- Francis Underwood: [narrating] The only problem with common sense is that it's so...
- [pauses]
- Francis Underwood: ... common.
- Bob Birch: You want the convention to be a circus.
- Francis Underwood: Oh, Bob, I'm not sure if you've noticed or not, but politics is no longer just theater, it's show business. So let's put on the best show in town.
- Francis Underwood: [aside to the camera] Senator Dean Austen of Ohio, the leadership's top choice for running mate. Twelve years in Congress, helps us with a major swing state, middle of the road, very few enemies, and most importantly to them, long-time friend of the NRA. Now his shortcomings are he's another middle-aged white guy, underwhelming, unimaginative and a long-time friend of the NRA.
- [counting down on his fingers, ending with his middle finger]
- Francis Underwood: So you can see how I feel about the leadership's choice.
- Francis Underwood: [sitting down] Senator...
- Senator Dean Austen: I'm honored, Mr. President. I just have one major reservation.
- Francis Underwood: Claire?
- Senator Dean Austen: Yes, sir.
- [first lines]
- Hannah Conway: I just love your writing, Tom, ever since Scorpio. I think it just gets better and better.
- Thomas Yates: Oh, yeah? What else have you read?
- Hannah Conway: All of them. I thought the latest was brilliant: God's Cauldron.
- Thomas Yates: You read that?
- Hannah Conway: In one sitting.
- Will Conway: But what we'd really love to read is your book on the Underwoods.
- Thomas Yates: Well, it's changed. It's fiction now.
- Will Conway: But based on them.
- Thomas Yates: People might draw parallels.
- Hannah Conway: Would the Underwoods find it flattering?
- Thomas Yates: I don't think they'd be too happy with it.
- Francis Underwood: Bob, I'm not sure if you've noticed or not, but politics is no longer just theater, it's show business.