Madam Secretary (2014) s04e20 Episode Script
The Things We Get to Say
1 ELIZABETH: We were at Minister Javani's house when it happened.
Several members of my security detail were wounded or killed.
Minister Javani's son witnessed his father's death.
As a mother, I would've given anything to protect that child, which is why I am determined as ever to see through the nuclear agreement that his father gave his life for, because I think that's our greatest responsibility in this life, to leave a safer and more peaceful world How was your night? Pillow between the knees is officially not working anymore.
Really cramming to the last minute on this one.
Yeah, I thought I had my plan of attack.
Then Mark starts giving me these guidelines last night.
Don't ask too much about that illegal arms dealer she worked with.
Don't go too hard on the Taliban deal.
So? They can't dictate what you're allowed to ask.
No, but the secretary can refuse to answer, which means my whole warts-and-all inside look at the State Department is now an airbrushed campaign poster for a White House run.
Is this about your book deal? Can't sell a book proposal, giving up on war coverage you know, maybe that's why they put me on this.
Figure I'll play ball.
Then that just means they won't see you coming.
Once more unto the breach.
Give 'em hell.
Hey.
Uh, Neal Shin.
I'm sorry.
I don't have you in the system.
Uh, it's Neal with an "A.
" I was told there'd be a press pass.
Who's your contact? Uh Hey, you know what, she can vouch for me.
- Jessie.
Neal.
- MAN: Yeah, we'll talk later, okay? - Oh, okay.
- Jessie.
- Uh, another thing - Hey, guys.
DAISY: Neal Shin? Daisy Grant.
Oh, hey.
Uh, they don't have my pass.
He's with us today.
Thank you.
Glad you showed up.
I was about to ask her to Google me.
DAISY: You know why those other reporters let you hang? Because they've been following Secretary McCord for almost four years, sleeping on embassy floors in Togo, sweating in the back of a stuffy plane, waiting for three words from one of the world's busiest women and you come waltzing in with your 48 hours of nonstop access you didn't even ask for.
My editor assigned me.
Why, I can't imagine.
- You definitely weren't my pick.
- Really? I wanted the guy who does the Kennedy pieces in Vanity Fair.
Elegant.
Literary.
Look, I'm not coming in with any kind of agenda, okay? I just report what I see.
All SCIFs and SVTC rooms are completely off-limits.
Neal.
Welcome to the State Department.
- Secretary McCord.
- I see you've met Daisy.
Just giving him the rundown, ma'am.
All right, well, we're glad to have you here and I need your phone.
Oh.
She's just doing her job.
You can ask me anything and if the answer is classified, Daisy will tackle you.
I'm kidding.
She just had a baby.
Hey, I'm, uh, about to be a father myself twins.
- Oh.
- I'll get your press pass.
- Thanks.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Uh, well, let's get in there.
Guess I did a cannonball in her press pool.
Well, the press part Oh, sorry.
This way.
Press pool are great reporters, but they want to keep their jobs.
I'm glad that we went with someone independent.
It's good to pull back the curtain on what we do around here.
And I really liked your work in Afghanistan.
- A lot.
- Thanks.
Good morning, ma'am.
Your remarks for the, uh, Worldwide Partnership for Girls' and Women's Education Conference.
But the student essay contest winners, that's - tomorrow, you're gonna be - "What America Means to Me" I'm working on it.
Oh.
Hey.
Matt Mahoney.
I'm sorry.
Matt Mahoney.
Neal Shin.
Head speech writer.
Nice to meet you.
You do good work.
Oh, thank you.
I liked your book on Syria.
Though "like" is probably not the correct word.
Well, we try to be more optimistic about the outcomes around here.
So, you don't find your faith in humanity sometimes shaken by the work you do here? You like to come out swinging, don't you, Neal? - Come on in.
- MATT: I mean, it's not even noon yet.
Everyone, please introduce yourself to Neal Shin from The Washington Chronicle.
Can take a seat right here.
He's gonna be shadowing us - the next couple of days.
- Kat Sandoval, policy advisor.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
Hey, Neal.
Jay Whitman.
I liked your coverage on Afghanistan.
Thanks.
Uh, I saw you did some time there.
Yeah.
Looks like we both made it out.
- (CHUCKLES) - Welcome.
As mentioned in the memo, Mr.
Shin has full access for a cover profile on the secretary, but please be mindful of classified information and activities.
DAISY: If you aren't sure about anything, check with me, please.
NEAL: Thanks, everyone.
Just, you know, - pretend like I'm not here.
- KAT: Yeah, right.
I'm Blake Moran, assistant to the secretary and the best snacks are one flight down.
I hope that's not classified.
JAY: Here we go.
The Worldwide Partnership for Girls' and Women's Education Conference begins at 11:00 a.
m.
today with the secretary's remarks scheduled for 11:30.
I'm told that the food will be excellent this year, so you will want to arrive early for the passed apps.
I've arranged for a platter for you in the green room.
I'm sure that's not necessary.
Yeah.
- You have all the appetizers you want.
- Don't need a platter.
On a more urgent note, there's a developing situation on the U.
S.
-Mexico border just south of Laredo, Texas.
A recent flood of refugees from Honduras has overwhelmed Mexican detention facilities and there's a disturbing number of unaccompanied minors showing up, some kids as young as ten.
We're barely three weeks into Fonseca's first term and already Honduras is in shambles.
ELIZABETH: Well, after campaigning on law and order, FT-88 is pretty much running the National Police.
So now desperate families, of course, are sending their kids up north alone to keep them from being recruited.
JAY: President Zaragoza of Mexico is requesting an increase in aid to help with the added burden on their detention facilities.
KAT: Ooh.
I've read reports on those facilities.
They're horrendous when they're not overcrowded.
JAY: He's also requesting U.
S.
asylum for the Honduran minors.
Why? Those aren't the terms of our deal and he knows it.
- Somebody's putting pressure on him.
- Honduras maybe? I think the pressure's coming from the kids.
This was posted yesterday from the detention center in Nuevo Laredo.
(CHILDREN SINGING IN SPANISH) They're saying they're staging their funerals to the world before Mexico sends them back to be killed by FT-88.
(QUIETLY): God.
Brilliant use of social media.
It's gotten over a million hits.
Let's call President Zaragoza.
Neal, you care to join? Off the record.
FT-88 has complete control of Honduras.
The country's falling apart.
And that is a crisis we will address.
Yes, with conferences and sanctions and what is your word, inducements.
But until the country stabilizes, you must find a place for these kids.
We can't take them all.
You know the terms of our agreement, Mario.
We can't change our immigration policy.
ZARAGOZA: Things have changed since we set those terms.
Elizabeth, this is a crisis.
I am begging you.
According to the agreement, you have 72 hours before the migrants have to be returned to Honduras.
Now, I am not making any promises, but I'll talk to our embassy in Mexico about getting them humanitarian parole through USCIS.
I thank you, Madam Secretary.
Ma'am, I am sorry, but Congress is on the floor right now debating Dalton's Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill.
Is this the time to try to bring in a group of kids fleeing gang violence in Central America? I think I made it clear that it was a long shot.
No, I'm not just concerned about the kids.
If Congressional hardliners get wind of this humanitarian parole, it'll be just the excuse they've been looking for to pull the plug.
All it takes is one bad press story.
I am really starting to wonder about you being here.
No, we said that it was off the record.
- Well, he's taking notes.
- I'm sorry.
It's time for the Education Conference.
It's just notes for myself.
Look, the Senate is voting on the CIR in two days.
Just have to keep it quiet until then.
Sure, we just need to transport the kids to a resettlement support center, process them through USCIS and grant them at least temporary asylum without anyone noticing.
What could go wrong? (SIGHS) MATT: Hey, I wanted to run a book idea by you.
Backseat Driver.
A, uh, behind-the-scenes look at how speech writers have helped drive policy through U.
S.
history.
You know your boss is sitting right there? Well, of course I'd honor your contribution, ma'am.
Aw, that's sweet.
So, what do you think? - Yeah, you could probably sell that.
- Nice.
I mean, as long as a publisher thinks it'll knock some pregnant celebrity off the top ten trending topics on social media.
'Cause 280 characters seems to be the most Americans read anymore.
But at least you'll be making your contribution to the future museum of American journalism, right up there with the spinning jenny and the phonograph.
He might be more bitter than you are.
ELIZABETH: Hey, what happened to the lines we had in here about the Gulf states holding half their population - in a cultural prison? - White House killed that, ma'am.
Why? Something about not alienating key allies in the Middle East, - I'm guessing.
- Well, put it back in there.
I'll take the heat from Russell Jackson.
- Yes, ma'am.
- (SIGHS) There are women at this conference who have risked their lives fighting for gender equality.
I noticed Amina Salah.
Did you know Amina when she was education minister in Afghanistan? No, but I was aware of her work.
That was a real loss when she had to step down.
Yes, it was.
Couldn't be helped, unfortunately.
JAY: And that deal with the Taliban might've actually stabilized Afghanistan for the first time in decades.
Well, she could regain her position once the dust settles.
They're trying to tell you that I have no reason to feel guilty about making a deal that took women out of government positions.
But I do have reason and I am guilty.
Maybe it's the Taliban who should feel guilty, ma'am.
(CHUCKLES) Good luck with that.
So what else do you feel guilty about? Anything I could've done better if I'd thought about it longer.
So the deal with the Taliban.
Should you have thought about it longer? We got Intel that the Taliban's positions have evolved since you and I covered Afghanistan.
You believe that? The story's not written on that decision yet.
I may live to regret it.
A lot of this work is making impossible choices.
Yes, but Gosh, look, we're already here.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) Amina.
It's good to see you.
Hello, Elizabeth.
How are you? ELIZABETH: Good, I'm excited to hear your speech.
Yes, another speaking engagement.
If only I felt it would change anything, but then I guess we have to congratulate ourselves when we can.
Excuse me.
Oh, yeah.
I'm Neal Shin.
I reported in Afghanistan during your tenure as education minister.
Yes, yes, I remember.
I'm sorry you had to step down.
I'd like to talk to you about some of the changes in your country.
Maybe we could sit down together? Yes.
After I speak? Uh Maybe we could meet somewhere later? ELIZABETH: We left off talking about regrets, so what are yours? Uh you mean in my work? No, who you didn't take to the prom.
Yeah, in your work.
I was in Greece when the migrants started pouring in.
I gave up trying to report and just started grabbing kids off boats.
A lot of them died before we could get help.
That's one of many.
(SIGHS): Well, it's not easy confronting human misery.
You try to help, but a lot of times, it feels like you're just grabbing babies off of sinking boats.
But I have to believe that I'm preventing worse, just like you have to know you did what you could that day, even though it wasn't nearly enough.
Sorry to interrupt.
We just got word that Senator Morejon is withdrawing his support from the immigration bill.
Damn it.
What happened? Someone tipped him to the humanitarian parole request and now he is accusing Dalton of negotiating in bad faith.
By bringing in Honduran kids fleeing violence? He's saying we're trying to slip it in under the radar.
Well, that's exactly what we were doing.
He's just looking for an excuse to pull out.
And take his whole caucus with him.
You called it.
KAT: What do you want to do? My least favorite thing: find out what he wants.
Oh, gosh, that smells like something I need to be eating.
STEVIE: It is almost - ready.
- (ELIZABETH SIGHS) - Hi.
- Oh! Neal Shin, this is my daughter, Stevie.
STEVIE: Right.
- That's tonight.
Hi.
- Yes.
Sorry to crash your dinner.
No, no, I just, um, I had a really crazy day at work, and I just totally spaced.
Neal, can I offer you a glass of wine? Are you allowed to when you're on duty? - No, thanks, I'm good.
- I'll have some.
So, uh what's happening with Morejon? Or, unless we can talk about this later.
Oh.
It's fine, we're off the record on Morejon.
Oh.
So that works? You just say "off the record," and you don't publish anything that we say? No, not if I want anybody to trust me.
It's one of the last great oral contracts.
So let's hear it.
Was Russell screaming about it? What do you think? (SIGHS) I think I want to try and not think about it right now.
That sounds really nice.
You guys have a nice chat.
So you're working in the White House.
How's that? Ah, yes, it's, uh, it's not really a job job, um, it's just an internship until I start law school.
Oh, cool.
You know what kind of law you want to go into? Not yet, um Sometimes I'm not even sure I'm still going.
(CHUCKLES) Mm.
- We're still off the record, right? - Don't worry.
Yeah, it's never a straight line.
I started out working on my dad's fishing boat.
Wow, so how did you get into reporting? Uh, the usual.
Wanted a girl to think I was cool.
(LAUGHS) Did it work? No.
(LAUGHS) But I married someone cooler.
Mm.
You dropped out of undergrad for a time, right? Yeah, um, right in the beginning when my mom first became secretary.
It was kind of difficult, like being in the public eye and But it's had its advantages, too? Now you work in the White House.
Oh, yeah, I didn't get this job because of my mom.
Um, yeah, I was, I was actually asking Russell for a-a recommendation for law school.
Well, he-he offered me the job internship.
Hey, you must be Neal.
Henry McCord.
- Please call me Henry.
- It's nice to meet you, Henry.
Neal was just asking me about nepotism.
Oh.
I was just interested in the ways your mom's position has affected your life.
Yeah, it's just, it's just an internship, you know.
And, um I'm sure that a lot of people did apply for them, but I happened to be the one who was there and called for help when Russell was having a heart attack.
And now I have the job, and I'm actually more of a liability than an asset because of my mom's position, so I'm gonna finish setting the table.
She grew up with an ethics professor.
We're a little sensitive about, uh, charges of working the system.
So, uh so you teach at the War College.
Ethics of War, yeah.
Uh, we're starting a new department.
And you spent some time in Defense Intelligence? - Some.
- Well, that must've been interesting.
An ethicist working in intelligence.
(SWISHING IN BOWL) You know, I've read a lot of your work.
You're very good at uncovering injustice.
It keeps me busy.
Let me ask you something.
Do you ever think that sometimes you find dishonesty and hypocrisy because you've already decided it's there? Well, I prefer to think of my work as a search for the truth, right? Well, then, as a Catholic, I would have to say we're both searching for something elusive, unreliable, prone to bias for a story we'd like to believe.
Let's eat.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Where's Alison? Ali.
- I already texted for her to come down.
- You text her? - Oh, Neal, this is my son, Jason.
- Hey.
How's it going? You want to know the truth? Love is a lie.
Print that.
STEVIE: Bad breakup.
And please excuse the self-pitying drama.
Hi, I'm Alison.
Neal.
Thanks for having me.
It gets better, man.
I've been there.
- Babe, it's getting cold.
- (PHONE CHIMES) - I'm right here.
Hi.
(KISSES) - Oh, hi.
ELIZABETH: Yeah, Jay, listen, I got to go.
Dinner's served, but we will, uh, we'll dig into it tomorrow, okay? Thanks.
(SIGHS) (OVERLAPPING CHATTER) So, I wanted to ask you - about the impact of the job - (PHONE VIBRATES) on your family.
I am so sorry.
I got to take this.
And there you pretty much have it.
Pasta? NEAL: When Secretary McCord told you that she helped negotiate a deal bringing the Taliban to power after everything you'd been through, how'd you feel? I would say I was struck by the great irony of life.
Not betrayed? Not enraged? To be betrayed, one has to believe in loyalty.
That's a luxury I don't allow myself anymore.
Not giving you the quote you're looking for, am I? I'm just trying to get a multitude of perspectives on the secretary's policies.
I don't have an agenda.
(CHUCKLES) Everyone has an agenda.
Here's what I would never say to her or to anyone in my country, so don't quote me.
Maybe it was for the best.
Afghanistan has been exhausted to the brink of ruin by decades of war.
I don't have to tell you that.
The first step to changing anything is to end the conflict.
If giving the Taliban a seat at the table and trusting that they can be more moderate is the first step to ending the occupation of the United States and rebuilding our country I hesitate to say it, but maybe it was worth it.
It can't be that bad, writing a positive profile? You can't make a drawing without shadows.
Not a good one.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Excuse me, Mr.
Shin? Jennifer Probst of Hidebound Press.
Do you have a moment? - What's this about? - I don't know if you're familiar with our work.
We're a subsidiary of Trenton Press.
I'm familiar.
I'd like to discuss an opportunity.
Why don't you call my agent.
Well, I'll leave this with you, then.
We are fans of your work.
Well, it's not exactly the feverish conspiracy crap you guys like to dish out.
Well, we're not afraid of straight talk on controversial topics.
We are looking to expand across the political spectrum.
You'd be an important part of that.
I loved your book proposal, by the way.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Well, that makes two of us.
This is an offer to expand your article on Secretary McCord into a book.
It'd be on the fast track for fall publication with full marketing and promotion.
The advance is $200,000.
I don't jump on command.
Sorry.
We'd have no editorial requirements.
That's all in the contract, along with some additional information we've gathered on the secretary.
Purely for your consideration.
Not interested.
Don't you think the American public deserves to know the truth? (SCOFFS) If nothing else, it might help you with your article.
I'll talk to you soon.
There's no editorial mandate.
It's a straightforward deal.
Doesn't mean they won't edit me into some crazy hit job.
Yeah, especially at a place like Hidebound.
Why you, though? I mean, it's not like they need your article to build their book on.
Some BS about expanding their brand.
It looks more legit when their conspiracy nonsense comes from a reporter with cred.
You think they have anything real? I'm sure she's crossed some lines, they always do.
Plus, she was CIA.
Are you gonna look? I don't know.
Once I open it, I can't unsee it.
Why is the sink full of ice? Oh.
The fridge crapped out again.
I didn't want the ice to melt on the floor like last time.
I thought the guy put the thing in.
Apparently, it was a different thing.
I left him a message.
He better not charge us again.
I'm gonna go to bed.
My advice? Don't open it.
Not even for 200K? I didn't marry you for the money.
It's your sterling principles that knocked me up.
(GROANS) (TRASH CAN SCRAPES) (CLEARS THROAT) (TAPPING KEYS) CARLOS: I believe in the dreams of immigrants who want to contribute to our great nation.
But I simply cannot support legislation on immigration put forth by this president when his administration - is offering refuge - (HORN HONKING) to gangsters and thugs.
(ELEVATOR CHIMES) Senator Morejon.
Mind if I have a word? CARLOS: Madam Secretary, what a surprise.
Can't be too much of one.
LISA: Nope.
Not you.
I'm with the secretary.
The senator isn't available for questions at this time.
So you're interfering with the First Amendment.
Is that what's happening here? Oh, you want to talk about the First Amendment.
I'd love to talk about that fine line between freedom of expression and slander.
Do you really want to get into it with me, Neal? I'm on assignment from The Washington Chronicle.
You are preventing me from reporting on the Secretary of State.
The Chronicle, nice.
Are they aware of your baseless smears against a U.
S.
senator? I had evidence.
It was uncorroborated.
- You violated journalistic ethics.
- (LAUGHS) "Ethics," really? I have a list the length of my arm of reckless statements and hate-mongering by that political bully you work for.
LISA: Hmm.
- Still a charmer, I see.
- (SIGHS) You're better than this guy, Lisa.
You know, I love being coached on how to improve my life by a gossip-monger eating ramen in a sweaty press pool.
Yeah? Well, a life of integrity means you eat a lot of ramen.
Ready? You bet.
It's a long story.
ELIZABETH: Well, it was less of a showdown, more of a setup.
Turns out that Morejon will back the immigration bill as long as I can get POTUS to back off divesting from private prisons.
He dragged all those Honduran kids through the mud to work a favor on private prisons? - He was always in their pocket.
- Who are his key donors? ELIZABETH: Still can't believe that he orchestrated an entire press conference because he knew it would bring me right to his door.
I hate to say it, but he played us like a fiddle.
Yeah, don't say that.
Uh, bingo.
Bob Haverford of Haverford Industries.
Major donor to his last campaign.
We're not gonna actually do his bidding, are we? ELIZABETH: He's holding the ball on immigration reform.
It's Russell's call now.
Latte for you.
This never gets old.
BOTH: Thank you.
Neal.
Of course.
So what was up with you and that comms director? Bad breakup? Oh, I missed all the fun.
No, I-I wrote a story on some D.
C.
gossip blog back when I was a stringer.
(SNIFFS) Morejon's first term as congressman, he kept bragging to veterans about his military experience.
Something seemed off, so I dug into it.
Let me guess: marching band? Almost.
Um, he went to a military academy, but he was expelled when somebody outed him for writing his own letter of recommendation.
No please tell me you got your hands on that letter.
- And? - I did.
(LAUGHS): "Sh" "Shining example of manhood" was a standout phrase, uh Uh, "Courts adversity with the grace of a matador.
" - (ALL GROANING) - And, uh I still feel kind of bad for the guy.
MATT: Oh, don't make us feel bad for the matador.
This is what elicits compassion from Neal.
JAY: White House, Frank.
Thanks.
Mr.
Jackson will be right in.
(STEVIE CLEARS THROAT) I'm just gonna get back to work.
I have a lot to do.
Oh.
She's still a little sensitive about the whole nepotism thing.
So I hear our senator from Arizona wants to play hardball, and you showed up with a Wiffle bat.
Who are you? This is the reporter you wanted to follow me around.
Having second thoughts about that.
Mm-hmm.
Russell Jackson.
Everything I say is off the record.
- Neal Shin.
- So what's Morejon's play? He wants Dalton to back off divesting from private prisons.
Stirring up fear and hatred to safeguard private prison contracts.
Has a certain classical flair.
Look, I know what you're gonna say, but if we send those kids back to Honduras, we might as well sign their death warrants.
I've got a whole other death warrant in mind.
Russell And you're not talking me out of it this time.
This is definitely not on the record.
We are not dragging Morejon's family into this.
His wife worked as an illegal.
It's one call to a paper.
Look, we don't even have to pick up the phone.
- We're not on the record.
- Why the hell not? We are not on the record.
Because we don't do oppo, Russell.
- (SIGHS HEAVILY) - Everyone in this town worth anything has an oppo file.
Using it against them is the last refuge of a scoundrel.
(RUSSELL LAUGHS) I thought that was patriotism.
Let me just try one more thing.
That's what you said last time, now look where we are.
If it doesn't work, the kids are going back anyway, and then you can do whatever you want with him.
(SIGHS) Fly away, starlings.
Fly, fly, fly.
ELIZABETH: Neal.
Oh, I've always wanted to see this place.
Well, now you get to.
- Hi.
- Uh, ma'am.
BLAKE: Excuse us.
Mr.
Haverford, Secretary McCord.
This is a private club, Madam Secretary.
I know, and I am so sorry that we didn't have time to request an invitation.
I guess I figured, as the CEO of a private prison, you'd understand the private and the public sometimes get a little mixed up.
My goodness, where are my manners? Uh, Bob Haverford, this is my assistant Blake Moran, and Neal Shin from The Washington Chronicle.
You can't bring press in here.
This is strictly off the record.
Of course.
But the fact that you're a major donor to Senator Morejon's campaign, well, that's public information.
And I'm afraid Neal is also aware that Senator Morejon threatened to derail legislation in Congress to try to put pressure on the president to drop his executive order divesting from private prisons.
You have zero evidence of those allegations.
Let me just cut to the chase.
He's not going to revoke the executive order.
And I know that you stand to lose a lot of business once the federal government pulls out its inmates.
So, I mean, what is it? Blake, is it 80%? Oh, it's more like 85, ma'am.
85, wow.
That has got to hurt.
The good news is, I'm here to make you an offer.
You've got four facilities in South Texas due to be empty once that executive order goes through.
I'd like to offer you the opportunity to repurpose those facilities to house immigrants and refugees starting a new life in the United States.
You can't railroad me like this.
ELIZABETH: I know, you feel unfairly stripped of your livelihood, it's unjust.
Absolutely.
Which is why you are really going to identify with your new clientele.
So what do you say, Bob? I'll need to regroup, and discuss this with my board.
All right, you do that.
You've got 24 hours before I go to one of your competitors.
Enjoy your evening.
BLAKE: Ma'am, when you're ready, I have your remarks for the student winners of the "What America Means to Me" essay contest.
Oh, goody.
I love the kid stuff.
This might actually be fun for you, Neal.
Certainly better than watching that sausage factory back there.
BLAKE: Speaking of which, if we don't hit traffic, we'll make it in time for pizza.
(WHISPERS): Yes.
Now you are talking.
I'm sorry, um, how could you make that deal? It's true Homeland Security and DOJ still have to sign off, - but he didn't need to know that.
- No.
How could you cut a deal with that guy? He lobbies for laws that target and imprison low-income minority Americans, so he and his cronies can get richer.
It's practically modern day slavery.
And I just gave him the opportunity to change his business model.
You saved him from going under.
All right? He pressured you with a corrupt senator, and you capitulated.
Well that's one way to write it.
(SIGHS) It doesn't matter what I write.
They'll say it anyway.
They'll say you put immigrant kids in jail.
Right, you-you made a-a reckless deal with Iran that made the world less safe.
(WRY CHUCKLE) You put the Taliban in power, and you sold out your own friend in Afghanistan.
Just grabbing babies off boats, Neal.
If you want to lead this country, (SIGHS) then let's be honest.
It's the whole reason I'm here.
Stop giving your enemies everything they need - to take you down.
- (CHUCKLES) If I started thinking about how people could use everything I say and do against me, I wouldn't get out of bed in the morning.
But you have to think about it.
- Why? - Because that's how you win by giving us an illusion we can believe in.
I mean, we don't want the truth; we just want to believe.
Which is an absurd position for a journalist, so forget I said any of that.
(SIGHS) ELIZABETH: Every generation, the question gets asked: why is the United States so involved - in the rest of the world? - (CAMERA CLICKS) Why do we have to be the ones to send our military to face down a threat overseas? And why must we negotiate so many trade deals and send aid to foreign countries and let in so many new arrivals when there are people who need help right here at home? Well, next time I get those questions I'm going to use your essays about "What America Means to Me" to answer them.
And I'm going to talk about Saya's parents coming here from Syria and working at a donut shop until they could afford to open up their own.
And I'm going to quote Benji about how his brother, who is kind of a screw-up his words, not mine (LAUGHTER) put his life back together while he was working with AmeriCorps to help Haiti get back on its feet.
And I'm going to talk about Dana's unforgettable day at Ground Zero, and her powerful ideas for how to heal hatred and overcome fear.
So thank you for doing my job for me.
(LAUGHTER) We all hear people say politicians are liars, corporations are greedy, and the whole system is rigged against the little guy.
And sometimes that's true.
But most of the time, it isn't.
I think that what America means to me is that we get to say these things.
We get to question and challenge and argue and make up our own minds.
Because when only one truth prevails everything is broken, that guy's a monster, that guy's our savior that's called tyranny.
And nothing could be less American.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Nice speech.
Yeah.
Not what I wrote.
SHAUNA: Oh.
That's a bad case of Writer Face.
Let me help you think.
(SIGHS) What's your angle? I don't know.
You know, she seems like this completely unmanaged public figure who breaks all the rules.
She crosses party lines, you know, gives inspiring speeches about independent thinking but then she lets herself get played by some crap senator.
You know, bails out the worst kind of cronyism, just What do you think? The stuff on that file it's not great.
So you read it.
Doesn't mean I'm committing to anything.
(SHAUNA GROANS) (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) (REFRIGERATOR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES) Write what you saw.
Write the truth.
Fridge is fixed.
ELIZABETH: I think what America means to me is that we get to say these things.
Question and challenge and argue, make up our own minds.
NEWSMAN: A bus loaded with nearly 80 unaccompanied minors from Honduras found temporary refuge in the United States this morning, while their requests for humanitarian parole are pending.
Fleeing rampant gang violence How's it going? Deadline's in two hours.
Just bringing it in for a landing.
Good.
So now's an okay time to tell you that I'm having contractions.
- (GROANS) - What? When did they start? - Relax, relax.
- Oh, my God.
Since, like, 2:00 a.
m.
- Hey, you didn't tell me? - (STAMMERS) Are you okay? - Ah, no, I'm good, I'm good All right, you know what? We got to go, we got to go.
- Where's your bag? Where's your bag? - It's by the door.
- What about your deadline? - Okay.
Come on.
No, no, no.
- I'll finish at the hospital.
- Are you sure? Come on.
Yes, yes, yes.
Shauna, come on, stop talking.
- I can probably wait.
- Come on.
Let's go, let's go.
Come on, get in the car.
Okay, let me see the little bundle.
Oh.
Madam Secretary, this is very kind of you.
- You didn't have to come.
- Oh, oh.
I told you, it is all about the kid stuff.
- Where is your sister? - Uh, she's in with Shauna they're still working out - Oh.
- the double breastfeeding thing.
(CHUCKLES): Yeah.
Oh I want to hold you so bad, but I am tainted with all the germs of the world.
- Oh.
- So, um you saw the article posted this morning? I did.
Yet I still brought you a present.
How about that? I'm sorry if anything was over the line.
No.
I said I wanted transparency.
Prison deal was a bit tough, but you gave all sides.
Mm, that was the point.
(BABY CRYING IN DISTANCE) Oh.
Well, listen, I'm gonna leave you to it.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
(CHUCKLES) Oh.
I I meant to tell you that I read your book proposal, and you got to hang in there with that, you know, find the right publisher, because that is a story that needs to be told.
Thank you, Madam Secretary.
You bet.
And, uh, when you open this, you might be going, "Really? A wet/dry vac.
" But trust me, one day you are gonna thank me.
Good luck, Neal.
Thank you for everything.
Hey.
You see that lady? (WHISPERS): She's gonna be your president one day.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Hi.
(BABY FUSSING QUIETLY) Mr.
Shin, ma'am.
Neal.
Wet/dry vac not working out for you? (CHUCKLES): Uh, we haven't quite gotten there yet.
I'm just, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.
What can I do for you? Um, sorry to come by again.
I, um I wanted to bring you something in person.
A publisher approached me, asking me to write a book about you, exposing everything that's on that drive.
I don't know where they got it, I don't know how much of it's true, but, you know some writer who's even hungrier than I am is gonna take that deal, and you should know what's coming.
Thank you.
But you can keep it.
I don't think you want me to have this: the, uh the enhanced interrogation of Safeer Al-Jamil, - the death of Joseph Garcia - Oh.
I have a pretty good idea about what's on there.
But I stand by my choices, and I'll explain them to anyone who asks.
Keep grabbing babies off boats, then, I guess.
(CHUCKLES) You, too.
Will you do me a favor and keep that somewhere safe? What is it? Tell her it's for when she's ready to do battle with tyranny.
Several members of my security detail were wounded or killed.
Minister Javani's son witnessed his father's death.
As a mother, I would've given anything to protect that child, which is why I am determined as ever to see through the nuclear agreement that his father gave his life for, because I think that's our greatest responsibility in this life, to leave a safer and more peaceful world How was your night? Pillow between the knees is officially not working anymore.
Really cramming to the last minute on this one.
Yeah, I thought I had my plan of attack.
Then Mark starts giving me these guidelines last night.
Don't ask too much about that illegal arms dealer she worked with.
Don't go too hard on the Taliban deal.
So? They can't dictate what you're allowed to ask.
No, but the secretary can refuse to answer, which means my whole warts-and-all inside look at the State Department is now an airbrushed campaign poster for a White House run.
Is this about your book deal? Can't sell a book proposal, giving up on war coverage you know, maybe that's why they put me on this.
Figure I'll play ball.
Then that just means they won't see you coming.
Once more unto the breach.
Give 'em hell.
Hey.
Uh, Neal Shin.
I'm sorry.
I don't have you in the system.
Uh, it's Neal with an "A.
" I was told there'd be a press pass.
Who's your contact? Uh Hey, you know what, she can vouch for me.
- Jessie.
Neal.
- MAN: Yeah, we'll talk later, okay? - Oh, okay.
- Jessie.
- Uh, another thing - Hey, guys.
DAISY: Neal Shin? Daisy Grant.
Oh, hey.
Uh, they don't have my pass.
He's with us today.
Thank you.
Glad you showed up.
I was about to ask her to Google me.
DAISY: You know why those other reporters let you hang? Because they've been following Secretary McCord for almost four years, sleeping on embassy floors in Togo, sweating in the back of a stuffy plane, waiting for three words from one of the world's busiest women and you come waltzing in with your 48 hours of nonstop access you didn't even ask for.
My editor assigned me.
Why, I can't imagine.
- You definitely weren't my pick.
- Really? I wanted the guy who does the Kennedy pieces in Vanity Fair.
Elegant.
Literary.
Look, I'm not coming in with any kind of agenda, okay? I just report what I see.
All SCIFs and SVTC rooms are completely off-limits.
Neal.
Welcome to the State Department.
- Secretary McCord.
- I see you've met Daisy.
Just giving him the rundown, ma'am.
All right, well, we're glad to have you here and I need your phone.
Oh.
She's just doing her job.
You can ask me anything and if the answer is classified, Daisy will tackle you.
I'm kidding.
She just had a baby.
Hey, I'm, uh, about to be a father myself twins.
- Oh.
- I'll get your press pass.
- Thanks.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Uh, well, let's get in there.
Guess I did a cannonball in her press pool.
Well, the press part Oh, sorry.
This way.
Press pool are great reporters, but they want to keep their jobs.
I'm glad that we went with someone independent.
It's good to pull back the curtain on what we do around here.
And I really liked your work in Afghanistan.
- A lot.
- Thanks.
Good morning, ma'am.
Your remarks for the, uh, Worldwide Partnership for Girls' and Women's Education Conference.
But the student essay contest winners, that's - tomorrow, you're gonna be - "What America Means to Me" I'm working on it.
Oh.
Hey.
Matt Mahoney.
I'm sorry.
Matt Mahoney.
Neal Shin.
Head speech writer.
Nice to meet you.
You do good work.
Oh, thank you.
I liked your book on Syria.
Though "like" is probably not the correct word.
Well, we try to be more optimistic about the outcomes around here.
So, you don't find your faith in humanity sometimes shaken by the work you do here? You like to come out swinging, don't you, Neal? - Come on in.
- MATT: I mean, it's not even noon yet.
Everyone, please introduce yourself to Neal Shin from The Washington Chronicle.
Can take a seat right here.
He's gonna be shadowing us - the next couple of days.
- Kat Sandoval, policy advisor.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
Hey, Neal.
Jay Whitman.
I liked your coverage on Afghanistan.
Thanks.
Uh, I saw you did some time there.
Yeah.
Looks like we both made it out.
- (CHUCKLES) - Welcome.
As mentioned in the memo, Mr.
Shin has full access for a cover profile on the secretary, but please be mindful of classified information and activities.
DAISY: If you aren't sure about anything, check with me, please.
NEAL: Thanks, everyone.
Just, you know, - pretend like I'm not here.
- KAT: Yeah, right.
I'm Blake Moran, assistant to the secretary and the best snacks are one flight down.
I hope that's not classified.
JAY: Here we go.
The Worldwide Partnership for Girls' and Women's Education Conference begins at 11:00 a.
m.
today with the secretary's remarks scheduled for 11:30.
I'm told that the food will be excellent this year, so you will want to arrive early for the passed apps.
I've arranged for a platter for you in the green room.
I'm sure that's not necessary.
Yeah.
- You have all the appetizers you want.
- Don't need a platter.
On a more urgent note, there's a developing situation on the U.
S.
-Mexico border just south of Laredo, Texas.
A recent flood of refugees from Honduras has overwhelmed Mexican detention facilities and there's a disturbing number of unaccompanied minors showing up, some kids as young as ten.
We're barely three weeks into Fonseca's first term and already Honduras is in shambles.
ELIZABETH: Well, after campaigning on law and order, FT-88 is pretty much running the National Police.
So now desperate families, of course, are sending their kids up north alone to keep them from being recruited.
JAY: President Zaragoza of Mexico is requesting an increase in aid to help with the added burden on their detention facilities.
KAT: Ooh.
I've read reports on those facilities.
They're horrendous when they're not overcrowded.
JAY: He's also requesting U.
S.
asylum for the Honduran minors.
Why? Those aren't the terms of our deal and he knows it.
- Somebody's putting pressure on him.
- Honduras maybe? I think the pressure's coming from the kids.
This was posted yesterday from the detention center in Nuevo Laredo.
(CHILDREN SINGING IN SPANISH) They're saying they're staging their funerals to the world before Mexico sends them back to be killed by FT-88.
(QUIETLY): God.
Brilliant use of social media.
It's gotten over a million hits.
Let's call President Zaragoza.
Neal, you care to join? Off the record.
FT-88 has complete control of Honduras.
The country's falling apart.
And that is a crisis we will address.
Yes, with conferences and sanctions and what is your word, inducements.
But until the country stabilizes, you must find a place for these kids.
We can't take them all.
You know the terms of our agreement, Mario.
We can't change our immigration policy.
ZARAGOZA: Things have changed since we set those terms.
Elizabeth, this is a crisis.
I am begging you.
According to the agreement, you have 72 hours before the migrants have to be returned to Honduras.
Now, I am not making any promises, but I'll talk to our embassy in Mexico about getting them humanitarian parole through USCIS.
I thank you, Madam Secretary.
Ma'am, I am sorry, but Congress is on the floor right now debating Dalton's Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill.
Is this the time to try to bring in a group of kids fleeing gang violence in Central America? I think I made it clear that it was a long shot.
No, I'm not just concerned about the kids.
If Congressional hardliners get wind of this humanitarian parole, it'll be just the excuse they've been looking for to pull the plug.
All it takes is one bad press story.
I am really starting to wonder about you being here.
No, we said that it was off the record.
- Well, he's taking notes.
- I'm sorry.
It's time for the Education Conference.
It's just notes for myself.
Look, the Senate is voting on the CIR in two days.
Just have to keep it quiet until then.
Sure, we just need to transport the kids to a resettlement support center, process them through USCIS and grant them at least temporary asylum without anyone noticing.
What could go wrong? (SIGHS) MATT: Hey, I wanted to run a book idea by you.
Backseat Driver.
A, uh, behind-the-scenes look at how speech writers have helped drive policy through U.
S.
history.
You know your boss is sitting right there? Well, of course I'd honor your contribution, ma'am.
Aw, that's sweet.
So, what do you think? - Yeah, you could probably sell that.
- Nice.
I mean, as long as a publisher thinks it'll knock some pregnant celebrity off the top ten trending topics on social media.
'Cause 280 characters seems to be the most Americans read anymore.
But at least you'll be making your contribution to the future museum of American journalism, right up there with the spinning jenny and the phonograph.
He might be more bitter than you are.
ELIZABETH: Hey, what happened to the lines we had in here about the Gulf states holding half their population - in a cultural prison? - White House killed that, ma'am.
Why? Something about not alienating key allies in the Middle East, - I'm guessing.
- Well, put it back in there.
I'll take the heat from Russell Jackson.
- Yes, ma'am.
- (SIGHS) There are women at this conference who have risked their lives fighting for gender equality.
I noticed Amina Salah.
Did you know Amina when she was education minister in Afghanistan? No, but I was aware of her work.
That was a real loss when she had to step down.
Yes, it was.
Couldn't be helped, unfortunately.
JAY: And that deal with the Taliban might've actually stabilized Afghanistan for the first time in decades.
Well, she could regain her position once the dust settles.
They're trying to tell you that I have no reason to feel guilty about making a deal that took women out of government positions.
But I do have reason and I am guilty.
Maybe it's the Taliban who should feel guilty, ma'am.
(CHUCKLES) Good luck with that.
So what else do you feel guilty about? Anything I could've done better if I'd thought about it longer.
So the deal with the Taliban.
Should you have thought about it longer? We got Intel that the Taliban's positions have evolved since you and I covered Afghanistan.
You believe that? The story's not written on that decision yet.
I may live to regret it.
A lot of this work is making impossible choices.
Yes, but Gosh, look, we're already here.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) Amina.
It's good to see you.
Hello, Elizabeth.
How are you? ELIZABETH: Good, I'm excited to hear your speech.
Yes, another speaking engagement.
If only I felt it would change anything, but then I guess we have to congratulate ourselves when we can.
Excuse me.
Oh, yeah.
I'm Neal Shin.
I reported in Afghanistan during your tenure as education minister.
Yes, yes, I remember.
I'm sorry you had to step down.
I'd like to talk to you about some of the changes in your country.
Maybe we could sit down together? Yes.
After I speak? Uh Maybe we could meet somewhere later? ELIZABETH: We left off talking about regrets, so what are yours? Uh you mean in my work? No, who you didn't take to the prom.
Yeah, in your work.
I was in Greece when the migrants started pouring in.
I gave up trying to report and just started grabbing kids off boats.
A lot of them died before we could get help.
That's one of many.
(SIGHS): Well, it's not easy confronting human misery.
You try to help, but a lot of times, it feels like you're just grabbing babies off of sinking boats.
But I have to believe that I'm preventing worse, just like you have to know you did what you could that day, even though it wasn't nearly enough.
Sorry to interrupt.
We just got word that Senator Morejon is withdrawing his support from the immigration bill.
Damn it.
What happened? Someone tipped him to the humanitarian parole request and now he is accusing Dalton of negotiating in bad faith.
By bringing in Honduran kids fleeing violence? He's saying we're trying to slip it in under the radar.
Well, that's exactly what we were doing.
He's just looking for an excuse to pull out.
And take his whole caucus with him.
You called it.
KAT: What do you want to do? My least favorite thing: find out what he wants.
Oh, gosh, that smells like something I need to be eating.
STEVIE: It is almost - ready.
- (ELIZABETH SIGHS) - Hi.
- Oh! Neal Shin, this is my daughter, Stevie.
STEVIE: Right.
- That's tonight.
Hi.
- Yes.
Sorry to crash your dinner.
No, no, I just, um, I had a really crazy day at work, and I just totally spaced.
Neal, can I offer you a glass of wine? Are you allowed to when you're on duty? - No, thanks, I'm good.
- I'll have some.
So, uh what's happening with Morejon? Or, unless we can talk about this later.
Oh.
It's fine, we're off the record on Morejon.
Oh.
So that works? You just say "off the record," and you don't publish anything that we say? No, not if I want anybody to trust me.
It's one of the last great oral contracts.
So let's hear it.
Was Russell screaming about it? What do you think? (SIGHS) I think I want to try and not think about it right now.
That sounds really nice.
You guys have a nice chat.
So you're working in the White House.
How's that? Ah, yes, it's, uh, it's not really a job job, um, it's just an internship until I start law school.
Oh, cool.
You know what kind of law you want to go into? Not yet, um Sometimes I'm not even sure I'm still going.
(CHUCKLES) Mm.
- We're still off the record, right? - Don't worry.
Yeah, it's never a straight line.
I started out working on my dad's fishing boat.
Wow, so how did you get into reporting? Uh, the usual.
Wanted a girl to think I was cool.
(LAUGHS) Did it work? No.
(LAUGHS) But I married someone cooler.
Mm.
You dropped out of undergrad for a time, right? Yeah, um, right in the beginning when my mom first became secretary.
It was kind of difficult, like being in the public eye and But it's had its advantages, too? Now you work in the White House.
Oh, yeah, I didn't get this job because of my mom.
Um, yeah, I was, I was actually asking Russell for a-a recommendation for law school.
Well, he-he offered me the job internship.
Hey, you must be Neal.
Henry McCord.
- Please call me Henry.
- It's nice to meet you, Henry.
Neal was just asking me about nepotism.
Oh.
I was just interested in the ways your mom's position has affected your life.
Yeah, it's just, it's just an internship, you know.
And, um I'm sure that a lot of people did apply for them, but I happened to be the one who was there and called for help when Russell was having a heart attack.
And now I have the job, and I'm actually more of a liability than an asset because of my mom's position, so I'm gonna finish setting the table.
She grew up with an ethics professor.
We're a little sensitive about, uh, charges of working the system.
So, uh so you teach at the War College.
Ethics of War, yeah.
Uh, we're starting a new department.
And you spent some time in Defense Intelligence? - Some.
- Well, that must've been interesting.
An ethicist working in intelligence.
(SWISHING IN BOWL) You know, I've read a lot of your work.
You're very good at uncovering injustice.
It keeps me busy.
Let me ask you something.
Do you ever think that sometimes you find dishonesty and hypocrisy because you've already decided it's there? Well, I prefer to think of my work as a search for the truth, right? Well, then, as a Catholic, I would have to say we're both searching for something elusive, unreliable, prone to bias for a story we'd like to believe.
Let's eat.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Where's Alison? Ali.
- I already texted for her to come down.
- You text her? - Oh, Neal, this is my son, Jason.
- Hey.
How's it going? You want to know the truth? Love is a lie.
Print that.
STEVIE: Bad breakup.
And please excuse the self-pitying drama.
Hi, I'm Alison.
Neal.
Thanks for having me.
It gets better, man.
I've been there.
- Babe, it's getting cold.
- (PHONE CHIMES) - I'm right here.
Hi.
(KISSES) - Oh, hi.
ELIZABETH: Yeah, Jay, listen, I got to go.
Dinner's served, but we will, uh, we'll dig into it tomorrow, okay? Thanks.
(SIGHS) (OVERLAPPING CHATTER) So, I wanted to ask you - about the impact of the job - (PHONE VIBRATES) on your family.
I am so sorry.
I got to take this.
And there you pretty much have it.
Pasta? NEAL: When Secretary McCord told you that she helped negotiate a deal bringing the Taliban to power after everything you'd been through, how'd you feel? I would say I was struck by the great irony of life.
Not betrayed? Not enraged? To be betrayed, one has to believe in loyalty.
That's a luxury I don't allow myself anymore.
Not giving you the quote you're looking for, am I? I'm just trying to get a multitude of perspectives on the secretary's policies.
I don't have an agenda.
(CHUCKLES) Everyone has an agenda.
Here's what I would never say to her or to anyone in my country, so don't quote me.
Maybe it was for the best.
Afghanistan has been exhausted to the brink of ruin by decades of war.
I don't have to tell you that.
The first step to changing anything is to end the conflict.
If giving the Taliban a seat at the table and trusting that they can be more moderate is the first step to ending the occupation of the United States and rebuilding our country I hesitate to say it, but maybe it was worth it.
It can't be that bad, writing a positive profile? You can't make a drawing without shadows.
Not a good one.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Excuse me, Mr.
Shin? Jennifer Probst of Hidebound Press.
Do you have a moment? - What's this about? - I don't know if you're familiar with our work.
We're a subsidiary of Trenton Press.
I'm familiar.
I'd like to discuss an opportunity.
Why don't you call my agent.
Well, I'll leave this with you, then.
We are fans of your work.
Well, it's not exactly the feverish conspiracy crap you guys like to dish out.
Well, we're not afraid of straight talk on controversial topics.
We are looking to expand across the political spectrum.
You'd be an important part of that.
I loved your book proposal, by the way.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Well, that makes two of us.
This is an offer to expand your article on Secretary McCord into a book.
It'd be on the fast track for fall publication with full marketing and promotion.
The advance is $200,000.
I don't jump on command.
Sorry.
We'd have no editorial requirements.
That's all in the contract, along with some additional information we've gathered on the secretary.
Purely for your consideration.
Not interested.
Don't you think the American public deserves to know the truth? (SCOFFS) If nothing else, it might help you with your article.
I'll talk to you soon.
There's no editorial mandate.
It's a straightforward deal.
Doesn't mean they won't edit me into some crazy hit job.
Yeah, especially at a place like Hidebound.
Why you, though? I mean, it's not like they need your article to build their book on.
Some BS about expanding their brand.
It looks more legit when their conspiracy nonsense comes from a reporter with cred.
You think they have anything real? I'm sure she's crossed some lines, they always do.
Plus, she was CIA.
Are you gonna look? I don't know.
Once I open it, I can't unsee it.
Why is the sink full of ice? Oh.
The fridge crapped out again.
I didn't want the ice to melt on the floor like last time.
I thought the guy put the thing in.
Apparently, it was a different thing.
I left him a message.
He better not charge us again.
I'm gonna go to bed.
My advice? Don't open it.
Not even for 200K? I didn't marry you for the money.
It's your sterling principles that knocked me up.
(GROANS) (TRASH CAN SCRAPES) (CLEARS THROAT) (TAPPING KEYS) CARLOS: I believe in the dreams of immigrants who want to contribute to our great nation.
But I simply cannot support legislation on immigration put forth by this president when his administration - is offering refuge - (HORN HONKING) to gangsters and thugs.
(ELEVATOR CHIMES) Senator Morejon.
Mind if I have a word? CARLOS: Madam Secretary, what a surprise.
Can't be too much of one.
LISA: Nope.
Not you.
I'm with the secretary.
The senator isn't available for questions at this time.
So you're interfering with the First Amendment.
Is that what's happening here? Oh, you want to talk about the First Amendment.
I'd love to talk about that fine line between freedom of expression and slander.
Do you really want to get into it with me, Neal? I'm on assignment from The Washington Chronicle.
You are preventing me from reporting on the Secretary of State.
The Chronicle, nice.
Are they aware of your baseless smears against a U.
S.
senator? I had evidence.
It was uncorroborated.
- You violated journalistic ethics.
- (LAUGHS) "Ethics," really? I have a list the length of my arm of reckless statements and hate-mongering by that political bully you work for.
LISA: Hmm.
- Still a charmer, I see.
- (SIGHS) You're better than this guy, Lisa.
You know, I love being coached on how to improve my life by a gossip-monger eating ramen in a sweaty press pool.
Yeah? Well, a life of integrity means you eat a lot of ramen.
Ready? You bet.
It's a long story.
ELIZABETH: Well, it was less of a showdown, more of a setup.
Turns out that Morejon will back the immigration bill as long as I can get POTUS to back off divesting from private prisons.
He dragged all those Honduran kids through the mud to work a favor on private prisons? - He was always in their pocket.
- Who are his key donors? ELIZABETH: Still can't believe that he orchestrated an entire press conference because he knew it would bring me right to his door.
I hate to say it, but he played us like a fiddle.
Yeah, don't say that.
Uh, bingo.
Bob Haverford of Haverford Industries.
Major donor to his last campaign.
We're not gonna actually do his bidding, are we? ELIZABETH: He's holding the ball on immigration reform.
It's Russell's call now.
Latte for you.
This never gets old.
BOTH: Thank you.
Neal.
Of course.
So what was up with you and that comms director? Bad breakup? Oh, I missed all the fun.
No, I-I wrote a story on some D.
C.
gossip blog back when I was a stringer.
(SNIFFS) Morejon's first term as congressman, he kept bragging to veterans about his military experience.
Something seemed off, so I dug into it.
Let me guess: marching band? Almost.
Um, he went to a military academy, but he was expelled when somebody outed him for writing his own letter of recommendation.
No please tell me you got your hands on that letter.
- And? - I did.
(LAUGHS): "Sh" "Shining example of manhood" was a standout phrase, uh Uh, "Courts adversity with the grace of a matador.
" - (ALL GROANING) - And, uh I still feel kind of bad for the guy.
MATT: Oh, don't make us feel bad for the matador.
This is what elicits compassion from Neal.
JAY: White House, Frank.
Thanks.
Mr.
Jackson will be right in.
(STEVIE CLEARS THROAT) I'm just gonna get back to work.
I have a lot to do.
Oh.
She's still a little sensitive about the whole nepotism thing.
So I hear our senator from Arizona wants to play hardball, and you showed up with a Wiffle bat.
Who are you? This is the reporter you wanted to follow me around.
Having second thoughts about that.
Mm-hmm.
Russell Jackson.
Everything I say is off the record.
- Neal Shin.
- So what's Morejon's play? He wants Dalton to back off divesting from private prisons.
Stirring up fear and hatred to safeguard private prison contracts.
Has a certain classical flair.
Look, I know what you're gonna say, but if we send those kids back to Honduras, we might as well sign their death warrants.
I've got a whole other death warrant in mind.
Russell And you're not talking me out of it this time.
This is definitely not on the record.
We are not dragging Morejon's family into this.
His wife worked as an illegal.
It's one call to a paper.
Look, we don't even have to pick up the phone.
- We're not on the record.
- Why the hell not? We are not on the record.
Because we don't do oppo, Russell.
- (SIGHS HEAVILY) - Everyone in this town worth anything has an oppo file.
Using it against them is the last refuge of a scoundrel.
(RUSSELL LAUGHS) I thought that was patriotism.
Let me just try one more thing.
That's what you said last time, now look where we are.
If it doesn't work, the kids are going back anyway, and then you can do whatever you want with him.
(SIGHS) Fly away, starlings.
Fly, fly, fly.
ELIZABETH: Neal.
Oh, I've always wanted to see this place.
Well, now you get to.
- Hi.
- Uh, ma'am.
BLAKE: Excuse us.
Mr.
Haverford, Secretary McCord.
This is a private club, Madam Secretary.
I know, and I am so sorry that we didn't have time to request an invitation.
I guess I figured, as the CEO of a private prison, you'd understand the private and the public sometimes get a little mixed up.
My goodness, where are my manners? Uh, Bob Haverford, this is my assistant Blake Moran, and Neal Shin from The Washington Chronicle.
You can't bring press in here.
This is strictly off the record.
Of course.
But the fact that you're a major donor to Senator Morejon's campaign, well, that's public information.
And I'm afraid Neal is also aware that Senator Morejon threatened to derail legislation in Congress to try to put pressure on the president to drop his executive order divesting from private prisons.
You have zero evidence of those allegations.
Let me just cut to the chase.
He's not going to revoke the executive order.
And I know that you stand to lose a lot of business once the federal government pulls out its inmates.
So, I mean, what is it? Blake, is it 80%? Oh, it's more like 85, ma'am.
85, wow.
That has got to hurt.
The good news is, I'm here to make you an offer.
You've got four facilities in South Texas due to be empty once that executive order goes through.
I'd like to offer you the opportunity to repurpose those facilities to house immigrants and refugees starting a new life in the United States.
You can't railroad me like this.
ELIZABETH: I know, you feel unfairly stripped of your livelihood, it's unjust.
Absolutely.
Which is why you are really going to identify with your new clientele.
So what do you say, Bob? I'll need to regroup, and discuss this with my board.
All right, you do that.
You've got 24 hours before I go to one of your competitors.
Enjoy your evening.
BLAKE: Ma'am, when you're ready, I have your remarks for the student winners of the "What America Means to Me" essay contest.
Oh, goody.
I love the kid stuff.
This might actually be fun for you, Neal.
Certainly better than watching that sausage factory back there.
BLAKE: Speaking of which, if we don't hit traffic, we'll make it in time for pizza.
(WHISPERS): Yes.
Now you are talking.
I'm sorry, um, how could you make that deal? It's true Homeland Security and DOJ still have to sign off, - but he didn't need to know that.
- No.
How could you cut a deal with that guy? He lobbies for laws that target and imprison low-income minority Americans, so he and his cronies can get richer.
It's practically modern day slavery.
And I just gave him the opportunity to change his business model.
You saved him from going under.
All right? He pressured you with a corrupt senator, and you capitulated.
Well that's one way to write it.
(SIGHS) It doesn't matter what I write.
They'll say it anyway.
They'll say you put immigrant kids in jail.
Right, you-you made a-a reckless deal with Iran that made the world less safe.
(WRY CHUCKLE) You put the Taliban in power, and you sold out your own friend in Afghanistan.
Just grabbing babies off boats, Neal.
If you want to lead this country, (SIGHS) then let's be honest.
It's the whole reason I'm here.
Stop giving your enemies everything they need - to take you down.
- (CHUCKLES) If I started thinking about how people could use everything I say and do against me, I wouldn't get out of bed in the morning.
But you have to think about it.
- Why? - Because that's how you win by giving us an illusion we can believe in.
I mean, we don't want the truth; we just want to believe.
Which is an absurd position for a journalist, so forget I said any of that.
(SIGHS) ELIZABETH: Every generation, the question gets asked: why is the United States so involved - in the rest of the world? - (CAMERA CLICKS) Why do we have to be the ones to send our military to face down a threat overseas? And why must we negotiate so many trade deals and send aid to foreign countries and let in so many new arrivals when there are people who need help right here at home? Well, next time I get those questions I'm going to use your essays about "What America Means to Me" to answer them.
And I'm going to talk about Saya's parents coming here from Syria and working at a donut shop until they could afford to open up their own.
And I'm going to quote Benji about how his brother, who is kind of a screw-up his words, not mine (LAUGHTER) put his life back together while he was working with AmeriCorps to help Haiti get back on its feet.
And I'm going to talk about Dana's unforgettable day at Ground Zero, and her powerful ideas for how to heal hatred and overcome fear.
So thank you for doing my job for me.
(LAUGHTER) We all hear people say politicians are liars, corporations are greedy, and the whole system is rigged against the little guy.
And sometimes that's true.
But most of the time, it isn't.
I think that what America means to me is that we get to say these things.
We get to question and challenge and argue and make up our own minds.
Because when only one truth prevails everything is broken, that guy's a monster, that guy's our savior that's called tyranny.
And nothing could be less American.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Nice speech.
Yeah.
Not what I wrote.
SHAUNA: Oh.
That's a bad case of Writer Face.
Let me help you think.
(SIGHS) What's your angle? I don't know.
You know, she seems like this completely unmanaged public figure who breaks all the rules.
She crosses party lines, you know, gives inspiring speeches about independent thinking but then she lets herself get played by some crap senator.
You know, bails out the worst kind of cronyism, just What do you think? The stuff on that file it's not great.
So you read it.
Doesn't mean I'm committing to anything.
(SHAUNA GROANS) (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) (REFRIGERATOR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES) Write what you saw.
Write the truth.
Fridge is fixed.
ELIZABETH: I think what America means to me is that we get to say these things.
Question and challenge and argue, make up our own minds.
NEWSMAN: A bus loaded with nearly 80 unaccompanied minors from Honduras found temporary refuge in the United States this morning, while their requests for humanitarian parole are pending.
Fleeing rampant gang violence How's it going? Deadline's in two hours.
Just bringing it in for a landing.
Good.
So now's an okay time to tell you that I'm having contractions.
- (GROANS) - What? When did they start? - Relax, relax.
- Oh, my God.
Since, like, 2:00 a.
m.
- Hey, you didn't tell me? - (STAMMERS) Are you okay? - Ah, no, I'm good, I'm good All right, you know what? We got to go, we got to go.
- Where's your bag? Where's your bag? - It's by the door.
- What about your deadline? - Okay.
Come on.
No, no, no.
- I'll finish at the hospital.
- Are you sure? Come on.
Yes, yes, yes.
Shauna, come on, stop talking.
- I can probably wait.
- Come on.
Let's go, let's go.
Come on, get in the car.
Okay, let me see the little bundle.
Oh.
Madam Secretary, this is very kind of you.
- You didn't have to come.
- Oh, oh.
I told you, it is all about the kid stuff.
- Where is your sister? - Uh, she's in with Shauna they're still working out - Oh.
- the double breastfeeding thing.
(CHUCKLES): Yeah.
Oh I want to hold you so bad, but I am tainted with all the germs of the world.
- Oh.
- So, um you saw the article posted this morning? I did.
Yet I still brought you a present.
How about that? I'm sorry if anything was over the line.
No.
I said I wanted transparency.
Prison deal was a bit tough, but you gave all sides.
Mm, that was the point.
(BABY CRYING IN DISTANCE) Oh.
Well, listen, I'm gonna leave you to it.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
(CHUCKLES) Oh.
I I meant to tell you that I read your book proposal, and you got to hang in there with that, you know, find the right publisher, because that is a story that needs to be told.
Thank you, Madam Secretary.
You bet.
And, uh, when you open this, you might be going, "Really? A wet/dry vac.
" But trust me, one day you are gonna thank me.
Good luck, Neal.
Thank you for everything.
Hey.
You see that lady? (WHISPERS): She's gonna be your president one day.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Hi.
(BABY FUSSING QUIETLY) Mr.
Shin, ma'am.
Neal.
Wet/dry vac not working out for you? (CHUCKLES): Uh, we haven't quite gotten there yet.
I'm just, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.
What can I do for you? Um, sorry to come by again.
I, um I wanted to bring you something in person.
A publisher approached me, asking me to write a book about you, exposing everything that's on that drive.
I don't know where they got it, I don't know how much of it's true, but, you know some writer who's even hungrier than I am is gonna take that deal, and you should know what's coming.
Thank you.
But you can keep it.
I don't think you want me to have this: the, uh the enhanced interrogation of Safeer Al-Jamil, - the death of Joseph Garcia - Oh.
I have a pretty good idea about what's on there.
But I stand by my choices, and I'll explain them to anyone who asks.
Keep grabbing babies off boats, then, I guess.
(CHUCKLES) You, too.
Will you do me a favor and keep that somewhere safe? What is it? Tell her it's for when she's ready to do battle with tyranny.