Conrad quotes from Madam Secretary

It's a bad time to be without diplomatic representation.

Elizabeth

Because of the peace talks with Iran and President Shiraz's upcoming visit to the U.S.?

So you understand why I can't waste any time on this decision. I want you to step in.

Elizabeth

Step into what?

Secretary of State.

Elizabeth

You're joking. Um, I don't mean you're joking, but you can't be serious. Obviously, you're serious, I just... Why?

I recruited you for the CIA. I trained you as an analyst. I know how you think, how you work. I trust you. I wanted to nominate you right after I was elected. I was talked out of my choice by... well-meaning advisers. Vincent Marsh was always running for office. You have no such ambition. You quit a profession you love for ethical reasons. That makes you the least political person I know. You don't just think outside the box. You don't even know there is a box. I believe I can effect real change in the world. I want you to help me do that. I know you won't let me down.

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.

I have to say, breaking the president's nose is a whole new form of diplomacy.

Elizabeth

So is groping the Secretary of State, in my experience.

But you're okay?

Elizabeth

(Sighs) Yeah.

Russell

I know this doesn't bode well for the Singapore Interchange. Then again, Sugar Ray McCord has put the world on notice about how we deal with bullies.

Elizabeth

That's not funny, Russell.

Russell

I'm not kidding. It's badass.

The Filipino people rolled the dice on an erratic, self=obsessed strongman. Now they're paying the price.

Elizabeth

The irony being that, just like any other so-called strongman, he isn't strong at all. He's just insecure and weal, without any good policy ideas, so he has to bully his way into power and force himself on women to feel powerful...

I'm guessing this isn't just you working things out, Bess.

So, besides the bribes and double sets of books that came out during the election, the only new information we found on Andrada is from hacking his computer. We retrieved some emails that led to five confidentiality agreements that were tied to some pretty large checks over $100,000.00 each. All to female employees, all paid from Andrada's private accounts.

Russell

Yeah, well, hush money is not exactly a startling revelation. It's certainly in keeping with a man who's had mistresses and is about to run for public office.

Elizabeth

Given his conduct with me, he could be covering up something worse.

That's true. And the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country. They might still frown upon a president who sexually harasses women.

Elizabeth

Well, we might as well track these women down, and try and find out what happened.

Russell

They didn't come forward before this, why would they now? Especially after getting paid off. ... I'm just asking.

Elizabeth

Strength in numbers. If they know they're not alone, they may feel freer to speak.

Russell

Plenty of religious, socially conservative countries still manage to turn a blind eye towards the sexual indiscretions of powerful men.

Elizabeth

Sexual assault isn't an indiscretion, Russell. It's a crime.

We have to end this, even if it means getting in the mud.

Russell

Then I say we go after the man. Directly, personally, take him in.

Jay

Investigate his taxes?

Russell

Don't tempt me.

Don't tell me you're letting that ridiculous article get to you.

Elizabeth

It's my family I'm worried about.

Well, I'm willing to make a statement about the damn thing if it'll help.

Elizabeth

No, thank you, sir. But you decided to stay out of it, and I'm going to follow your lead. I hope Lydia isn't too upset?

One thing we learned about this job is that you need to keep yourself separate from the office. They are two different things.

Elizabeth

Conrad, do you think...? When we were at CIA, did you favor me?

Of course. You were smart, diligent, and you knew how to think for yourself. What kind of boss would I be if I didn't favor that?