Plot summary
A major earthquake devastates Venezuela. The president and the others in line for the presidency are all killed. An international non-profit group of medical personnel fly into Venezuela to render aid and are taken prisoner by a gang. The dead president's son contacts the US, claiming the presidency and offering to free the hostages if the US will recognize his claim. Conrad and his presidential opponents record a fake news broadcast of Conrad recognizing the son's claim and his opponents criticizing his action, which is then played for the son. After the hostages are freed, the son discovers that the recognition was a hoax. Elizabeth's brother and his family visit while he interviews for a job at Walter Reed Hospital.
Credits
Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, Madam Secretary season 3. HTML formatting and reference markers removed.