In what has to be one of the most timely ironic twists for late night syndicated TV mirroring real life events, the TV show Madam Secretary literally did EXACTLY what the Trump Administration is now trying to do in regards to subpoenas.
The Madame Secretary episode, "But for the Grace of God go I" literally aired at 2 am Monday, Oct. 7th, 2019, approximately 15 hours after a slew of Democrat charges about the Trump Administration obstructing justice by ignoring subpoenas from Congress by the power of Executive Privilege.
Below is the transcript from Madam Secretary, Episode 22 from season 1 which aired in syndication Oct. 7, 2019, 2 am in the morning on CBS late night...
Regarding your situation, good news.
White House Counsel has made a legal determination, and they're going to invoke executive privilege in response to the subpoena, so, you're off the hook... for now.
Fantastic.
This is the part where you say, "Thank you, Russell, for your topnotch voodoo."
Of course I mean prowess.
I hate the way this looks.
It looks like Christmas morning.
It looks like I'm hiding behind some vague assertion of executive power because I have something to fear from the truth.
She has a quirk about principles.
Oh, we appreciate that about her.
As do I, but moderation in all things.
I understand how hard you must have worked to make this happen, Russell, but I can't fall in line.
I can't take the easy way out.
I don't need to invoke anything but the truth.
Facing the music is the right call, and the administration will be stronger for it.
(sighs)
Mr. President?
I'm here with Elizabeth.
She's declining executive privilege.
Sure. Hang on.
Hello, Mr. President.
Elizabeth, I am strongly advising you to take executive privilege.
(continues indistinctly)
Yes, sir. I... Yes, sir.
Dalton: Do we understand each other?
Yes, sir.
Dalton: Good.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Good-bye.
So, it looks like I'm gonna take that executive privilege.
I love it when it all works out.
(sighs)
(microwave beeps twice)