06x05 - Daisy

[bunniefuu]

Hey, Sherry.

I'm Elizabeth McCord, and I'm (DOOR SLAMS)

You're sure this is a swing district?

DAISY: Trust me.

This county could decide the whole election.

And it had to be Virginia, huh?

You're from Virginia.

(MOUTHING)

Hey, did you vote today?

Not for you.

Oh.

(CHUCKLES)

Okay.

Cute dog.

(SIGHS)

Hey, Conrad!

One of ours?

At least he got a hug.

Uh, polls close in 20 minutes.

Maybe we should call it quits, ma'am.

Any longer and we might miss the party.

Plus, Blake has some fries in the van.

It's only a party if we win.

One more.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(DOORBELL RINGING)

So the fries: straight or curly?

Curly.

WOMAN (FROM INSIDE): Barry, get off the couch!

- Okay.

- Get the door!

Hi, Barry, I'm Elizabeth.

I was wondering if you had a chance to vote today.

Lady, I just worked a double shift and took three buses to get home because my idiot son drove to Smoothie Shack with the parking brake on.

Sounds like a no.

Yeah.

As in "no solicitors.

" Oh.

Uh, uh Barry.

Just Can you tell me who you were going to vote for?

(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)

My Education, Science and Infrastructure plan has funding for suburban communities.

And a tax credit for car repair.

So, Barry, what have you learned from this experience?

Vote by mail.

- Next time.

- (CHUCKLES)

Every time.

Thanks.

DALTON: We're here.

Wow, Mr.

President.

Mrs.

McCord I mean, Secretary Madam.

- I, uh - Need to vote.

Let's go, Barry, let's go.

All right.

Go, Barry, go.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

DALTON: Well, Bess, I think we did all we could.

(SIREN CHIRPS)

Yes, sir.

I think we did.

(HOPE BARKING)

He's gonna love her.

What's not to love?

Except, maybe, the jumping.

Did you talk to the trainer?

Why so he can tell us it's about asserting dominance?

I'm the president, and I think it's cute.

You know, Conrad could stay at the Blair House.

That's like banishing your in-laws to a hotel.

Which I did once.

Besides, it's not every day you get to unveil Conrad's official presidential portrait.

- Have you seen it?

- It's veiled.

(HOPE BARKING)

- Like that ever stopped you from looking at Christmas presents.

- Yeah, that was one time.

- Hope, hey.

(WHISTLES)

Come.

You know, just because Eisenhower was Conrad's favorite doesn't mean you have to redecorate.

Wh I like Ike.

I've always liked Ike.

(HOPE BARKING)

- MAN: Watch out!

- Hope!

- Oh!

- HENRY: Oh, no Oh.

ELIZABETH: Oh!

- Hope, no.

- No, no, no.

I'm-I'm so sorry, Madam President.

- Dr.

McCord.

- She tripped me.

- No.

- It's not your fault, Andy.

- Oh, no.

- Oh, my God.

(GASPS)

Don't move it.

- Wh-What?

Like a-an accident victim?

- I don't know.

Yeah.

Okay, let's just see what's going on here.

Um - It's not too bad.

- (SIGHS)

Uh, it's just a deviated, uh, smashed nose.

Henry, it's a one of a kind.

- I'll call the Smithsonian.

- Okay.

Oh, uh, ma'am, the 4-H kids are waiting in the Oval.

Oh!

Is that Ike?

And after the photo spray with the kids, you'll be receiving the credentials of the Philippines' new ambassador.

Eisenhower was once stationed in the Philippines.

I'm sure he'll be fine.

Where are the kids?

What Children?

Children?

They were right here.

RUSSELL: I sent them home.

They smelled like a barn anyway.

Who gets a medal for milking goats?

Morning.

What's the occasion?

We have a national security situation that requires your immediate attention.

(INHALES SHARPLY)

What about?

Daisy Grant.

Her name is Claudine Bernard, and she's a French national.

LISA: Ms.

Grant failed to disclose contact with her during the campaign.

Sounds like a problem for OPM.

I wish it were that simple.

My client has information pertinent to the Iran hack that took place during the election.

Ms.

Bernard told me that she had dirt on President McCord's opponent, Senator Beauregard Miller.

And how did you respond?

I think I said "Okay"?

I mean, honestly, it barely registered.

I was pretty distracted at the time.

LISA: It was only a few minutes after the altercation shown on that video.

But she handed me this.

Did you examine the contents?

Yes.

It contains court documents revealing Senator Miller was engaged in an extra-marital affair with an intern, and had fathered a child with her and had asked his deputy chief of staff to claim paternity.

You mean the exact documents that were obtained in the Iran hack.

Yes, but at the time I didn't know where they came from.

Valerie Guillen published those documents in The Chronicle on the morning of July 16th.

Less than 12 hours after you obtained them.

I didn't leak them.

LISA: My client is here of her own volition.

And I will remind you that coincidence is not a crime.

This is a bombshell that could have tipped the election.

Are we really supposed to believe that you just put it in a cupboard?

Yes.

And FYI, it was a drawer.

How long have you known?

Daisy came to me last night.

After consulting with Olivia, I told her to go to the FBI.

Justice has an independent investigation into Iran's efforts to influence our elections and they've empaneled a grand jury.

This seemed material.

(SIGHS)

I'd say.

Normally, there'd be a firewall between you and the investigation.

But this is clearly an exception.

After taking appropriate steps, we all agreed that it was time to read you in.

I have a lot of questions.

Start with the obvious.

Did Daisy commit a crime?

Well, if she's telling the truth, no.

But if she leaked the file, she may be liable under campaign finance laws.

Even then, they'd have to prove that she knew the information was hacked.

So, as far as we know, the only thing she did wrong was fail to report the encounter at the time.

Technically, an omission on her SF86.

Which isn't even illegal.

It's a finger wag - from the OPM.

- The issue here isn't legal jeopardy, it's public perception.

Tell her.

Well, per Justice rules, the FBI has until tomorrow to disclose this finding to the Senate.

And you think that Hanson will leak it.

Press Secretary.

Secret flash drive.

Foreign agent.

By the time he runs it through his Conspiratron 5000, it'll look like you were twerking with the Ayatollah.

I have to admit, the timing looks bad.

I mean, isn't there anybody who can corroborate Daisy's story?

Well, there are only two other people who know what really happened.

This French lady Ms.

Bernard and Valerie Guillen, the Chronicle reporter who originally broke the Miller story.

Well, I imagine Guillen won't reveal her source.

The Grand Jury has issued a subpoena, but She's hugging the First Amendment like a ficus on Arbor Day.

Well, that leaves Ms.

Bernard.

Obviously, she's an Iranian agent.

DNI Ware is on it now.

So far, all we know is that she transferred from the embassy here in D. C. back to Paris last month.

Well, look, let's tell Ephraim that I want the entire IC on it.

Any resources he can spare.

And let's get Secretary Thompson, - lean on the French for cooperation.

- Yes, ma'am.

I want to know the minute we find Ms.

Bernard.

We need the truth, wherever it leads.

For now, it's just business as usual.

Thank you.

(SIGHS)

Uh Oh.

Well, I (CLICKS TONGUE)

I think we can rule out glue.

Well, can you do some kind of patch job?

President Dalton's portrait unveiling is in two days.

(SCOFFS)

(CHUCKLES): I'll triage as best I can.

Okay.

Thanks.

All right.

What's next, Evan?

Well, since you and Stevie are still under subpoena, Olivia Mason sent an update on the Senate investigation.

Oh, good.

I could use some light reading.

It's on your desk, along with the usual uh, barrage of mail.

More jokes about my sex life?

Plenty.

But you're also invited to a naturalization ceremony.

Dmitri Petrov.

Says he knows you.

RSVP that I'll be there.

- Uh, and set up a coffee.

- (GROANS)

- I want to catch up with him.

- Copy that.

Sorry.

Charley horse.

Uh, the president's here.

The old one.

Th-The former one.

Well, also older.

He's two hours early.

- Ma'am.

- (CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)

Falcon landing.

ELIZABETH: Mr.

President!

Madam President.

(CHUCKLES)

Henry.

Hello, sir.

Lookin' good.

I love the hair.

Yeah, shades of the summer of '67.

- It's great to see you both.

Russell.

- Aw.

How'd they lure you out of retirement?

I asked.

And Carol agreed not to k*ll me.

Hey, I reserved nine holes for us at Fort Belvoir.

Can't wait.

Almost forgot.

You brought Gertrude.

Ten years in the closet, still plays sweet as ever.

(LAUGHS)

I'm, uh, polishing up a song I'm writing for my album.

Did I tell you about my album?

So it's basically a conceptual folk project for kids.

A lot of work, but Lydia's been very patient.

How is Lydia?

Sorry she couldn't make it.

Yeah, she sends her best, and, uh, believe me, she's had enough time in this place to last a lifetime.

But, who knows, maybe, uh, being back here will be the spark I need to finish that last song before I do the interview with Bob Schieffer.

I thought you weren't doing media.

Eh, just to promote the album.

And, you know, it turns out Schieffer's a h*nky-tonk guy.

No kidding.

Oh, uh, Madam President, Mr.

President.

Uh, DNI Ware and Director Banks need to see you.

- Uh - Well, I'm guessing that scratches - our golf game.

- I'm out of practice anyway.

Dinner tomorrow night, right?

- Can't wait, yeah.

- Great.

Did we get Bernard?

No, ma'am.

French DGSI traced her to a farmhouse outside of Tours.

But when the local gendarmerie raided the place, they came up empty.

Then why are we here?

Because I think we found her.

A phone recovered at the farmhouse gave us a working theory, which NSA facial recognition just confirmed.

She's in Tehran.

Yeah, we're still working out how she got there.

But, for the moment, it's safe to say Claudine Bernard is out of reach.

Well, we could have Secretary Thompson put out a feeler, request an interview.

They'll refuse.

We'll have shown our hand for nothing.

When do you have to put in your letter of disclosure to the Senate?

About Daisy?

1700 tomorrow.

Huh.

Thank you.

- Ma'am.

- Madam President.

(DOOR OPENS)

Claudine Bernard was our best sh*t at exonerating Daisy.

But there's still time to get in front of it.

Blake.

Yes, ma'am?

I need to see Daisy.

Alone.

(DOOR CLOSES)

Ma'am.

- Ma'am, if I may - I've been briefed on your situation.

I didn't leak it.

Oh, boy, I want to believe you, Daisy.

But when that French woman gave you the flash drive, when the story broke, you stayed silent.

I need to know why.

Because he's a monster.

Who?

Senator Miller.

The story broke the day after I got the file.

If I'd gone to the FBI, how would that look?

The way it does now.

Bad.

You should have disclosed it.

And had it been any other candidate, I would have.

But Miller's a r*cist, a bully and a liar.

I did nothing wrong.

But I knew that he would lie and distort and say that it was clear evidence that you were colluding with a foreign agent.

And because of his stature as a Republican nominee, millions of people would have believed it.

And had those lies sunk your campaign and he got elected, I wouldn't have been able to look my daughter in the eye.

I don't need you to protect me.

I'm sorry, ma'am, but it's my job to protect you.

And against a guy like Miller, you can't play by the rules.

I know it felt like that, but it wasn't your choice to make.

I didn't leak that file.

And I never imagined that Claudine would be working for Iran.

But I did know that staying silent would have consequences.

Madam President I'd like to offer my resignation.

MIKE: What do you mean you said no?

Resigning would have ruined Daisy's career.

- Yeah, so can prison.

- What you think she did it?

It doesn't matter what I think.

This is an open wound going septic.

It's time to amputate.

She's taking a leave of absence until the whole thing blows over.

- And you're on board with this?

- Absolutely.

Power stems from loyalty.

If Elizabeth jettisons Daisy at the first sign of trouble, she'll look weak.

And if Daisy drags her down, she'll look dead.

What happens when this leaks?

Director Banks won't brief the Senate until tomorrow night.

We still have runway.

And until I have reason to believe that Daisy is lying, I am not gonna ruin her reputation to score political points.

Okay, okay, Pollyanna, but in the meantime, Bernard is scarfing kebobs in Tehran and the only person who knows what happened is this reporter Guillen.

Valerie Guillen is under subpoena.

Due in court tomorrow at noon, which means she can reveal her true source before the FBI discloses Daisy's confession to the SSCI.

Have you met reporters?

'Cause they're not exactly limber when it comes to freedom of the press.

Except that the grand jury proceedings are secret.

So, in theory, Guillen can reveal her source without any negative consequences.

A nuance that will be lost on her friends in the media and me.

So, what's your move, sport?

Nix the subpoena on Guillen, drop Daisy and move on.

I can't nix the subpoena.

POTUS can't interfere in a DOJ investigation.

By tradition, not law.

The attorney general serves - at the pleasure.

- I've made my decision.

We hold the line and hope that Valerie - exonerates Daisy tomorrow.

- And if she doesn't?

We reevaluate.

She's earned that much, at least.

(HOPE WHINES)

I require calories.

Chips?

Ugh.

Vegetable?

Cindy's cracking down on contraband.

Wish I could make her take a leave of absence.

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

Oh, hey.

I'm sorry about Daisy.

She'll be back.

You seen Conrad?

I think he went to bed.

You sound confident.

The Chronicle reporter, Valerie Guillen, has a subpoena to appear before the grand jury at noon tomorrow.

And what if she refuses to testify?

We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

And you realize that bridge leads to imprisonment.

Of a reporter for doing her job.

So I've been told, but it's out of my hands.

- Can't - (HOPE WHINES)

Oh, Henry.

That face.

You mean the face of a dog who tried to m*rder our 34th president?

(CHUCKLES)

Oh, God.

You're on that, right?

Uh, yes.

There's a world-renowned art conservator in the Green Room as we speak named Jax.

He's gonna try using a 3-D printer.

Jax.

I feel better already.

Is it wrong that the A.

G.

's going after Guillen?

(CLEARS THROAT)

Well, politics aside you have to ask what impact this could have on the press.

I mean, there's an event horizon where reporters will start thinking twice about publishing anonymous sources.

Well, if they come from an illegal hack, maybe they should.

(GUITAR PLAYING IN DISTANCE)

Is that what I think it is?

He's not half bad.

But it is more than half weird, right?

Last fall, he was doing six rallies a week, plus he had a pretty big day job.

And now he's doing a concept album for kids?

Come on.

I was worried it was something with the marriage.

I know.

Me too.

After Lydia mysteriously cancels?

It is a big deal to miss the portrait unveiling.

It's a major transition, leaving office.

I-I There's gonna be strain.

Hey.

We'll be fine.

Good.

'Cause if anything happens, I'm keeping the dog.

Mm.

Oh, yeah.

President Dalton's official portrait arrives in the Green Room this afternoon.

The program for the unveiling will be released shortly.

I have time for a couple more.

(REPORTERS CLAMORING)

What's your reaction to the latest numbers from Quinnipiac?

They're a historic low for any president at this stage.

President McCord doesn't shy from adversity.

She's in for the long haul.

- Last one.

Frank?

- (REPORTERS CLAMORING)

Uh, any word on when Daisy will be back or why she took that leave?

That's two.

And no.

Thank you.

(REPORTERS CLAMORING)

Angela.

Hey, Valerie.

What's up?

I'd like to speak to Mike Barnow.

I'd ask your predecessor, but someone hid her away.

Do I look like a page?

A little.

(DOOR OPENS)

Ms.

Guillen.

This is an unusual request.

I'd offer you a seat, but you're due in court in half an hour.

I have a message for your boss.

You're looking to bargain, you should start with the U.

S.

attorney.

I'll just skip the line to the chief executive, if it's all the same.

- Fire away.

- Tell her that I will never, under any circumstances, reveal my source.

You save that for the judge.

And give legitimacy to that court?

(CHUCKLES): I won't be attending the hearing.

They'll hold you in contempt.

Then I'll be writing from jail.

I've already cleared it with my editor.

Ooh, you got to admit, should be one hell of a story.

Maybe even book deal worthy.

(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)

Good afternoon.

REPORTERS: Good afternoon.

I want to speak directly to you about a story that leaked today regarding my press secretary, Daisy Grant.

Where's Valerie?

Uh, I'm gonna take questions at the end.

Thank you.

As you know, Daisy Grant remains under investigation for a possible leak, um of hacked material to the press, which is a potential violation of campaign finance laws.

What you don't know is that she is cooperating fully, and I am confident that she'll be ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

Where's Valerie Guillen?

That's a question for the DOJ.

Daisy will remain on leave until this case is properly adjudicated.

- And in - Where's Valerie?

Where's Valerie?

NEWSWOMAN: Where's Valerie?

- Where's Valerie?

- Where's Valerie?

- Where's Valerie?

- Where's Valerie?

Look, I appreciate your loyalty to one (OVERLAPPING CHATTER)

- Where's Valerie?

- Where's Valerie?

Where's Valerie?

Where's Valerie?

- (DOOR CLOSES)

- Where's Valerie?

You could have heard a pin drop.

Well, they made plenty of noise once they got outside.

Yeah, circling the wagons to whine about freedom.

It never gets old.

Except Valerie Guillen is in jail for contempt, not for anything she published.

This is about finding the truth, not about censorship.

Pass the romanesco.

You know, I've been trying to grow this in my garden.

Takes a lot of TLC.

Well, I don't know where we go from here.

I believe Daisy, but this First Amendment standoff could go on indefinitely.

Meanwhile, half of Congress is rushing to judgment, calling for my scalp.

Sir, if you could, uh, put in a positive word during your appearance to promote your album, may help.

That reminds me.

Couple of things I should, uh, share with you that might come up in the interview.

First, I'm gonna be a grandpa.

HENRY: What?

Wow.

- What?

- Yeah.

Harrison and And his girlfriend is going to have a baby.

- Oh!

- Oh, wow.

Lydia's with her now.

That's why she couldn't be with us, so - Oh.

- There was a bit of a scare, but, um, she's out of the woods now, so - ELIZABETH: Good.

- I wanted to tell you, but I didn't get permission until about an hour ago.

(ELIZABETH CHUCKLES)

- Wow.

So, when's she due?

November.

Special month.

- That's fantastic.

- RUSSELL: Fantastic.

- Congratulations.

Wow.

- DALTON: Thank you.

And second, I am going to be joining UNICEF as its next executive director.

- Oh!

- HENRY: Wow.

- That's perfect.

Oh!

- Yes.

- I mean - Wow.

- HENRY: That's great.

- Yeah.

I'm sure that, uh, between the hair and, uh, the guitar, you probably thought my next step was gonna be, uh, playing for tips - on the coffeehouse circuit.

- I was wondering.

(CHUCKLES)

Toast.

To your new job.

(CHUCKLES)

And the next generation.

Hear, hear.

Our kids better procreate.

Oh, the sooner, the better.

(CHUCKLES)

That was big news tonight.

Yeah, seriously.

Glad it wasn't trouble with Lydia.

What?

I don't know.

I guess I was wanting some advice.

The guy was with me every day of the campaign.

I just assumed it would be the same while I was president.

Well, I know you're not asking me, but that event horizon we talked about?

It's here.

It's an independent judiciary, Henry.

Article II, section 2, clause 1.

The presidential pardon.

You could free Valerie with one stroke of the pen.

And give up on answers?

Because once she walks, that's it.

Daisy's career is over.

And you can forget about finding the hackers.

You know, the ones who att*cked our democracy?

A democracy that depends on the press.

You want closure?

Something's got to give.

Well, it won't be me.

I'm gonna take a bath.

Elizabeth.

Can we do more zoo tomorrow?

Buckles wants to see the lions.

(CHUCKLES): Yes, let's do it.

(ROARS)

- (LAUGHS)

Good night, Simba.

- Mama?

- Yes?

I like you home.

Me, too, pumpkin.

Good night.

(PHONE CHIMES)

A lot of people are finding these revelations of a connection between Daisy Grant and an Iranian agent troubling.

Understandably.

This goes beyond any sense of unease over having a weak president.

We're talking about a McCord fangirl who doesn't say boo without her boss's permission.

The investigation in the Senate is still ongoing, but it sounds like you're implying President McCord was responsible for coordinating this hack.

We're simply connecting the dots.

When we finish, we're going to take action.

NEWSWOMAN: Can you be more specific?

Not a member of the House, but if I were, I would say the facts merit a resolution.

NEWSWOMAN: Of impeachment?

What else?

(SIGHS)

Oh, my God.

Russell.

Oh, is this about the pandas?

Because zoo funding is in committee next week.

Pandas don't need my help.

They're cute, industrious and, unlike you, don't crap the bed.

Then how can I help you?

You floated a word last night.

Impeachment.

Ironically, to comment on an investigation that you leaked.

Is that an accusation?

Call it a warning.

You're playing with fire.

I'm not the one throwing journalists in jail.

Fine.

You want to poison the country with a snakebite on a duly elected president, be my guest.

- You'll get slaughtered in the midterms.

- (CHUCKLES)

I'm just a senator, Russell.

- Impeachment starts in the House.

- Yeah.

Where the puppets dance to your strings.

Don't play coy.

We have the votes.

Dream on.

Two fractured parties and a rabble of independents.

What are the odds you can unite them against the woman who passed ESI?

With Daisy Grant still employed in the White House, I think our odds are just fine.

STEVIE: Mom, what's on my toast?

Uh, romanesco.

It's like broccoli but weird.

Oh.

- Hmm.

- How's work?

I don't know.

Is Valerie Guillen still in prison?

I'm taking flack, Mom.

It's got nothing to do with you, Stevie.

I work at a human rights organization, so it has, like, everything to do with me.

HENRY: Restoration complete.

That's the fastest nose job in Smithsonian history.

Oh, good.

Wait, what happened?

Oh, it's a long story.

Ask Hope.

Where is Hope?

I caved.

She's at the trainer.

- Oh.

- Conrad's on in a minute.

Oh, uh, Dmitri's naturalization ceremony is this afternoon.

- Already?

- Yeah.

3:00 at the district court on Constitution Ave.

You want to go?

Maybe.

I-I mean, I'm pretty tied up with this child labor case in Senegal.

Also, associating with a totalitarian thought suppressor.

Sorry.

Not all of my colleagues call you that.

Oh, there he is.

Turn it up, please.

Mr.

President, was your decision to take this new job motivated by becoming a grandfather?

Absolutely.

It reminded me that there's nothing more important than working on behalf of children.

Well, as a proud grandpa myself, I can tell you it's pretty much the only thing in life that's as good as people say it is, - so welcome to the club.

- Thank you.

I understand you're, uh, staying at the White House - during this trip.

- Yeah.

I, uh, I didn't have enough points to stay at the Hilton, so (LAUGHS)

Well, it must be a nice change and a chance to catch up with your protégé.

You mean my successor.

Well, President McCord is in some hot water right now.

I'm-I'm just wondering if you timed this trip to offer advice.

Come on, advice?

(CHUCKLES)

The last thing Elizabeth McCord needs is my advice.

Her judgment is impeccable and her honor, unimpeachable.

And yes, I said unimpeachable, Senator Hanson.

- (CHUCKLES)

- Because I trust her more than I trust myself, and if anyone can get through this farce of an investigation, it is she.

And she doesn't need any input from me or from any of you.

Because if anyone can handle this sexist crap, it's she.

- I hear you, Mr.

President.

- I'm sorry.

I, uh Baseless att*cks on good people kind of set me off, I guess.

SCHIEFFER: Well, I know what you mean.

Maybe it's time - for a song.

- Thought you'd never ask.

Uh This whole record is It's for children.

Um, but this lullaby, I wrote for my son Harrison's future child.

Close your eyes and go to sleep The dreams you dream are yours to keep Close your eyes and sail away Sail away with me Close your eyes and rest a while Let the music make you smile Close your eyes and sail away Sail away with me Sail away with me.

(KNOCKING)

(SIGHS)

I told Olivia to draw up a presidential pardon for Valerie Guillen.

She'll be released today, so I'm glad.

But I know what it cost you.

I tried to push you away from me.

Don't ever let me get away with that.

I'm not gonna make it through this if you don't tell me when you think I'm wrong, especially when I'm not listening.

Deal.

But on that note, there is something I need to share.

Oh, please, God, make it be chocolate.

You know the way Conrad said he could trust you completely?

I'm not sure you can say the same about Daisy.

And I do have chocolate.

Well What do you mean about Daisy?

She accepted the flash drive from Claudine Bernard.

She could still be innocent.

It's not a question of guilt.

It's a question of judgment.

If you were in her shoes, what would you have done?

- No idea.

- Gone to the FBI.

Even if it cost you an election.

Come on, babe.

If there's one thing I know about you you are scrupulously honest.

While I appreciate that it's not perfectly analogous.

Daisy thought she was protecting me, and the country from Miller.

It's true.

But (SIGHS)

the inconvenient thing about ethics is they can't be cherry-picked.

Daisy talked herself into doing something that was wrong.

Don't let that happen to you.

She's more than an employee.

She's my friend.

Then forgive her.

But you're the president, and you have to let her go.

Fortitude, wisdom and virtue.

These were all names that Conrad Dalton gave to live goats he released in an Army locker room during his time at the U. S.

Naval Academy.

(ALL CHUCKLING)

That young man probably never imagined that those same three adjectives would be given to him without any irony years later, after a presidency that saw us through some of the greatest dangers the world had to offer.

So it is with immense honor and more than a little anticipation that I dedicate the official portrait of President Conrad Joseph Dalton.

Thank you, Madam President.

Always nice to have a reminder of, uh, how the office ages you.

(LAUGHTER)

And, uh, thanks for bringing Dwight over here.

I, uh, used to enjoy communing with him back when I lived in this place.

On July 8, 1948, four and a half years before he would become president, General Dwight David Eisenhower stood before the U. N.

and spoke out against world hunger.

When children are starving, he asked, "How can we in the future expect them to be apostles of peace?" Today, in this time of renewed hate and v*olence, that mission is more important than ever.

That's why I'm proud to be opening a new chapter in my life of service - (SPEAKING FADES)

- - Yeah.

- (SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

Sir.

I want to thank you for defending me the way you did.

Of course.

And I'm sorry if I didn't seem more engaged, but, uh I didn't want to stick my nose in where it doesn't belong.

Well, I I get that, but don't be afraid of casting a shadow.

I'll take your advice and stand on my own.

Point taken.

And for what it's worth, you're doing just fine.

So you and Russell gonna get that round in?

You know, think I'm gonna go home.

I miss my wife.

Oh.

Well, you know, she gets a portrait, too, so Perfect excuse to come back.

Exactly.

Bring the grandbaby.

Will do that.

(CHUCKLING): All right.

- Conrad?

- Mm?

Is it great?

Not being president?

Ask me again in a few years.

ALL: Daisy?

Daisy, is your leave of absence over?

Good afternoon.

President McCord has invited me back to make a quick statement.

At 12:02 this afternoon, the president issued a full pardon for the reporter Valerie Guillen, who was serving time at D. C.

Central Detention Facility for contempt of court.

Her release is expected within the hour.

- (REPORTERS MURMURING)

- Now, this this part is for me.

I have offered and the president has accepted my resignation as press secretary.

(REPORTERS MURMURING)

Growing up, I never believed I'd get to see a female president, or any president that I could admire with my whole heart.

But I not only reached that mountaintop.

I got the chance to work here.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work for Elizabeth McCord.

And a great part of that privilege has been getting to work with all of you.

When I ask my daughter Joanna what she wants to be when she grows up, she doesn't say a vet or a cop or a dancer.

She says a reporter.

- (CHUCKLING)

- Because even my four-year-old daughter notices how tirelessly you work to keep our citizens informed and their government accountable.

And you get to talk back to me on TV.

- (LAUGHS)

- (LAUGHTER)

Okay, I think that's most of it.

But still, I may not always agree with you, but I respect the work you do.

And I couldn't be prouder of the role you play in our democracy.

So, keep the faith and fight the good fight.

Ms.

Lopez will take your questions now.

Thank you.

ANGELA: Good afternoon.

(OVERLAPPING SHOUTING ON TV)

- WOMAN: Angela?

- WOMAN: Angela?

- MAN: Angela?

Angela?

(SIGHS)

That looks like fun.

Cheaper than therapy.

I want a meeting with Valerie Guillen, off the books.

Can you make that happen?

You sure?

Yeah.

(DOOR CLOSES)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

DMITRI: I like it.

Yeah.

- (TALIA LAUGHS)

- Dmitri.

- Hey, Henry!

Thank you for coming.

Talia, it's so good to see you.

- Oh.

- Oh, you, as well.

Is, uh, Stevie She's not I guess she didn't make it.

Hey, you know, I love that tie.

- Oh.

- You ready for your trip?

- All I need is my passport.

- Excuse me.

- Are you the first gentleman?

- Yes.

- May I please shake your hand?

- Yes, of course.

Hi.

Henry McCord.

Nice to meet you.

Hello.

Nabil.

This is my wife, Abeer, and this is Leila.

We are very proud to become citizens.

ABEER: Especially with your wife as president.

I'll let her know.

And we're proud of you, too.

Can you imagine if that Miller was elected?

This day would never happen.

MAN: Please take your seats.

Court is about to be in session.

Congratulations.

You have a beautiful family.

Thank you.

(DOOR OPENS)

MAN: Hear ye, hear ye.

The United States Court for the District of Columbia is now in session.

The Honorable Carmen Jones presiding.

(QUIETLY): Hi.

Sorry I'm late.

Um, I had to get you something.

- Stupid.

- JUDGE JONES: Thank you.

And good afternoon.

Hey, it matches.

- Yeah.

- JUDGE JONES: I hope everyone is doing well today.

Now, do you want a boring speech or do you want to be citizens?

CANDIDATES: Citizens!

Outstanding.

Please stand, raise your right hand and repeat after me.

I hereby declare on oath CANDIDATES: I hereby declare on oath That I absolutely and entirely That I absolutely and entirely Renounce and abjure Renounce and abjure All allegiance and fidelity All allegiance and fidelity To any foreign prince, potentate, state - or sovereignty - To any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty (DOOR OPENS)

Thank you for coming.

I'd like an apology.

- You first.

- Excuse me?

You facilitated an att*ck on our election with anonymous sources you couldn't possibly have confirmed.

You put me in jail.

And you put your government in the impossible position of choosing between justice and freedom.

Apology?

I gave you a pardon.

Daisy has a daughter.

She's four.

And now that her mom is leaving, I can't get her out of my head.

One question.

It's not for the courts, Senate, but for me.

And I swear to you that your answer will never leave this room.

- Your source - I can't tell you.

Just need to know it wasn't Daisy.

Please?

It wasn't Daisy.

Thank you.

Hey.

Got word from the Hill.

Hanson seems to be backing off.

Extremist sites are still pushing the collusion angle, but so far it hasn't crossed over into mainstream press.

Daisy's resignation seems to have done the trick.

(SIGHS)

For now.

But you feed the wolf, he comes back.

- Gimme.

- Okay.

RUSSELL: That's for Daisy.

I'm gonna miss her, you know.

Yeah.

Me too.

BLAKE: Stevie's asking for an ETA.

Google says 12 minutes.

DALTON: Late to your own party.

That's something.

It's only a party if we win.

HENRY: Well, we have an excuse.

The last-minute heroics with get out the vote.

DALTON: And whose idea was that?

- Mine.

- Mm.

But I recall I had an accomplice.

Blake, do we have Miller's number?

- Yes, ma'am.

- HENRY: We're fine.

There's no way they'll call the election before we get there.

(PHONE CHIMES)

- Except we just won Texas.

And if these results from Virginia are correct Daisy.

DAISY: Ah.

Lord in heaven.

Ma'am, I can't believe I get to be the first one to tell you this, but congratulations, Madam President-Elect.

BLAKE: Yeah!

- (LAUGHS)

- Well, hey, hey.

Come on.

(LAUGHS)

- Oh.

Oh.

- (DAISY WHOOPS)

(LAUGHING)

(APPLAUSE, CHEERING, WHISTLING)

(CHEERING)

Close your eyes and go to sleep The dreams you dream are yours to keep So the girl won, Mama?

That's right, baby.

She did.

Sail away with me Sail away with me Sail away with me.