House of Cards Season 3, Episode 2: Seeking Re-election
James Foley
Director
David Fincher
Director
Kevin Spacey
Francis Underwood (Frank)
Robin Wright
Claire Underwood
Michael Joseph Kelly
Doug Stamper
Kristen Connolly
Christina
Plot Summary:Claire faces the Senate confirmation hearing for her U.N. Ambassador nomination. She easily handles questions about nepotism and lack of experience until Republican Senator Mendoza provokes her with an ambiguous statement, exposing her lack of diplomatic composure. Meanwhile, Frank meets with Democratic leadership, expecting support for his jobs bill and re-election bid. To his shock, the leadership, including Whip Jackie Sharp, opposes his running due to his non-elected status and low approval ratings. Frank attempts to sway Representative Umack, only to discover Umack is leading the charge to replace him. Frank decides to bypass the party and seek independent campaign funding. Remy Danton attempts to coax a list of alternative candidates from Jackie, who demands the Vice Presidency in return for her help, and then leaks information to journalist Ayla Sayyad as leverage. After failing to secure donor support, Frank shifts strategy: he publicly announces he will **not** run in $ ext{2016}$ to secure the party's full support for his jobs bill, aiming to win public favor through policy success. Claire's nomination fails due to her outburst at the hearing. Frank finally addresses the drone strike case (that injured an American citizen) with Deputy Attorney General Heather Dunbar. Frank rejects Dunbar's national security defense, instead authorizing her to make the strike details public, using transparency and responsibility to rebuild his public image. Undeterred by the defeat, Claire demands Frank use the presidential recess appointment power to bypass the Senate and name her $ ext{U.N.}$ Ambassador. Frank, having gone all-in on his own gamble, agrees immediately.