Designated Survivor (TV Series)

The First Day (2016)

Michael Gaston: Governor John Royce

Quotes 

• Tom Kirkman : Governor Royce, how are you?

  Governor John Royce : Uh, about as expected. There's a lot to manage here, as you can imagine.

  Tom Kirkman : I know, and I want to help. I've seen reports that the police in Dearborn are rounding up members of the Muslim community.

  Governor John Royce : Yes, I'm aware.

  Tom Kirkman : Well, like I said, we'd like to help you stop the police.

  Governor John Royce : Why would I stop the police? They're acting on my orders.

  Tom Kirkman : Your orders?

  Governor John Royce : That's correct. I don't know if you know this, but I have the largest Muslim population in the country here.

  Tom Kirkman : That doesn't mean they're doing anything wrong or that they've been radicalized.

  Governor John Royce : No, but I'm willing to bet they know someone who is.

• Tom Kirkman : Governor, you can't target an innocent population because you're scared. You have a responsibility...

  Governor John Royce : To all my citizens. And my first and only priority is to make sure they're safe, something that Washington - if... if there even is such a place anymore - has proven incapable of doing.

  Tom Kirkman : Governor, the federal government is more than...

  Governor John Royce : Was effectively snuffed out last night. There is no Congress, there is no Supreme Court. When it comes to the people of Michigan, I am the highest authority, and you have none over me.

  Tom Kirkman : With all due respect, sir, I am the President.

  Governor John Royce : Not mine. So you'll have to excuse me, Mr. Kirkman; while you're busy learning how to become president, I've got ten million citizens to protect.