Designated Survivor (TV Series)

Capacity (2018)

Geoff Pierson: Cornelius Moss

Quotes 

• Cornelius Moss : Well, Mr. West, what can I do for you?

  Ethan West : Well, sir, it's more a matter of what can you do for your country? The Cabinet is trying to remove President Kirkman, sir.

  Cornelius Moss : It's a somber occasion. I take it they have retained you?

  Ethan West : I am the humble steward charged with bringing the relevant facts to light, yeah. I was thinking you may have some. Mr. President.

  Cornelius Moss : Yes. Yes, I do.

  Ethan West : Would you be willing to share those with the Cabinet?

  Cornelius Moss : Well, as you say, Mr. West, it's about what I can do for my country.

• Ethan West : How far do your concerns about the president's mental health go back?

  Cornelius Moss : Months. At least since the death of his wife.

  Ethan West : And what was the basis of this concern?

  Cornelius Moss : I personally observed President Kirkman's growing and dangerous paranoia.

  Ethan West : And as a member of the president's Cabinet, did you also notice the mental deterioration?

  Cornelius Moss : Since the day of his wife's death, absolutely.

  Ethan West : Did you take these concerns to him?

  Cornelius Moss : Repeatedly. He was defensive. Accused me of not supporting him.

  Ethan West : What did you notice about his decision-making after his wife died?

  Cornelius Moss : Erratic. At times, dangerously impetuous. At times, crippled by indecision. You fold in the paranoia, you've got a toxic combination.

  Ethan West : So in your expert opinion, is Tom Kirkman fit to continue as president?

  Cornelius Moss : No. No, he is not.

• Kendra Daynes : Secretary Moss, did you leave the Kirkman administration on good terms?

  Cornelius Moss : No.

  Kendra Daynes : What happened?

  Cornelius Moss : I became weary of President Kirkman's accusations that I was undermining him. Tired of his failure to follow my counsel. So I resigned.

  Kendra Daynes : In fact, you were fired.

  Cornelius Moss : I was not.

  Kendra Daynes : Oh, come on Mr. Secretary.

  Cornelius Moss : It's "Mr. President", Ms. Daynes. And I know what you're implying: that I'm here on a vendetta. Except I was not fired. In fact, President Kirkman held a press conference in which he acknowledged reluctantly accepting my resignation. Surely you're not suggesting President Kirkman is a liar.