Tweet This
[Spoiler Alert]
Netflix's 'House of Cards' was marked with the continuity of heavy-handed leadership, merciless divisiveness, and self-aggrandizement. The consummate protagonist meets his match. A marriage disintegrates. The American public asks some tough questions. The plot develops but character arcs remain the same. Still, Frank Underwood's words are ever so poignant. Here's a peppering of his lessons on leadership:
- I wouldn't be here if I had a choice, but I have to do these sorts of things now. Makes me seem more human, and you have to be a little human when you’re the president.
- I don’t want a version. I want a vision. I don’t care how much it hurts. I don’t care how controversial is. You job is to find a way. It’s my job to convince Congress and the American people. Your job is not to sell me on your version of my program.
- I don’t need the leadership if I can get the money. I've always said that power is more important than money, but when it comes to elections, money gives power, well, a run for its money .
- Candidates are cautious. They must equivocate. They dodge and they tiptoe. But I’d rather leave this office having accomplished something of value than secure another four years having done nothing at all...This country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it. And if it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.
- What is the face of a coward? The back of his head as he runs from the battle.
- You can't turn a 'no' into a 'yes' without a 'maybe' first .
- You may hate me. You may hate the office I hold. But here’s the reality: I must make decisions everyday that I hope are just. I don’t know right from wrong all the time. I wish I did. But what I can be indecisive.
- Do you want to discuss courage? Because anyone can commit suicide or spout their mouth in front of a camera. but you wanna know what takes real courage? Keeping your mouth shut no matter what you might be feeling, holding it all together when the stakes are this high.
Apart from life lessons, there were a number of takeaways from the henchmen, who capitulated most times, but weren't sworn by the same unmitigated servitude exhibited in the first two seasons.
Politics 101
Dismissal of how elections are conducted in Russia: “I’m jealous Viktor. You don’t answer to anyone. You have no real opposition. You know exactly how every election is gonna turn out.”
Gridlock in Congress: “These days who can tell the difference between Congress and atrophy?”
Women balancing family acts while in office: “Such a pity how much ruthless pragmatism gets weighed down by family values.”
Bilateral and multilateral negotiations: “First rule of diplomacy: stop while you’re ahead.”
There's a fair share of political tactics in play - glad-handing, smear campaigns, siphoning money (but you must declare paid speeches as income). There's also a sampling of oft-mentioned political viewpoints: decrying the United Nations efficiency, extent of France's relationship with Israel, entitlements, low approval ratings, and universal jobs ("We have to do the things that people won't like. And even when we do, three out of four of them will go along with us. And why? Because we’re promising jobs.")
Most of all, there's maneuvering. Lots of it.
