Being Blunt Never Hurt Madam Secretary... Or Did It?

9/11

“I’m sorry. I didn't know you felt pain.”

Unafriad of conflict, Elizabeth often locks horns with image consultant Michael Barnow. In "There But For the Grace of God," Michael asked why Russell Jackson is visiting. Elizabeth changed the subject to his dog, a "painful" subject for him. Ultimately, Russell pressures her to invoke executive privilege when subpoenaed—only to reveal everything, himself. The situation raised the prospect of jail time and reminds Elizabeth that it might be worth listening to her consultants.