Previously annoying characters suddenly becoming sympathetic - that's always the first sign their time on Earth is limited.
Like when I was watching Casino Royale and Bond said he loved Vesper.. I was like, damn, I liked her.
I think that scene shows us how wounded jack really is. I think the senator is right: Jack's judgment has been clouded by the horrors he's done and seen.
Did you see those daggers she was shooting from her eyes at Kanin? On a different note, nice to see they're dragging out this Jack-on-the-run subplot