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Entertainment September 24, 2016
Have you ever pulled up the news, read a few political articles and wondered if Frank Underwood from Netflix’s hit original series, “House of Cards” is more fact than fiction? As exaggerated, cutthroat and, at times, ridiculous as Underwood and his plot line can seem, he seems to hint to American politics throughout the series. The most obvious examples? His infamous soliloquies.
Here are our top six soliloquies that are chilling reminders of today’s American political culture.
As Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump continue to battle for the Presidency, it’s probably untrue to call either of them the political “underdog.” Frank Underwood understands this completely. How do we know? In the first episode of season two, the character quickly reminds us:
“Every kitten grows up to be a cat. They seem so harmless at first, small, quiet, lapping up their saucer of milk. But once their claws get long enough, they draw blood – sometimes, from the hand that feeds them.”
In the years since the first presidential election, there have been countless smear campaigns; even in the 1796 election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the former was accused of secretly trying to get General Washington arrested while the latter was called a half-breed Indian. What would Underwood have to say about that? Something like:
“For those of us climbing to the top of the food chain, there can be no mercy. There can be but one rule: hunt or be hunted.”
Considering articles like this one, which equates the Pope’s criticism of Trump to martyrdom, the scene in which Underwood discusses the Education Bill seems especially appropriate:
“What a martyr craves more than anything is a sword to fall on, so we sharpen the blade, hold it just right, and three, two, one…”
Running for president isn’t cheap; according to Investopedia, Trump has so far raised $5.8 million (including some of his own money) and spent $5.6 million on his campaign while Clinton has raised $77.5 million and spent $44.5 million. Why spend so much time and money to become President of the U.S. if not to make a difference in the world (among other idealistic values Underwood wouldn’t agree with)? He sums it up by saying:
“Money is the Mc-Mansion in Sarasota that starts falling apart after 10 years. Power is the old stone building that stands for centuries. I cannot respect someone who doesn’t see the difference.”
In light of the recent focus on Hillary Clinton’s and Donald Trump’s individual health statuses, it seems only fair to mention one trait that all humans have in common: the need for a good night’s sleep. This is a requirement that Underwood frowns upon for a one big reason, it seems:
“I’ve always loathed the necessity of sleep. Like death, it puts even the most powerful men on their backs.”
How many presidents have related to this season two quote when they won the Presidential election? Of course Underwood would have the daring to say verbalize it:
“The road to power is paved with hypocrisy. There will be casualties.”
Whether he’s talking about money or warning of wolves in sheep’s clothing, Frank Underwood’s soliloquies never cease to shock, surprise or entertain his viewers. Even more important than that, they also provide surprising insight to the ruthlessness that is American politics today …
