Alicia: "I like my husband. I respect him. He's flawed, but I've grown to accept that. And I committed to a marriage. I don't like breaking commitments."
Q: "Isn't that dragging women back to the Fifties? Women have all the obligation, men have all the freedom?"
Alicia: "I don't give a shit. This isn't about women, and it's not about the Fifties. This is about me."

Word! Not only for the Citizen Ruth aspect, but also for the worn-out social conscience bullshit of getting offended on behalf of hypothetical people. The very essence of privilege is worrying about people that may or may not exist. Fuck sending the wrong message to women: If they were worthwhile in the first place they wouldn't be basing their marriage decisions on the wife of some gubernatorial candidate in the first place.

This is the grotesque extrapolation of Boomer narcissism at its finest: The Political Is Personal, because every decision you make -- as a wealthy white feminist -- absolutely shakes the world, and therefore you should make sure that all these invisible, imaginary people -- who aren't as smart and special as you -- have a good role model? Gross me out. Get humble. I am sick to death of being hung out to dry for hypothetical people, but more than that I'm sick of the idea that denying people their agency is the moral thing to do. Who are these doomed, idiot women we're protecting? They don't exist. And even if they did, fuck 'em. Second-guessing my shit wouldn't help them at all anyway. It's just not a valid factor in the decision-making process.

FLORRICK OFC

Alicia's watching the onboard camera from Robb's car when Eli comes to yell at her for rightfully telling K-Chen to fuck off. She barely looks up; it's one of the best scenes in the episode.

Eli: "You know how you're not supposed to shop when you're hungry? Well, it's just as important not to do interviews when you're pissed."
Alicia: "Pssh. I wasn't pissed, Eli. But if you don't want me doing interviews..."
Eli: "What I want is for you to stay on message! Kresteva is making this all about family."
Alicia: "Fine. What's the 'message' about our separation you've been in denial about this entire time?"
Eli: "...Hmm. I have no idea. I guess I'll have to stop flailing around for a second. Oh, and I need you to address some group or another next Thursd..."
Alicia, tenderly but distractedly: "I work, Eli."
Eli: "Fine, I'll throw a fit at Will and Diane."
Alicia: "No, I want to work, Eli."
Eli: "Fine, but we're getting together with Peter tomorrow night so I can spin your ambivalence and hopefully manipulate you into being back in love."
Alicia: "Sounds great, lady."