Truth, they say, is often stranger than fiction. In the case of CBS’ new political drama they are also complete strangers.

In what is an almost too transparent attempt to create a false image of Hillary Clinton in the form of Téa Leoni, the main character of Madam Secretary is everything that Hillary Clinton is not: engaging, charismatic, insightful, creative, attractive, and experienced. These, however, are simply the surface attributes that completely separate the truth from the fiction. Even in the construction of the background and temperament of the character, CBS diverges from reality in a manner sure to please every liberal grandstander while he projects Elizabeth Faulkner McCord — how that name just roll on the tongue! — fictional bona fides onto Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The story begins with our former CIA-operative-turned-modern-history-professor enjoying an idyllic life with her strong-willed intelligent children and loving, dashingly good-looking husband. All this is changed by the sudden death of the current Secretary of State, which precipitates her former boss — now the American President — to present her with the job. “A job,” he somberly declares, “only you can do.” Thus begins her whirlwind move to D.C. where she cavalierly dismisses handlers, stylists, and speech writers who are befuddled and thwarted by this strong, clever, and dangerously witty woman now at the helm of State! It doesn’t end there, of course.

During the pilot episode, she deftly uses her CIA contacts to secretly negotiate the release of two young boys who have been captured by the Syrian government. The mission, of course, can never see the light of day or of the press, ably demonstrating how much critical work is accomplished behind the scenes, and for which of course she will never get public credit. You see? The hard work of a truly skilled Secretary of State is proven by how much she doesn’t seem to accomplish! Only in the absence of notable deeds can we know for certain that great things are actually being achieved.

In the midst of all of this covert work on behalf of humanity, our shrewd Madam Secretary exploits the game players of D.C. by making use of the White House stylist to distract the media. Note: Tea Leoni pulls off in an A-line wool coat suit what Hillary — and many other women — wish they could, and might, if they were a professional actress with a great body and all the right camera angles. But this ruse for the cameras hides her critical work which must be kept secret and the gambit pays off. The young boys are returned to their family and no one is the wiser… Queen takes Media Pawn, check!

At the end of the show, the now more confident Secretary Clinton — I mean, McCord! — is having dinner with the King of Swaziland and his ten wives. She expertly corners the King into agreeing to work harder to combat AIDS and wows the crowd by addressing each wife by name, garnering a begrudging respectful tip of his champagne glass by the King… Queen takes Queens, check mate!

Now, is the purpose of this post to simply act as some kind of grumpy conservative spoiler? No, although it may also accomplish that. It is, however, to draw attention to the reality that the current political fight. We are engaged in a conflict for our government and the future of our republic, and its being fought with weapons Republicans and conservatives are not adept at using. We all know this but we don’t apparently know is what to do about it.

What seems to be missing is the calm, steady and focused voice of a counter-narrative that is grounded in reality and used with confidence. If we conservatives can insistently and effectively push our message, then we can win back the minds of enough Americans to win another presidential election and reacquire some rational measurements of our country’s economic and political condition, both of which are not great.

If we fail to find a way — or the will to get into the public ears and minds — then we will most certainly see Hillary dressed up in a fictional version of herself, ready for public consumption and acclaim by an all too willing industry that makes its living inventing imaginary greatness. That will only make things harder for us, as pointing out the truth will distract from our positive philosophy. We place value on individual achievement, that the whole of society benefits when each person strives for their highest potential. We understand and encourage financial independence because we understand that a person who earns their way out of poverty understands best how not to succumb to it again.

Conservatives have traditionally fostered smaller more accountable government, prudence in fiscal obligations in order to keep taxes low, and a military that focuses on readiness and capability without a mantle of aggression. When did these values become something for which we should be ashamed or which became so very difficult to articulate? If we have grown ashamed of speaking up and taking principled stands for fear of alienating some particular block of voters, then we will also never be able to persuade them to our perspective.

If we will not persuade, then rest assured they will parade; in due course, we will witness to a candidate of theirs strolling up Pennsylvania Avenue in the Emperor’s new A-line wool coat suit woven from the best fiction money and air time can buy.