Madam Secretary (TV Series)

There But for the Grace of God (2015)

Téa Leoni: Elizabeth McCord

Photos 

Quotes 

• Elizabeth McCord : [Testifying before the Senate committee]  Forces had been unleashed to destabilize the security of our country. I put myself in harm's way to ensure the safety of our country. I would do it again, sir. So, Mr. Chairman, I'd say the only reason that we're here today, luxuriating in the smug banality of this senate hearing instead of ducking for cover in all-out war is because I had the decency to violate section 793 of title 18. Thank you.

  [Stands] 

  Elizabeth McCord : No. Let me rephrase that. You're welcome.

  [Takes Henry's hand and leaves] 

• Michael 'Mike B' Barnow : What do you think it means that Russell Jackson is coming to your office?

  Elizabeth McCord : I think it means it's a weekday during business hours... He said it was about the Senate investigation.

  [Looking up at Mike pacing, she asks about his dog] 

  Elizabeth McCord : Where's Gordon?

  Michael 'Mike B' Barnow : He's- with my ex-wife. We share custody. It's actually a painful subject.

  Elizabeth McCord : I'm sorry. I didn't know you felt pain.

• Elizabeth McCord : If people think that I shared secrets, I'll lose the trust of the nation and the international community.

  Michael 'Mike B' Barnow : Which makes it hard to be America's next top diplomat.

  Henry McCord : Thank you for your non-legally-binding counsel, but I've got to go with the truth. We were operating under extreme circumstances...

  Michael 'Mike B' Barnow : Stop making sounds with consonants and vowels! I don't know how else to say it.

• [first lines] 

  Elizabeth McCord : [enter interrogation room]  I'm here to save your life.

  Juliet : What life?

  Elizabeth McCord : Letters from your kids. When they're old enough to write 'em. We could even put visitation on the table. I don't quite know how that would work.

  Juliet : Congratulations. The architect of peace with Iran. You've made the world a more dangerous place. Now they're free to build a nuclear arsenal.

• Elizabeth McCord : I did plenty of unconventional things, but none of it was illegal.

  Michael 'Mike B' Barnow : You need a lawyer.

  Elizabeth McCord : I don't want a lawyer. It makes me look like I need a lawyer.