House of Cards - S01E02

Season 1, Episode 2 : “Chapter 2”[At the lower house]U.S. representative Donald Blythe (Donald): I have no idea how they got this. I specifically told my staff to destroy everything. I can’t imagine–U.S. representative Francis Underwood (Frank): It doesn’t matter how it happened. Now we have to adapt.Donald : Don’t they realize that this is a first draft? All we have here really is a perception problem.Frank : We don’t get a second chance at a firstimpression, Donald. You know that. Now, look, I’m on your side, but Linda is furious.Donald : What’s she saying?Frank : They want to point fingers.Donald : At me?Frank : I told her we cannot do that. I mean, you are vital to this process. I’m up to here with them, Donald—for lying, for turning their back on you. Youdialogue reading (Scene 1)LESSONSknow, I’m of a mind to say, “Screw it.” I’ll fall on this grenade myself, just to piss them off . [He picks up the telephone.] Give me John King at CNN.Donald : Wait, Frank. This is not your fault.Frank : No, we have to protect your reputation.Donald : But you’re the man that needs to get the bill through the House.Frank : I will—hang on. I will assign it to one of my deputies, quietly manage it, and help guide you through the process.Donald : I am not comfortable with this.Frank : Well, then what do you suggest we do? [To the audience] What a martyr craves more than anything is a sword to fall on, so you sharpen the blade, hold it at just the right angle, and then 3, 2, 1—Donald : It should be me. It was my bill.Frank : No. Impossible. Donald, education has been your life’s work.Donald: The truth is, my heart is not in this fight. You know me. I’m not a wheeler-dealer. I can put my mind to policy, but I’m no good at this brand of politics. Frank: Well, if not you, then who?Donald: It should be you, Frank. You’re formidable. People respect you. They will follow your lead. Let me be on the sidelines for this.Frank: Well, I could only consider that as an option if I knew that I could still come to you for counsel.Donald: Of course. Whatever you need. Part of meis glad this got leaked. At least people know where I stand.Frank: Thank you, Donald.Donald: Happy to do it, Frank. [He leaves Frank’s office.]Donald: [To the camera] He has no idea we’ve got six kids in the next room already working on a new draft. [He calls out.] Stamper! [He talks to the audience oncedialogue reading (Scene 1)LESSONSmore.] But why dampen his mood by telling him?We just gave him a great gift—a chance to fulfill hisdestiny. [Frank talks to Stamper.] Write up a statementfor Blythe—stepping aside, fresh ideas, et cetera,et cetera. Make it dignified. Oh, and bring me thateditorial.1. have had it (up to here) with2. turn your back on somebody3.fall on the grenade 4.piss somebody off 5. wheeler-dealerVOCABULARY/EXPRESSIONs[At Frank Underwood’s office, watching the news]U.S. senator Michael Kern (Kern): [Talking to the press on television] Let me, once and for all, say this definitively : I didn’t author that editorial. Not a single sentence, word, comma, or period. If my memory serves me right , it was Mr. Kapeniak who wrote it. Why on earth he’s trying to claim that I did is beyond me . Let me further say that I’m a strong supporter of the state of Israel. As the most stable country in the region, and our strongest ally…U.S. representative Francis Underwood (Frank): [On the telephone] It’s Frank Underwood for Cathy.Kern : [On the television]…in any peace process , becausewithout the stability of Israel, there can be no Palestine.dialogue reading (Scene 2)LESSONSFrank : CNN right now.Jordanian ambassador : [On the television] “Without Israel,there can be no Palestine”? U.S. senator Catherine Durant (Cathy): I’ve got it on.Jordanian ambassador : [On the television] I would remind Senator Kern that there was a Palestine long before there was an Israel. His comments are not only ignorant, they are racist .Frank : Get ready, Cathy. Things are about to move very quickly.,Cathy : Okay. I’m ready1. definitively2. if my memory serves me right3. beyond me4. peace process5.racistVOCABULARY/EXPRESSIONs1. Why did Donald Blythe visit Frank?2. W hy did Frank offer to fall on the grenade?3. W hat did Donald tell the press?4. What did Michael Kern say to the press?5. W hat did the Jordanian ambassador think of Michael’s statement?6. W hat kind of person is Frank Underwood?。