It's not politics anymore, Diana. It's... it's math. That's what an election is. It's just...

Gary Zimmer:

So, um, we can't win. The people in this town are pretty set in their ways. And we lost the eight nuns. That wasn't good. So, we can't win. Jack Hastings:
Uh... y-you know, we appreciate all you done. I mean, the campaign and, uh... I'm just sorry we let you down, but... [relieved] Jack Hastings:
well, all I can say is thank you. Diana Hastings:
Really, Gary, thank you for everything. Jack Hastings:
It was a hell of a ride. [Jack and Diana laugh] Gary Zimmer:
Are... you shitting me? All I have to say is We can't win, and you're... you're through, you're out. Diana Hastings:
You said we can't win. Gary Zimmer:
Unless. We can't win Unless... You didn't let me finish. We can't win unless it turns out that This town isn't the Mayberry everybody thinks it is. I just got a little piece of intel that's kind of intriguing. So, the mayor's brother Ziggy, [Jack steps back] Gary Zimmer:
he had an Oxy problem. Jack Hastings:
Well, he was a roofer and got hurt on the job. Gary Zimmer:
Yes, well, what you might not know is that the mayor pulled some strings, kept him out of jail, got him into rehab. That is abuse of power, nepotism. Probably some clerical shit in there. Diana Hastings:
[scoffs]
Come on. Gary. But we're the good guys, right? Gary Zimmer:
[flatly]
Yeah, we're the good guys. Diana Hastings:
When they go low... Gary Zimmer:
We go high. Diana Hastings:
Unless we also need to go low, apparently. [chuckles incredulously] Gary Zimmer:
Only to keep those who would go lower out of power. Diana Hastings:
So, When they go low, we go higher, incrementally, in relation to how low they went. Gary Zimmer:
Regrettably, yes. Diana Hastings:
When they go low, we go almost as low, but we feel worse doing it. Gary Zimmer:
You think they thought twice about making your dad look like a PTS nutcase? And I'm going low because I'm gonna tell the truth about the mayor? Jack Hastings:
His brother's fragile, Gary. Gary Zimmer:
This town is fragile. The whole area is fragile. Our democracy. Diana Hastings:
[exasperated]
Stop. We're not doing it. Okay? People are gonna get hurt. Gary Zimmer:
I'm sorry... I really am... but sometimes good people have to do shitty things in service of the greater good. Isn't that right, Colonel? [exits] Diana Hastings:
Hey. [follows Gary] Diana Hastings:
Hey. Gary Zimmer:
Yeah? Diana Hastings:
Gary, stop. Gary Zimmer:
What? Is this politics? Gary Zimmer:
It's not politics anymore, Diana. It's... it's math. That's what an election is. It's just math. We need what they get plus one. That's all. And if I can't get that by getting more people to vote for your dad, then I have to get fewer people to vote for Braun. [sighs and exits]