Russell Jackson quotes from Madam Secretary

Russell

I'm no military man, but I'm pretty good with facts, and the fact is, Hizb al-Shahid set off a radiological weapon in the United States. They still have enough lethal nuclear material for three more bombs, which Jibral Disah won't hesitate to use against us. And as to his location, we know precisely-- and again, I don't know the military parlance here-- jack diddly squat. So even if this mechanic is a straw, I propose we grasp it with both damn hands before a bomb goes off in Times Square. Is it still our sacred duty to protect the American way of life, or am I missing something here?

Russell

That damn doomsday clock!

Russell

Slow day at the office?

Russell

In theory, I'm eligible to be Pope. Other than being married and not Catholic.

Russell

We got you the name of a stylist, right?

Elizabeth

A stylist?

Russell

You're going to find it useful. It's a tough transition.

Elizabeth

I got the president to sign off.

Russell

How could you do that without my knowledge?

Elizabeth

I don't know. By blatantly circumnavigating your authority?

Russell

You'd better learn how to work with me instead of around me.

Elizabeth

My first choice, as well. I used your stylist, didn't I?

Russell

I think you'll find I make a much better ally than opponet.

Elizabeth

Same here.

Russell

I'm going to chalk this one up to rookie enthusiasm. But going forward? I won't be so forgiving.

Russell

How many guys on the ground?

Elizabeth

Fifty. One in the air.

Russell

You think that was enough?

Elizabeth

It was about fifty more than anyone else thought we should have.

Is it safe to say, this is another Benghazi?

Russell

Oh, it's safe to say, it's a lot worse than that, politically speaking.

Elizabeth

'Cause it looks like we didn't learn anything from the first one.

Russell

If it's any consolation, that's not how the President sees it. He thinks you saved his ass. Told me to tell you that.

Elizabeth

Were you ? Going to tell me that ?

Russell

I hadn't decided.

Elizabeth

You read my memo?

Russell

I did.

Elizabeth

And you have photographic memory.

Russell

I do.

Elizabeth

That's impressive.

Russell

I'm told.

Russell

Fine. I'll have POTUS there for the signing ceremony.

Elizabeth

Fine? Really? Because my staff and I have been up for four days straight trying to avert World War III, and that's what we get? We get "fine"? (Breaks into laughter) It's like... God, I'm so sorry. I mean we've... It's been a really... It's been a really long four days, and I'm totally sleep-deprived and hopped-up on coffee. I actually feel sick.

Russell

Your predecessor and I had developed a shorthand. "Fine"... means "thank you for not screwing up." It's high praise. Take it.

Elizabeth

What do you need, sir?

For you to fix this. Have I been unclear about that?

Russell

Sir. In fairness, she inherited a lot of this, including Allen Bollings. This was Marsh's agenda.

Vincent Marsh is dead. When are you going to do your job?

Russell

You don't backstab the President of your own party without consequences.

Is that a threat, Russell?

Russell

It's a guarantee. I speak for the President on this. As you might imagine, he's very upset.

And he'll have no compunction whatsoever slitting the throat of someone who has been a staunch ally and helped get him elected.

Russell

So it goes.

Matt

I never agreed to spy on Secretary McCord. I won't do it.

Russell

Then think of it as keeping tabs. Come on, Matt. This is how it works. You give me something. I give you something. Don't you want an office in the West Wing?

Russell

My God. All this time. How could you just go about your business?

Elizabeth

That's what I was trained for.

Russell

Tell me everything.

Elizabeth

That could take awhile.

Russell

I've got all night.