Including former SoS George Schultz.
I would have thought George Schultz was far too intelligent and worldly to get caught in this web if deceit.
There are people in every culture like Liz. They are quick studies, they have an incredible amount of poise, steadiness and charm. They are never intimidated by anyone, or they have learned to hide it.
Such personalities usually become some kind of manager, who doesn’t have to do the work, just act as an overseer to the workerbees, keeping them on schedule.
Some of this group doesn’t hesitate to use lies, rumors, feuds and manipulation as management tools.
I’ve met several such people during my working years.