want to be
the only bad cop on this.
Guys, the important thing is
that I'm bored now,
so work this out somewhere else.
Get back to me ASAP.
The woman of the hour.
Thank you, thank you.
Well done, Bess.
Thank you, sir.
Still don't know how you got
Russia and China on board.
Honestly, neither do I.
The day is basically a blur.
Well, take a breath.
Savor your achievement.
The unspoken caveat being,
before the real work starts,
we have to try and get
this thing through the Senate.
You've taken us this far.
Let us worry about the Senate.
End your tenure
at State on a high note
that you can parlay into
your presidential announcement.
I'm happy to testify to the
Foreign Relations Committee.
And let Owen Callister
use his position as chair
to beat you up right
before you announce?
No way. Don't give
his campaign that ammo.
Bess, I don't have to
tell you what a tough slog it is
getting any treaty through
the Senate these days.
This one in particular.
The whip count's extremely tight.
We lose just one or two senators,
and we might not have the votes.
So let me help you get them.
Okay.
Never met a politician
so willing to make it easier
to make running for president harder.
Well, I'm gonna take that
as a compliment.
I think. Good night, sir.
Speaking of, have you decided
when you're going to
officially announce your resignation?
I, uh... I don't know how much
longer I can keep it quiet.
Actually, I was thinking
first thing tomorrow morning.
Fair enough.
If you happen to change your mind
between now and then,
I'm happy to tear it up.
Can always use you in the fight.
I'll keep that in mind, sir.
So? Did you tell POTUS
your plans for tomorrow?
I did.
I still just...
I can't believe it's happening.
- Okay...
- Not really.
Maybe this will make it
a little more real.
The post-resignation,
pre-presidential announcement
- vacation is officially on.
- You booked it!
- Anguilla, baby, ten days.
- Oh...
- Just you and me sleeping in...
- Oh...
...reading books,
drinking out of coconuts.
Quiet. Scuba diving.
Sure. That, too.
You're not gonna
get certified, are you?
Maybe when we're down there.
After all these years,
I cannot believe you will
not do this with me.
I just don't think that people
were meant to breathe underwater.
Well, they weren't meant to
jump out of planes, either,
and you've done that plenty of times.
Counterpoint: the ocean is just
one big fish toilet.
Henry...
We have been going flat-out for
the past four years straight.
Next year we'll be campaigning.
And then, if we're lucky,
we'll be right back in this building
for the next four to eight years.
We may never know silence again
until we're in the grave.
Please, join me
in the profound, serene beauty
of the fish toilet.
Well, when you put it that way...
So, Jason, some of your
political posts online
are a little edgy.
You think maybe you
could tone 'em down,
or maybe delete a few?
For your mom.
Nope. No way.
Hello. First Amendment.
He makes a good point.
Oh.
How much marijuana would you
say you, uh, smoked, Alison?
Ew. None.
I eat it. Duh.
It's, like, totally legal here now.
Well, she's right. It is mostly legal.
It's legal here. Oh.
Oh.
Stevie, a potential concern
for the campaign
is your dating history.
What about it?
Uh, Arthur Gilroy,
that was your former boss.
That was the one that
worked for your mom.
Oh, this is the one that was
twice-twice your age.
- Mm-hmm.
- And then, of course,
we all know about your little
moment with the president's son,
and, of course, his little
moment with heroin.
Oh, can't forget about
your fiancé, the English fella
you left on the, on the
way to the altar... brutal.
Either way, you understand
how these things
could probably be
problematic to your-your
mother's campaign?
Right.
It's actually funny,
'cause you guys don't even...
Well, you don't even have
the security clearance
to know about-about, uh,
"Stevie's greatest mistake."
- I'm sorry, and who... - Oh, could
you tell us a little bit about that?
Oh, sorry, you-you
would have to ask the FBI.
By the way, they know about
everyone that you just mentioned.
And, uh, they still cleared me
to work in the White House,
where I handle with great
professionalism materials
related to all sorts
of important issues.
For example, tonight
I'm compiling a briefing book
on the Climate Migration Treaty,
which paints a portrait
of our future on this planet
that is existentially terrifying.
And so, I'm just wondering
what we are doing here
worrying about how some,
what, hypothetical swing voter
is maybe gonna slut-shame
a millennial?
Is there anything else?
- No, that's it.
- No. That's fine.
- Awesome.
- Thank you.
What the hell did you do?
Bad cop?
- Are you ready, ma'am?
- Yeah.
Best job I ever had.
So far.
Excuse me.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
A few days ago, I offered,
and President Dalton accepted
my resignation as Secretary of State.
Effective two weeks from today.
Madam Secretary,
this treaty flings
open our nation's doors
to hordes of unvetted refugees
who would undermine both our economy
and our national security.
What do you say
to the American citizen
who will have his job stolen
or her life taken
- by these migrants?
- Senator Callister,
I would say that you're
conjuring hypothetical people
in order to distract real people
from a real issue.
- This is no laughing matter.
- I agree.
Ratifying this treaty
to help manage the disruptions
caused by climate change
could not be a more serious task.
I urge you and your colleagues
to act with haste.
You didn't answer my question.
Yes.
Our nation's vetting process
is already extremely stringent.
In fact, not a single act of terrorism
has been perpetrated in the
United States by a refugee.
Cold comfort to the families
of the victims, I expect.
I expect actual Americans
to be comforted by facts.
The chair recognizes the
gentleman from New Hampshire,
Senator Eckstad.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Madam Secretary,
I'd first like to thank you
for your service to our nation.
I'm sorry to see you go.
Thank you.
I also salute the hard work
that you have done
to advance
the Climate Migration Treaty.
I appreciate that.
But while many of its aims
are worthy, my concern is
why does the most extensive
treaty on climate change
that the world has ever seen
do nothing about climate change?
I-I'm sorry. I'm...
The treaty does nothing
to address the causes
of climate change,
namely, dependence on fossil fuels.
Senator, I agree,
there are indeed many facets to
the problem of climate change.
This treaty focuses on what I
believe to be the most pressing:
protecting American security
and saving human lives.
And I believe you're too focused
on symptoms,
and not on the underlying sickness.
I'm inclined to vote against
advancing it to the full Senate.
And on that note,
this hearing is adjourned for the day.
Thank you, Madam Secretary.
Well, that took a turn.
I'll skip the "I told you so's."
Technically, you didn't.
So do we think that, uh,
Eckstad's for real,
- or is he just grandstanding?
- I don't know.
But if he takes
the rest of his groovy friends
in the Rainbows and Moonbeams
Caucus with him,
we're not gonna get to two-thirds.
I think he's a showboat,
but he wants to deal.
I'm gonna go see what he's angling for
and I'll circle back.
Well, that's our only chance. Be nice.
Stevie, I just wanted to say
I-I'm sorry for last night.
It's fine.
It's just, Daisy always
calls me Mr. Nice Guy.
I was, you know, trying not to...
You know what, just buy me
a drink and we're cool.
- Okay? I have to go.
- Okay.
Well, I admire your principles.
My problem is this treaty just
doesn't deal with root causes.
Yeah. Y-You mentioned that earlier.
I have a, uh,
corporate carbon tax bill
that will do just that.
But it's stuck in committee over
at Energy and Natural Resources.
But POTUS is friends
with the chairman.
So the White House gets
your bill out of committee,
you get ours out.
That about the size of it?
I always say, my most important
constituent is Mother Earth.
And that's really neat.
Senator, your bill
is stuck in committee
because it's half-baked.
You want to make real change?
Do your homework,
get the details right.
I'd hoped for a more
productive discussion.
No, you hoped for a grubby
little quid pro quo.
This treaty is humankind's
last, best shot
to save itself from the disruptions
that mass migrations will cause.
And if it dies in the Senate
because of you,
well, I am gonna be spending
some time soon
in your home state,
and I will make it a point
to remind your progressive base
just who to blame.
Thank you for your time, Senator.
Why'd I have to get so mad?
Russell said, "Be nice,
we need this guy."
"Physician, heal thyself," Russell.
Whoa, I think I really blew this.
Don't beat yourself up, babe.
If your gut was telling you
not to cave,
then you're probably right.
Interesting,
'cause my gut is also telling me
that you've made no plans
- to get scuba-certified.
- Not true.
I have been reviewing relevant materials.
- Reviewing relevant material?
- Yeah, I saw a video
of this guy diving over a coral reef
and an eel came out and bit him,
right on his...
Hey, Russell.
Well, that's great news.
Well... I-I...
Thank you for the call.
Eckstad blinked. We got the votes.
- The treaty's gonna pass.
- I told you.
- Congratulations, honey.
- Oh.
You really did something incredible.
Well, time will tell.
But it does really feel like
I deserve something in return,
- doesn't it?
- Like what?
What is your problem
with scuba diving?
I'm scared.
Sweetheart.
- Get over it.
- I'll get... I will.
- Okay. Good. - I'm gonna get
certified before we go on the trip.
Because you are gonna love it.
Yeah. That's what
Eel Guy thought, too.
By the way, I-I'm totally with you
with the whole climate change dread.
Thank you. I am, like,
reading these reports, like, I...
I mean, I cannot be the only one
Mm-mm.
who's legitimately having
nightmares about this stuff.
Oh, no, no, no. No, you have
no idea. There were...
I-I read this one report
a few years ago,
it was like, where the world
will be in 2030,
and I had a total freak-out.
- Mm-hmm.
- I mean, full-on meltdown, completely.
There was this, there was
this one statistic about...
Flamingos.
- You know about this?
- Right... I do, yeah.
- There's more plastic ones than real...
- Yes.
Than real ones, yeah,
I know because my mom
told me how much
you freaked out about it.
No! Oh, come on.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
- I'm sorry.
- That is very, very mortifying.
- Here you go.
- Oh, thanks.
What... no, no, no, no.
- Please... Blake.
- No, no. Please.
I was a total ass, I
owe you drinks forever.
Friends?
Friends.
So, uh,
the world is ending,
and we're all screwed.
Which we've established.
Yeah. So what do you do?
Like, what's the one thing
that you would want to do
before, you know, it all collapses?
Oh. How much time do I have left?
However much you want. Don't
get hung up on the details.
Okay. I don't know, sing more?
Oh, maybe I'll do one of those
TV singing competitions.
- Really?
- I don't know.
Maybe. That's cool.
Well, I don't know. What about you?
I would spend every waking
moment with my loved ones,
- you monster.
- Boo.
No, come on, seriously.
What would you do?
I don't know. That's the thing,
it's like, life is so...
uh, beautiful and it's short.
Half the time, I just want
to drop everything and, like,
go out and experience
as much of it as I can
before it's all gone, or I am.
It's a good thing the
world's not ending.
Mm.
- Okay.
- Mm-hmm.
S... We can't do this.
- No, no. Um...
- No. It's...
That's not... I... sorry.
- No, no, it's fine. It's...
- That's not what...
I shouldn't have done that.
I thought that you were...
- Are you...? Aren't you...?
- I'm bi.
Not that that is not...
No, no, no, I didn't... that's
not what I was saying.
I... that was not... Yeah.
Uh, it was fine. Yes, great.
But, um, we can't do this.
- No. No, no, no.
- No. Okay.
Should we be freaking out right now?
- No. No, no, no. It's just a thing.
- Okay.
- It just happened.
- Great. Just happens.
- Just happened.
- Done. Done.
- Great.
- Good night.
Good night.
Uh...
Promise you won't freak out.
- I promise.
- Okay.
All right.
Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
- That's it.
- All right. Oh.
Before you go to Geneva...
I almost forgot...
got you a little something.
Oh. Will you look at that?
You know, I called the city,
I had a whole crew of people
down there looking for my pin,
but no luck.
Well, hold on tight to that one.
I will.
You know, I got the last one in 1968.
- No kidding.
- Yeah.
Man, in '68, my dad and I
weren't seeing eye to eye
on anything, least of all Vietnam.
But when Bobby Kennedy
came to town to campaign,
my dad took a shift off work,
got me out of school
to go see him. I got in the car
and he handed me one of these.
I saw he was wearing one,
so I put it on.
We finally get there, and, uh,
there's this huge crowd
of people. Black,
white, men, women, young, old.
Anyway, uh, the amazing thing was,
it seemed like Bobby was
speaking to each one of us.
You could see that he was just
putting it right out there,
putting his whole soul into it.
I mean, to win, sure,
but more importantly,
he was telling America
the truth as he saw it.
"We ought to get
out of Vietnam." I cheered.
"We got to end
student draft deferments
so that everyone could
sacrifice equally."
My dad cheered.
And I thought, "If this guy can bring
"me and my old man together, then...
The country
ought to be a cinch."
That was Bobby.
So when the nonsense
starts to weigh me down,
it reminds me why
I got into this crazy
line of work to begin with.
Thank you so much. I'll cherish it.
Good luck in Geneva, Peter.
And you stay on top
of China and Russia,
hold them to their commitment,
all right?
Will do.
I understand that, uh, you may
make an announcement soon.
Ah...
Could you just indulge
me, just for a moment?
Forget about party politics...
liberals, conservatives, all that.
What America yearns for
is a leader with the integrity
to tell the truth
and the charisma to make people listen
and the guts to act on it.
That's a tall order.
Not for you, ma'am.
Thank you, Peter.
Bye, now.
So it sounds like
there are no major red flags
with the McCord kids,
with the possible exception
of Stevie's checkered dating
history, which we can manage.
Great.
- I mean, "checkered" is a pretty
strong word, don't you think?
What would you prefer?
Erratic? Irregular?
Vicissitudinous?
Why are we worrying
so much when Stevie's
an asset to the campaign?
She's dynamic, smart,
relatable to young voters,
and... oh, yeah... a survivor
of the White House attack,
which makes her a hero.
I mean, w-what are we talking
about here, people?
- You tell me, man.
- I... easy, tiger.
I'm-I'm with you.
Not dying in the White House
buys her at least
a couple of loser boyfriends.
Meeting adjourned.
Um...
- I'll meet you back at the office, okay?
- Sure.
Oh, and by the way,
I know you're going for scrappy,
but this is a little too scrappy.
Right? I think someone's
actually living
in the supply closet.
Mike, in the interest
of full disclosure...
Oh, boy, awkward confession theater.
Stephanie and I... Who's Stephanie?
Stevie. McCord.
Oh, wow. Really?
I feel I owe a-a duty to
the campaign to report
that we... had contact.
Contact?
We kissed... once.
And we both agree,
it'll never happen again.
That's great,
you just lost us Florida.
Oh, no...
Dude, I'm kidding. What is this,
middle school? It's fine.
Surprising, I'll admit.
But... it's fine.
- It's not a problem for the campaign?
- No.
Go forth and sin no more. Or sin.
Honestly, nobody cares.
I got to take this.
Hey. How do you feel
about tacos for dinner?
Well, at least we'll get one meal
we actually enjoy this week.
- Hmm.
- Eh, Yeric?
It's cafeteria food
and rubber chicken banquets
- from here on out.
- Oh.
Yeah.
Well, I guess we
better start the toast
or we'll never get home.
Are you okay?
Peter, are you all right?
You're bleeding.
We...
have to get out of here.
The Swiss police
have a high degree
of confidence the chemical
agent was sarin.
Colorless, odorless, highly soluble.
The entire U.N. Security
Council just... gone?
What... I mean, what the
hell do we do now, ma'am?
It's been reported
that Ambassador Harriman...
We get to the White House
and get in the fight.
...by a chemical weapon...
We're getting reports
that a white nationalist group
has claimed responsibility.
They are threatening
attacks on any country
that honors its commitments
to accept refugees.
Okay. We need to reach out to our
partners and allies ASAP.
We'll have our work cut out for us.
France is already getting wobbly.
Call the foreign minister's
office while I'm in
with POTUS,
try and talk them off the ledge.
What do we know about this group,
"The Knights of Western Freedom,"
or whatever these monsters
are calling themselves?
Well, Agent Maloof from
our Counterterrorism Division
will take you through
what we know so far.
Mr. President, based on a communiqué
the group posted today,
The Knights of Western Freedom
claims to be
an informal network of cells
paradoxically united by
a resistance to what they call
"the globalist conspiracy."
They see the migration treaty
as an attempt to undermine
national sovereignty and so-called
- "ethnic purity."
- So we're looking at
active cells in multiple countries?
They managed to access
sarin and place two inside men
at a U.N. Security Council meeting.
So we have to assume
they're formidable.
Elizabeth, is
it safe to say that our
allies and friends
will unify against this attack?
Early indications are that
it's having the opposite effect.
Many European governments were
already afraid of their right flank.
This attack is forcing
a choice on them.
Abandon their international
commitments,
or risk more attacks
and getting voted out.
Russell, tell Comms
I'm going to address
the nation tonight.
The American people
need to know that we're
directing all resources
to stepping up security and...
hunting these sons of bitches down.
Frank, Ephraim, I want Intel
briefings every two hours.
Bess, get with our allies.
Tell them we can offer
every resource they need
to disrupt this network and push back
on this hateful ideology. Understood?
- Yes, Mr. President.
- Thank you.
How did the call
- with France go?
- Not great.
Beauvais is talking
about suspending France's
- participation in the treaty.
- She knows that's not
how treaties work, right?
And you made it... clear
- that we are with them all the way?
- Yeah, the thing is,
they're not sure that we are.
- What does...?
- Ca-Callister released a statement.
Uh, he's blaming the attack on
"globalist fantasies
"that average citizens
around the world don't want
and didn't vote for."
Says his first priority
as president will be to pull out
of all such agreements.
Beauvais says
that she understands that
of course a Dalton
or McCord administration
would have France's back, but...
she's highly doubtful that a
Callister administration would.
So France is less worried about
white nationalist terror
in their own backyard
than the possibility
of a white nationalist
- in the Oval Office?
- Can't say that I blame them entirely.
How are we supposed
to keep other nations
on board when they're not sure
they can trust our word?
Nina. Listen...
- did you get in touch with Peter's kids?
- Yes, ma'am, um,
his son Kevin and daughter
Brooke are standing by.
Great, I want to give them an update
on their father's remains.
- Where are we on that?
- Our embassy in Geneva
has been in contact with the morgue.
And they believe that
Ambassador Harriman's remains
and effects can be decontaminated...
and safe for transport...
Very soon.
I'm so sorry, ma'am.
It's just ironic.
I'm crying over a man who made me cry.
But Ambassador Harriman
was actually...
very kind to me.
He taught me that us
working-class kids
need to stick together.
Well...
he appreciated grit.
That's why he liked you.
Um, I'll dial his kids in
as soon as you're ready...
Thank you.
Konstantin, let me first say
I'm truly sorry for the loss
of Ambassador Kolkin.
Thank you.
Yeric and I went to school together.
He probably would have
held this job next after me.
Condolences, as well,
for the loss of Peter Harriman.
Yeric and Peter.
Both great diplomats and patriots.
Gave their lives for this treaty.
I trust Russia will honor their memory
by honoring its commitment.
You've seen
the demonstrations in Moscow.
People are frightened
and, uh, rightfully so.
Is it the Russian people
who are afraid?
Or the politicians?
What do you mean by that?
After the White House was attacked,
I warned you
that Russia's signal-boosting
of this kind of ideology would
come home to roost one day.
What are you saying?
You fed a monster and now
you've lost control of it.
That you could say such a thing...
after I had to consult his widow?
Konstantin.
We all knew... there were risks
when we embarked on this treaty.
But we can't let these
murderers use chaos
and fear to undermine
global stability.
Russia must stand up.
Ironic that you decry
the evils of nationalism
abroad while...
Owen Callister's running
for president?
- Yeah, I've heard this one.
- But,
that is the problem with
your so-called...
"free speech."
It's just another weapon...
that can be bought and sold
as easily as a Kalashnikov.
Excuse me...
but I have a funeral to attend.
Goodbye, Madam Secretary.
I don't know.
I may have been wrong
about this whole thing.
Whatever the thing is, I doubt it.
The treaty.
I'm trying to create this...
collective action in the face
of worldwide threats.
Like, the entire liberal world order?
Man, you did have a rough day.
I think I get it.
People's lives being shaped
by these huge,
remote forces that
they don't understand.
Maybe Callister's
tapping into something
that we ignore at our peril.
For almost all our history
as a species,
humans have roamed around
in small bands.
Maybe we're... just not wired
to comprehend
such a vast...
abstract social system.
When our problems become ever vaster
and more abstract...
Like climate change.
...people lash out.
You know what else is bugging me?
I get why Avdonin
brought Callister up...
but he said this thing about...
how... free speech was like
a weapon that could
be bought and sold.
I mean, it almost seemed
like he was saying
Callister...
had been bought and sold.
Do you think that could be true?
Why would Avdonin tell me?
Wouldn't Russia want
leverage on Callister?
Maybe they're playing a game.
Running an op on you.
Undermine Americans' faith
in the system
by getting me to accuse
Callister of being
in Russia's pocket.
But what if he is?
Well, then it doesn't matter
why Avdonin told me.
Our democracy is at risk.
Babe, I think
you got to loop in the IC.
Read Ephraim in.
I've never wanted to be wrong
about something this badly.
- Mr. President.
- Elizabeth.
What's going on? Have we caught them?
- We're running down leads.
- That's a different briefing.
You ready to get read in
on something tricky?
I passed on your conversation
with Foreign Minister Avdonin
to the FBI last night.
It provided a piece to a case
we've been building for some time.
We have strong evidence
that Owen Callister's
campaign manager, Dan Finnerty,
has been funneling money
from Russian oligarchs
into Callister's super PAC.
We'll be arresting him later today.
Was Callister in the loop?
Based on the evidence, DOJ
will announce they're opening
an investigation
into the senator, too.
Due to the
inherently political
nature of the case,
we're concerned that Callister
may cry witch hunt and come after you.
Let him.
He's the traitor, not me.
So, now we know
why so many of Callister's positions
line up so conveniently
with Russia's, but...
why is Avdonin selling him out?
One theory is
that the Russians somehow
caught wind that Callister's
under suspicion, and this is
an attempt at damage control.
I think he's about to attend
the funeral of a dear friend,
and can see the shape
of things to come.
Hopefully, this drives a stake
through Callister's heart.
I want you to be
president, too, but that's
cold-blooded, even for me.
Our treaty partners are using
Callister's potential
presidency to back away.
If he's gone, we get our partners back
and the United States can lead again.
I mean, I'll-I'll wait
until the news about
the campaign manager breaks,
and then I want
to make some phone calls.
Thank you, Bess.
After the arrest of his
campaign manager on suspicion
of soliciting illegal
campaign funds from Russia,
and the opening of a Justice
Department investigation
into the candidate himself,
Kentucky Senator Owen Callister
made a surprising announcement.
This is a politically
motivated witch hunt
from the Dalton administration
trying to clear the path
- for Elizabeth McCord...
- Wait, hold on a second, Jay.
- ...to be handed the presidency.
- Hold on.
That said, I am hereby announcing
I am suspending my
presidential campaign...
Yeah.
I have been waiting all day
to watch and savor that.
Whew. America dodged a bullet.
For now. Yeah.
Well, let's... I mean,
yeah, it's good news.
So we'll follow up
with her tomorrow, okay?
Nice work, Jay.
Really. Thank you. Night.
Well, I guess the news
of Callister's... whatever
made its way back to France.
Beauvais said they're back in
on the treaty, so...
Well, hey, that's great news.
Uh, it is. It is.
And yet... you're
not smiling. What...?
Well, other countries
are still on the fence,
including Russia, who,
whatever their reason
for giving up Callister,
are still covertly backing him
to influence our politics.
I'm trying to get this treaty passed.
Got good people like
Peter Harriman killed.
And the group that did it
is still at large,
and their ideology is on the march.
When we should all be
working together to try
and save our existence on this planet,
we're getting bogged down
by petty tribalism.
Politics just feels like an ugly joke.
I'm going out.
- Bye, sweetheart.
- Have a good time.
- Have fun.
- Bye.
I'm starting to look forward
to the serene quietude
of the fish toilet.
Yeah.
Might want to wait on that.
I've been thinking...
- Hi.
- Hi.
Sorry for the random text.
"What if the world actually is ending?"
I know. It's like the
bleakest booty call ever.
Is that what this is?
No.
It's more of, like, a...
an emotional... non-booty call?
Lucky you.
Oh...
I'm just so tired of feeling...
Triggered? Sad?
Me, too.
Don't ever feel bad
about being nice, Blake.
Real friends?
Yeah. Real friends. Come on.
Come on.
So...
what's this about?
Sounded pretty urgent.
Well, you said if I changed my mind,
you'd tear up my letter
of resignation.
You've already announced it.
Things have changed.
Everything we've fought for,
sacrificed for,
is all under attack at the moment.
I just can't see
why way to shaking hands
at county fairs right now.
Please allow me
to rescind my resignation,
sir.
I can't do that.
Wait, I'm sorry. Are you...
We are under attack.
And I do still need your help.
So does your country.
To preserve and build
on what we've done.
My fight's today.
Yours is tomorrow.
So...
I'll be keeping this.
Thank you for your service,
Madam Secretary.
And Godspeed.
Thank you, Mr. President.
You know...
I'd give my right arm
to go to a county fair.
You know, your dad had this
great line about himself...
All his best lines were.
He said, "I tend to
inspire strong reactions,
"usually somewhere between
grudging respect
and outright hostility."
Sounds like Dad.
And he was right.
Because I respected
the hell out of him.
He felt the same way about you.
He'd have wanted you to have this.
Thank you. I will cherish it.
Memorial's ready to start
when you are, ma'am.
We'll see you out there.
Let's go.
On the night Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
was assassinated,
Robert Kennedy consoled a stunned,
heartbroken crowd in Indianapolis
with the words of a Greek poet.
"Even in our sleep,
pain which cannot forget
"falls drop by drop upon the heart,
"until in our own despair,
against our will,
comes wisdom, through
the awful grace of God."
35 years ago, on a road
not far from here,
a driver lost control of his car,
and crashed into another belonging
to Ben and Suzanne Adams.
My parents were my sun and moon.
I was 15.
My brother Will was 13.
And we were suddenly
all alone in the world
with no one to light our way.
But here's the wisdom
that came to me from that day.
We weren't alone.
We had aunts and uncles,
cousins, friends,
teachers and coaches,
members of our church.
That hard-won wisdom
is what Abraham Lincoln called
"the better angels of our nature."
Empathy, compassion, family,
friends, community.
It's not about me, it's about us.
And it's that idea that brings
me before you today.
In the very first line
of the Constitution,
"We the people..."
When those words were written,
the idea that a country could be
governed by its citizens seemed
revolutionary. Impossible.
But for almost 250 years,
the United States
has done just that, the impossible.
I know we face problems
so big that solving them
seems like a moon shot.
But we're the country
that sent men to the Moon.
We are the envy
of our rivals,
the hope of the oppressed,
the sword and shield
of free people everywhere.
We the people.
It's up to us,
all of us.
So join me, America,
in achieving the impossible together.
That is at the very heart
of this great American experiment.
And that is why, today
I am officially announcing
my candidacy to be president
of the United States.
Try not to be a jerk.
Sir, can you move?
Oh!
No, no, no, no, no! No!
Ah, geez.
He answer your text yet?
Still MIA, ma'am.
Oh, great. It's only
the most historic vote
the U.N.'s taken in the last 30 years,
but sure, take your time,
Mr. Ambassador.
Where are we with Russia and China?
Still the biggest holdouts.
How much to commit to the fund,
how many climate-change
refugees to take in...
There he is.
Good morning,
Ambassador Harriman.
New York used to be
the one place in America
where people knew how
to walk in crowds.
No more. Thank you, cell phones.
Everything okay there, Peter?
Sorry, ma'am.
I lost something on the way in.
A lucky charm, of sorts.
Think you can get your game face
on in the next few minutes?
Got kind of a big day ahead of us.
So, the state of play is
that China and Russia
might make us wait until the chamber
for the big reveal,
but if we work 'em hard enough
in the consultation rooms,
I think we'll get 'em to yes.
And since nothing
less than the survival
of a cohesive human society
in the face of
catastrophic climate change
is at stake, we damn well better.
There's my guy. Shall we?
- Let's.
- What was this lucky charm?
It was a Bobby Kennedy campaign pin.
I got it when I was a kid.
Oh, wow, it certainly
beats a rabbit's foot.
People still have those?
Seems like a super gross thing
to carry around in your pocket.
So, what do you think?
Nice. Very "McCord for president."
- Yeah, it's fine.
- Wrong.
It's terrible.
The HQs for winning campaigns
aren't "nice" and "fine."
They have a vibe... scrappy,
indomitable, like a prizefighter's
training camp in the mountains.
This place... feels like
the former offices
of a lobbying group that went under
after playing footsie
with too many dictators.
Which it is, by the way.
I have something else I need
to discuss with you two.
Come on, step into
what will never be my office.
We need you to vet the kids.
Does M-Sec know about this?
Would we be here if she didn't?
Look, finding out that
Carlos Morejon's son
was dating, um...
Help me out with the middle one.
- Alison.
- Knew that.
...was a wake-up call.
Worked out well for us, actually.
But we need to make sure
that the kids don't have
any other big surprises hiding
up their gawky young sleeves.
Campaigns are feeding frenzies.
Sit down with each of the kids,
ferret out any other potential oppo.
But also, give them a sense
of what it's gonna be like
to be in the hot seat. Be tough.
Absolutely. We can do that.
Can we, though?
What's that supposed to mean?
I can be tough. Can you?
Yes, of course I can be tough.
I'm just saying, you like to be liked,
especially by the McCords.
I just really don't want to be
the only bad cop on this.
Guys, the important thing is
that I'm bored now,
so work this out somewhere else.
Get back to me ASAP.
The woman of the hour.
Thank you, thank you.
Well done, Bess.
Thank you, sir.
Still don't know how you got
Russia and China on board.
Honestly, neither do I.
The day is basically a blur.
Well, take a breath.
Savor your achievement.
The unspoken caveat being,
before the real work starts,
we have to try and get
this thing through the Senate.
You've taken us this far.
Let us worry about the Senate.
End your tenure
at State on a high note
that you can parlay into
your presidential announcement.
I'm happy to testify to the
Foreign Relations Committee.
And let Owen Callister
use his position as chair
to beat you up right
before you announce?
No way. Don't give
his campaign that ammo.
Bess, I don't have to
tell you what a tough slog it is
getting any treaty through
the Senate these days.
This one in particular.
The whip count's extremely tight.
We lose just one or two senators,
and we might not have the votes.
So let me help you get them.
Okay.
Never met a politician
so willing to make it easier
to make running for president harder.
Well, I'm gonna take that
as a compliment.
I think. Good night, sir.
Speaking of, have you decided
when you're going to
officially announce your resignation?
I, uh... I don't know how much
longer I can keep it quiet.
Actually, I was thinking
first thing tomorrow morning.
Fair enough.
If you happen to change your mind
between now and then,
I'm happy to tear it up.
Can always use you in the fight.
I'll keep that in mind, sir.
So? Did you tell POTUS
your plans for tomorrow?
I did.
I still just...
I can't believe it's happening.
- Okay...
- Not really.
Maybe this will make it
a little more real.
The post-resignation,
pre-presidential announcement
- vacation is officially on.
- You booked it!
- Anguilla, baby, ten days.
- Oh...
- Just you and me sleeping in...
- Oh...
...reading books,
drinking out of coconuts.
Quiet. Scuba diving.
Sure. That, too.
You're not gonna
get certified, are you?
Maybe when we're down there.
After all these years,
I cannot believe you will
not do this with me.
I just don't think that people
were meant to breathe underwater.
Well, they weren't meant to
jump out of planes, either,
and you've done that plenty of times.
Counterpoint: the ocean is just
one big fish toilet.
Henry...
We have been going flat-out for
the past four years straight.
Next year we'll be campaigning.
And then, if we're lucky,
we'll be right back in this building
for the next four to eight years.
We may never know silence again
until we're in the grave.
Please, join me
in the profound, serene beauty
of the fish toilet.
Well, when you put it that way...
So, Jason, some of your
political posts online
are a little edgy.
You think maybe you
could tone 'em down,
or maybe delete a few?
For your mom.
Nope. No way.
Hello. First Amendment.
He makes a good point.
Oh.
How much marijuana would you
say you, uh, smoked, Alison?
Ew. None.
I eat it. Duh.
It's, like, totally legal here now.
Well, she's right. It is mostly legal.
It's legal here. Oh.
Oh.
Stevie, a potential concern
for the campaign
is your dating history.
What about it?
Uh, Arthur Gilroy,
that was your former boss.
That was the one that
worked for your mom.
Oh, this is the one that was
twice-twice your age.
- Mm-hmm.
- And then, of course,
we all know about your little
moment with the president's son,
and, of course, his little
moment with heroin.
Oh, can't forget about
your fiancé, the English fella
you left on the, on the
way to the altar... brutal.
Either way, you understand
how these things
could probably be
problematic to your-your
mother's campaign?
Right.
It's actually funny,
'cause you guys don't even...
Well, you don't even have
the security clearance
to know about-about, uh,
"Stevie's greatest mistake."
- I'm sorry, and who... - Oh, could
you tell us a little bit about that?
Oh, sorry, you-you
would have to ask the FBI.
By the way, they know about
everyone that you just mentioned.
And, uh, they still cleared me
to work in the White House,
where I handle with great
professionalism materials
related to all sorts
of important issues.
For example, tonight
I'm compiling a briefing book
on the Climate Migration Treaty,
which paints a portrait
of our future on this planet
that is existentially terrifying.
And so, I'm just wondering
what we are doing here
worrying about how some,
what, hypothetical swing voter
is maybe gonna slut-shame
a millennial?
Is there anything else?
- No, that's it.
- No. That's fine.
- Awesome.
- Thank you.
What the hell did you do?
Bad cop?
- Are you ready, ma'am?
- Yeah.
Best job I ever had.
So far.
Excuse me.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
A few days ago, I offered,
and President Dalton accepted
my resignation as Secretary of State.
Effective two weeks from today.
Madam Secretary,
this treaty flings
open our nation's doors
to hordes of unvetted refugees
who would undermine both our economy
and our national security.
What do you say
to the American citizen
who will have his job stolen
or her life taken
- by these migrants?
- Senator Callister,
I would say that you're
conjuring hypothetical people
in order to distract real people
from a real issue.
- This is no laughing matter.
- I agree.
Ratifying this treaty
to help manage the disruptions
caused by climate change
could not be a more serious task.
I urge you and your colleagues
to act with haste.
You didn't answer my question.
Yes.
Our nation's vetting process
is already extremely stringent.
In fact, not a single act of terrorism
has been perpetrated in the
United States by a refugee.
Cold comfort to the families
of the victims, I expect.
I expect actual Americans
to be comforted by facts.
The chair recognizes the
gentleman from New Hampshire,
Senator Eckstad.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Madam Secretary,
I'd first like to thank you
for your service to our nation.
I'm sorry to see you go.
Thank you.
I also salute the hard work
that you have done
to advance
the Climate Migration Treaty.
I appreciate that.
But while many of its aims
are worthy, my concern is
why does the most extensive
treaty on climate change
that the world has ever seen
do nothing about climate change?
I-I'm sorry. I'm...
The treaty does nothing
to address the causes
of climate change,
namely, dependence on fossil fuels.
Senator, I agree,
there are indeed many facets to
the problem of climate change.
This treaty focuses on what I
believe to be the most pressing:
protecting American security
and saving human lives.
And I believe you're too focused
on symptoms,
and not on the underlying sickness.
I'm inclined to vote against
advancing it to the full Senate.
And on that note,
this hearing is adjourned for the day.
Thank you, Madam Secretary.
Well, that took a turn.
I'll skip the "I told you so's."
Technically, you didn't.
So do we think that, uh,
Eckstad's for real,
- or is he just grandstanding?
- I don't know.
But if he takes
the rest of his groovy friends
in the Rainbows and Moonbeams
Caucus with him,
we're not gonna get to two-thirds.
I think he's a showboat,
but he wants to deal.
I'm gonna go see what he's angling for
and I'll circle back.
Well, that's our only chance. Be nice.
Stevie, I just wanted to say
I-I'm sorry for last night.
It's fine.
It's just, Daisy always
calls me Mr. Nice Guy.
I was, you know, trying not to...
You know what, just buy me
a drink and we're cool.
- Okay? I have to go.
- Okay.
Well, I admire your principles.
My problem is this treaty just
doesn't deal with root causes.
Yeah. Y-You mentioned that earlier.
I have a, uh,
corporate carbon tax bill
that will do just that.
But it's stuck in committee over
at Energy and Natural Resources.
But POTUS is friends
with the chairman.
So the White House gets
your bill out of committee,
you get ours out.
That about the size of it?
I always say, my most important
constituent is Mother Earth.
And that's really neat.
Senator, your bill
is stuck in committee
because it's half-baked.
You want to make real change?
Do your homework,
get the details right.
I'd hoped for a more
productive discussion.
No, you hoped for a grubby
little quid pro quo.
This treaty is humankind's
last, best shot
to save itself from the disruptions
that mass migrations will cause.
And if it dies in the Senate
because of you,
well, I am gonna be spending
some time soon
in your home state,
and I will make it a point
to remind your progressive base
just who to blame.
Thank you for your time, Senator.
Why'd I have to get so mad?
Russell said, "Be nice,
we need this guy."
"Physician, heal thyself," Russell.
Whoa, I think I really blew this.
Don't beat yourself up, babe.
If your gut was telling you
not to cave,
then you're probably right.
Interesting,
'cause my gut is also telling me
that you've made no plans
- to get scuba-certified.
- Not true.
I have been reviewing relevant materials.
- Reviewing relevant material?
- Yeah, I saw a video
of this guy diving over a coral reef
and an eel came out and bit him,
right on his...
Hey, Russell.
Well, that's great news.
Well... I-I...
Thank you for the call.
Eckstad blinked. We got the votes.
- The treaty's gonna pass.
- I told you.
- Congratulations, honey.
- Oh.
You really did something incredible.
Well, time will tell.
But it does really feel like
I deserve something in return,
- doesn't it?
- Like what?
What is your problem
with scuba diving?
I'm scared.
Sweetheart.
- Get over it.
- I'll get... I will.
- Okay. Good. - I'm gonna get
certified before we go on the trip.
Because you are gonna love it.
Yeah. That's what
Eel Guy thought, too.
By the way, I-I'm totally with you
with the whole climate change dread.
Thank you. I am, like,
reading these reports, like, I...
I mean, I cannot be the only one
Mm-mm.
who's legitimately having
nightmares about this stuff.
Oh, no, no, no. No, you have
no idea. There were...
I-I read this one report
a few years ago,
it was like, where the world
will be in 2030,
and I had a total freak-out.
- Mm-hmm.
- I mean, full-on meltdown, completely.
There was this, there was
this one statistic about...
Flamingos.
- You know about this?
- Right... I do, yeah.
- There's more plastic ones than real...
- Yes.
Than real ones, yeah,
I know because my mom
told me how much
you freaked out about it.
No! Oh, come on.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
- I'm sorry.
- That is very, very mortifying.
- Here you go.
- Oh, thanks.
What... no, no, no, no.
- Please... Blake.
- No, no. Please.
I was a total ass, I
owe you drinks forever.
Friends?
Friends.
So, uh,
the world is ending,
and we're all screwed.
Which we've established.
Yeah. So what do you do?
Like, what's the one thing
that you would want to do
before, you know, it all collapses?
Oh. How much time do I have left?
However much you want. Don't
get hung up on the details.
Okay. I don't know, sing more?
Oh, maybe I'll do one of those
TV singing competitions.
- Really?
- I don't know.
Maybe. That's cool.
Well, I don't know. What about you?
I would spend every waking
moment with my loved ones,
- you monster.
- Boo.
No, come on, seriously.
What would you do?
I don't know. That's the thing,
it's like, life is so...
uh, beautiful and it's short.
Half the time, I just want
to drop everything and, like,
go out and experience
as much of it as I can
before it's all gone, or I am.
It's a good thing the
world's not ending.
Mm.
- Okay.
- Mm-hmm.
S... We can't do this.
- No, no. Um...
- No. It's...
That's not... I... sorry.
- No, no, it's fine. It's...
- That's not what...
I shouldn't have done that.
I thought that you were...
- Are you...? Aren't you...?
- I'm bi.
Not that that is not...
No, no, no, I didn't... that's
not what I was saying.
I... that was not... Yeah.
Uh, it was fine. Yes, great.
But, um, we can't do this.
- No. No, no, no.
- No. Okay.
Should we be freaking out right now?
- No. No, no, no. It's just a thing.
- Okay.
- It just happened.
- Great. Just happens.
- Just happened.
- Done. Done.
- Great.
- Good night.
Good night.
Uh...
Promise you won't freak out.
- I promise.
- Okay.
All right.
Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
- That's it.
- All right. Oh.
Before you go to Geneva...
I almost forgot...
got you a little something.
Oh. Will you look at that?
You know, I called the city,
I had a whole crew of people
down there looking for my pin,
but no luck.
Well, hold on tight to that one.
I will.
You know, I got the last one in 1968.
- No kidding.
- Yeah.
Man, in '68, my dad and I
weren't seeing eye to eye
on anything, least of all Vietnam.
But when Bobby Kennedy
came to town to campaign,
my dad took a shift off work,
got me out of school
to go see him. I got in the car
and he handed me one of these.
I saw he was wearing one,
so I put it on.
We finally get there, and, uh,
there's this huge crowd
of people. Black,
white, men, women, young, old.
Anyway, uh, the amazing thing was,
it seemed like Bobby was
speaking to each one of us.
You could see that he was just
putting it right out there,
putting his whole soul into it.
I mean, to win, sure,
but more importantly,
he was telling America
the truth as he saw it.
"We ought to get
out of Vietnam." I cheered.
"We got to end
student draft deferments
so that everyone could
sacrifice equally."
My dad cheered.
And I thought, "If this guy can bring
"me and my old man together, then...
The country
ought to be a cinch."
That was Bobby.
So when the nonsense
starts to weigh me down,
it reminds me why
I got into this crazy
line of work to begin with.
Thank you so much. I'll cherish it.
Good luck in Geneva, Peter.
And you stay on top
of China and Russia,
hold them to their commitment,
all right?
Will do.
I understand that, uh, you may
make an announcement soon.
Ah...
Could you just indulge
me, just for a moment?
Forget about party politics...
liberals, conservatives, all that.
What America yearns for
is a leader with the integrity
to tell the truth
and the charisma to make people listen
and the guts to act on it.
That's a tall order.
Not for you, ma'am.
Thank you, Peter.
Bye, now.
So it sounds like
there are no major red flags
with the McCord kids,
with the possible exception
of Stevie's checkered dating
history, which we can manage.
Great.
- I mean, "checkered" is a pretty
strong word, don't you think?
What would you prefer?
Erratic? Irregular?
Vicissitudinous?
Why are we worrying
so much when Stevie's
an asset to the campaign?
She's dynamic, smart,
relatable to young voters,
and... oh, yeah... a survivor
of the White House attack,
which makes her a hero.
I mean, w-what are we talking
about here, people?
- You tell me, man.
- I... easy, tiger.
I'm-I'm with you.
Not dying in the White House
buys her at least
a couple of loser boyfriends.
Meeting adjourned.
Um...
- I'll meet you back at the office, okay?
- Sure.
Oh, and by the way,
I know you're going for scrappy,
but this is a little too scrappy.
Right? I think someone's
actually living
in the supply closet.
Mike, in the interest
of full disclosure...
Oh, boy, awkward confession theater.
Stephanie and I... Who's Stephanie?
Stevie. McCord.
Oh, wow. Really?
I feel I owe a-a duty to
the campaign to report
that we... had contact.
Contact?
We kissed... once.
And we both agree,
it'll never happen again.
That's great,
you just lost us Florida.
Oh, no...
Dude, I'm kidding. What is this,
middle school? It's fine.
Surprising, I'll admit.
But... it's fine.
- It's not a problem for the campaign?
- No.
Go forth and sin no more. Or sin.
Honestly, nobody cares.
I got to take this.
Hey. How do you feel
about tacos for dinner?
Well, at least we'll get one meal
we actually enjoy this week.
- Hmm.
- Eh, Yeric?
It's cafeteria food
and rubber chicken banquets
- from here on out.
- Oh.
Yeah.
Well, I guess we
better start the toast
or we'll never get home.
Are you okay?
Peter, are you all right?
You're bleeding.
We...
have to get out of here.
The Swiss police
have a high degree
of confidence the chemical
agent was sarin.
Colorless, odorless, highly soluble.
The entire U.N. Security
Council just... gone?
What... I mean, what the
hell do we do now, ma'am?
It's been reported
that Ambassador Harriman...
We get to the White House
and get in the fight.
...by a chemical weapon...
We're getting reports
that a white nationalist group
has claimed responsibility.
They are threatening
attacks on any country
that honors its commitments
to accept refugees.
Okay. We need to reach out to our
partners and allies ASAP.
We'll have our work cut out for us.
France is already getting wobbly.
Call the foreign minister's
office while I'm in
with POTUS,
try and talk them off the ledge.
What do we know about this group,
"The Knights of Western Freedom,"
or whatever these monsters
are calling themselves?
Well, Agent Maloof from
our Counterterrorism Division
will take you through
what we know so far.
Mr. President, based on a communiqué
the group posted today,
The Knights of Western Freedom
claims to be
an informal network of cells
paradoxically united by
a resistance to what they call
"the globalist conspiracy."
They see the migration treaty
as an attempt to undermine
national sovereignty and so-called
- "ethnic purity."
- So we're looking at
active cells in multiple countries?
They managed to access
sarin and place two inside men
at a U.N. Security Council meeting.
So we have to assume
they're formidable.
Elizabeth, is
it safe to say that our
allies and friends
will unify against this attack?
Early indications are that
it's having the opposite effect.
Many European governments were
already afraid of their right flank.
This attack is forcing
a choice on them.
Abandon their international
commitments,
or risk more attacks
and getting voted out.
Russell, tell Comms
I'm going to address
the nation tonight.
The American people
need to know that we're
directing all resources
to stepping up security and...
hunting these sons of bitches down.
Frank, Ephraim, I want Intel
briefings every two hours.
Bess, get with our allies.
Tell them we can offer
every resource they need
to disrupt this network and push back
on this hateful ideology. Understood?
- Yes, Mr. President.
- Thank you.
How did the call
- with France go?
- Not great.
Beauvais is talking
about suspending France's
- participation in the treaty.
- She knows that's not
how treaties work, right?
And you made it... clear
- that we are with them all the way?
- Yeah, the thing is,
they're not sure that we are.
- What does...?
- Ca-Callister released a statement.
Uh, he's blaming the attack on
"globalist fantasies
"that average citizens
around the world don't want
and didn't vote for."
Says his first priority
as president will be to pull out
of all such agreements.
Beauvais says
that she understands that
of course a Dalton
or McCord administration
would have France's back, but...
she's highly doubtful that a
Callister administration would.
So France is less worried about
white nationalist terror
in their own backyard
than the possibility
of a white nationalist
- in the Oval Office?
- Can't say that I blame them entirely.
How are we supposed
to keep other nations
on board when they're not sure
they can trust our word?
Nina. Listen...
- did you get in touch with Peter's kids?
- Yes, ma'am, um,
his son Kevin and daughter
Brooke are standing by.
Great, I want to give them an update
on their father's remains.
- Where are we on that?
- Our embassy in Geneva
has been in contact with the morgue.
And they believe that
Ambassador Harriman's remains
and effects can be decontaminated...
and safe for transport...
Very soon.
I'm so sorry, ma'am.
It's just ironic.
I'm crying over a man who made me cry.
But Ambassador Harriman
was actually...
very kind to me.
He taught me that us
working-class kids
need to stick together.
Well...
he appreciated grit.
That's why he liked you.
Um, I'll dial his kids in
as soon as you're ready...
Thank you.
Konstantin, let me first say
I'm truly sorry for the loss
of Ambassador Kolkin.
Thank you.
Yeric and I went to school together.
He probably would have
held this job next after me.
Condolences, as well,
for the loss of Peter Harriman.
Yeric and Peter.
Both great diplomats and patriots.
Gave their lives for this treaty.
I trust Russia will honor their memory
by honoring its commitment.
You've seen
the demonstrations in Moscow.
People are frightened
and, uh, rightfully so.
Is it the Russian people
who are afraid?
Or the politicians?
What do you mean by that?
After the White House was attacked,
I warned you
that Russia's signal-boosting
of this kind of ideology would
come home to roost one day.
What are you saying?
You fed a monster and now
you've lost control of it.
That you could say such a thing...
after I had to consult his widow?
Konstantin.
We all knew... there were risks
when we embarked on this treaty.
But we can't let these
murderers use chaos
and fear to undermine
global stability.
Russia must stand up.
Ironic that you decry
the evils of nationalism
abroad while...
Owen Callister's running
for president?
- Yeah, I've heard this one.
- But,
that is the problem with
your so-called...
"free speech."
It's just another weapon...
that can be bought and sold
as easily as a Kalashnikov.
Excuse me...
but I have a funeral to attend.
Goodbye, Madam Secretary.
I don't know.
I may have been wrong
about this whole thing.
Whatever the thing is, I doubt it.
The treaty.
I'm trying to create this...
collective action in the face
of worldwide threats.
Like, the entire liberal world order?
Man, you did have a rough day.
I think I get it.
People's lives being shaped
by these huge,
remote forces that
they don't understand.
Maybe Callister's
tapping into something
that we ignore at our peril.
For almost all our history
as a species,
humans have roamed around
in small bands.
Maybe we're... just not wired
to comprehend
such a vast...
abstract social system.
When our problems become ever vaster
and more abstract...
Like climate change.
...people lash out.
You know what else is bugging me?
I get why Avdonin
brought Callister up...
but he said this thing about...
how... free speech was like
a weapon that could
be bought and sold.
I mean, it almost seemed
like he was saying
Callister...
had been bought and sold.
Do you think that could be true?
Why would Avdonin tell me?
Wouldn't Russia want
leverage on Callister?
Maybe they're playing a game.
Running an op on you.
Undermine Americans' faith
in the system
by getting me to accuse
Callister of being
in Russia's pocket.
But what if he is?
Well, then it doesn't matter
why Avdonin told me.
Our democracy is at risk.
Babe, I think
you got to loop in the IC.
Read Ephraim in.
I've never wanted to be wrong
about something this badly.
- Mr. President.
- Elizabeth.
What's going on? Have we caught them?
- We're running down leads.
- That's a different briefing.
You ready to get read in
on something tricky?
I passed on your conversation
with Foreign Minister Avdonin
to the FBI last night.
It provided a piece to a case
we've been building for some time.
We have strong evidence
that Owen Callister's
campaign manager, Dan Finnerty,
has been funneling money
from Russian oligarchs
into Callister's super PAC.
We'll be arresting him later today.
Was Callister in the loop?
Based on the evidence, DOJ
will announce they're opening
an investigation
into the senator, too.
Due to the
inherently political
nature of the case,
we're concerned that Callister
may cry witch hunt and come after you.
Let him.
He's the traitor, not me.
So, now we know
why so many of Callister's positions
line up so conveniently
with Russia's, but...
why is Avdonin selling him out?
One theory is
that the Russians somehow
caught wind that Callister's
under suspicion, and this is
an attempt at damage control.
I think he's about to attend
the funeral of a dear friend,
and can see the shape
of things to come.
Hopefully, this drives a stake
through Callister's heart.
I want you to be
president, too, but that's
cold-blooded, even for me.
Our treaty partners are using
Callister's potential
presidency to back away.
If he's gone, we get our partners back
and the United States can lead again.
I mean, I'll-I'll wait
until the news about
the campaign manager breaks,
and then I want
to make some phone calls.
Thank you, Bess.
After the arrest of his
campaign manager on suspicion
of soliciting illegal
campaign funds from Russia,
and the opening of a Justice
Department investigation
into the candidate himself,
Kentucky Senator Owen Callister
made a surprising announcement.
This is a politically
motivated witch hunt
from the Dalton administration
trying to clear the path
- for Elizabeth McCord...
- Wait, hold on a second, Jay.
- ...to be handed the presidency.
- Hold on.
That said, I am hereby announcing
I am suspending my
presidential campaign...
Yeah.
I have been waiting all day
to watch and savor that.
Whew. America dodged a bullet.
For now. Yeah.
Well, let's... I mean,
yeah, it's good news.
So we'll follow up
with her tomorrow, okay?
Nice work, Jay.
Really. Thank you. Night.
Well, I guess the news
of Callister's... whatever
made its way back to France.
Beauvais said they're back in
on the treaty, so...
Well, hey, that's great news.
Uh, it is. It is.
And yet... you're
not smiling. What...?
Well, other countries
are still on the fence,
including Russia, who,
whatever their reason
for giving up Callister,
are still covertly backing him
to influence our politics.
I'm trying to get this treaty passed.
Got good people like
Peter Harriman killed.
And the group that did it
is still at large,
and their ideology is on the march.
When we should all be
working together to try
and save our existence on this planet,
we're getting bogged down
by petty tribalism.
Politics just feels like an ugly joke.
I'm going out.
- Bye, sweetheart.
- Have a good time.
- Have fun.
- Bye.
I'm starting to look forward
to the serene quietude
of the fish toilet.
Yeah.
Might want to wait on that.
I've been thinking...
- Hi.
- Hi.
Sorry for the random text.
"What if the world actually is ending?"
I know. It's like the
bleakest booty call ever.
Is that what this is?
No.
It's more of, like, a...
an emotional... non-booty call?
Lucky you.
Oh...
I'm just so tired of feeling...
Triggered? Sad?
Me, too.
Don't ever feel bad
about being nice, Blake.
Real friends?
Yeah. Real friends. Come on.
Come on.
So...
what's this about?
Sounded pretty urgent.
Well, you said if I changed my mind,
you'd tear up my letter
of resignation.
You've already announced it.
Things have changed.
Everything we've fought for,
sacrificed for,
is all under attack at the moment.
I just can't see
why way to shaking hands
at county fairs right now.
Please allow me
to rescind my resignation,
sir.
I can't do that.
Wait, I'm sorry. Are you...
We are under attack.
And I do still need your help.
So does your country.
To preserve and build
on what we've done.
My fight's today.
Yours is tomorrow.
So...
I'll be keeping this.
Thank you for your service,
Madam Secretary.
And Godspeed.
Thank you, Mr. President.
You know...
I'd give my right arm
to go to a county fair.
You know, your dad had this
great line about himself...
All his best lines were.
He said, "I tend to
inspire strong reactions,
"usually somewhere between
grudging respect
and outright hostility."
Sounds like Dad.
And he was right.
Because I respected
the hell out of him.
He felt the same way about you.
He'd have wanted you to have this.
Thank you. I will cherish it.
Memorial's ready to start
when you are, ma'am.
We'll see you out there.
Let's go.
On the night Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
was assassinated,
Robert Kennedy consoled a stunned,
heartbroken crowd in Indianapolis
with the words of a Greek poet.
"Even in our sleep,
pain which cannot forget
"falls drop by drop upon the heart,
"until in our own despair,
against our will,
comes wisdom, through
the awful grace of God."
35 years ago, on a road
not far from here,
a driver lost control of his car,
and crashed into another belonging
to Ben and Suzanne Adams.
My parents were my sun and moon.
I was 15.
My brother Will was 13.
And we were suddenly
all alone in the world
with no one to light our way.
But here's the wisdom
that came to me from that day.
We weren't alone.
We had aunts and uncles,
cousins, friends,
teachers and coaches,
members of our church.
That hard-won wisdom
is what Abraham Lincoln called
"the better angels of our nature."
Empathy, compassion, family,
friends, community.
It's not about me, it's about us.
And it's that idea that brings
me before you today.
In the very first line
of the Constitution,
"We the people..."
When those words were written,
the idea that a country could be
governed by its citizens seemed
revolutionary. Impossible.
But for almost 250 years,
the United States
has done just that, the impossible.
I know we face problems
so big that solving them
seems like a moon shot.
But we're the country
that sent men to the Moon.
We are the envy
of our rivals,
the hope of the oppressed,
the sword and shield
of free people everywhere.
We the people.
It's up to us,
all of us.
So join me, America,
in achieving the impossible together.
That is at the very heart
of this great American experiment.
And that is why, today
I am officially announcing
my candidacy to be president
of the United States.