document_title: Michael Baldwin

question_text: what is wrong with michael baldwin on young and the restless

text: Michael Baldwin

text: Casting and creation[edit]

text: Christian LeBlanc has portrayed the role of Michael since 1991. He departed in 1993, and has been appearing regularly again since April 25, 1997. During a 2011 interview LeBlanc said everyday "you have this incredible challenge, which, as an actor, that’s what I find, that’s what keeps it interesting. Michael Baldwin is not me. Every day I have to say ‘This is a character I created,’ and I have to find him again every day and commit every day, 12 months a year."[2] In April 2005, the character of Michael briefly crossed over to another CBS soap opera, As the World Turns.[3] He served as Keith Morrissey's (Kin Shriner) attorney.[3] LeBlanc has won Daytime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the role in 2005, 2007, and 2009; all for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.[4]

text: Character development[edit]

text: Characterization[edit]

text: On-Air On-Soaps described Michael as a "quirky legal eye" whose "past and family put the “D” in dysfunctional".[5] Michael is a prominent lawyer in Genoa City and a partner at Baldwin, Blair and Associates. He is the son of River Baldwin (Michael Gross) and Gloria Bardwell (Judith Chapman), and the half brother of Kevin Fisher (Greg Rikaart) and Eden Baldwin (Jessica Heap). He's currently married to Lauren Fenmore (Tracey E. Bregman), with whom he has a son, Fenmore Baldwin. LeBlanc enjoys playing out scenes in the court room.[5] Describing them as his "best moments", he stated: "I am the only one who loves court. I will swear to you now, I am the only one off set that lights up when there is a five page monologue. I have to tell you it was my first months on the show, and they gave me my first case, and it was about a black student who was suing the school system. I gave a speech, and I am telling you they had 12 on the jury and those extra’s cried, and that is all I cared about. That was like doing theatre."[5]

text: In 2008, Michael's rough upbringing was visited. Michael Gross was introduced to the series as his father River Baldwin, a man Michael "thinks is a low-life, reprobate. A guy who refused to go to Vietnam and left Gloria to raise their son alone."[6] LeBlanc thought it was a "great story", although it took a while to come to fruition.[7] LeBlanc said that Michael's yearning to find his birth father stemmed from having his own son, Fen, explaining: "I think it all started when he had Fen. It keys it off for a lot of fathers. This is a man who went to prison. He went to therapy to change his dark ways. He was a violent man and he claimed he never had a family. Then his family shows up and then you find out why he denied his family for so long."[7] Speaking of whether or not Michael could shift back to his "dark side", he said "I don’t know if it will be his downfall or not, because Lowell is such an unexpected character, and it certainly pushes all those buttons again".[7]

text: Relationships and family[edit]

text: LeBlanc admires the friendship between Michael and Phyllis Summers played by Michelle Stafford, who he says is a "phenomenal actress". They were once involved romantically. LeBlanc explained that: "people are drawn to it. You know Michael and Phyllis were lovers once! You have this great relationship between two ex-lovers, and they are a man and woman. I don’t think you usually see that dynamic as much on other soaps."[5]

text: Michael and Lauren have been described as one of the show's "most enduring couples".[8] LeBlanc said "If it weren't for Lauren, Michael would have been off the deep end long before this."[9] He further told TV Guide about the pairing, "What's great about Lauren and Michael is that these are people who are not saints, who were adults when they met and have pasts they are not proud of. And they found each other."[9]

text: In 2010, speaking of what he wanted his son Fenmore to be like, LeBlanc said "I want Fenmore to be different. I want him to be a smart-ass because I play him that way. He would be Michael back to me, you know how children sometimes are, like little Michael and big Michael… really smart and verbal, which he is."[5] In fact, two years later, Fen was aged to fifteen years old and Max Ehrich stepped into the role. Fen became "a chip off the old block", turning into a rebellious teen with attitude.[8]

text: Storylines[edit]

text: In 1991, Christine Blair went to work at a prestigious law firm, for hotshot lawyer Michael Baldwin. The charming Baldwin took her under his wing, guiding and training her. At first, Christine was appreciative until he kissed her one day after a court victory. When Michael suggested a more friendly relationship in exchange for her moving up in the hierarchy, she began making inquiries at the firm about sexual harassment. Her promotion disappeared, and Chris filed a sexual harassment lawsuit. Christine also learned that Michael had done the same to several other women, including her neighbor Hilary Lancaster. To make himself look better, Michael wooed and married his old flame Hilary, but he still had his eye on Christine. When she and Danny Romalotti broke up, he asked her to accompany him on a business trip to Los Angeles. Once there, Michael made sexual advances. Chris (whose breakup with Danny was staged) caught his behavior on audio tape, he was fired, and Hilary left him.

text: Michael quickly got a job at another prestigious firm, but Christine went to their disciplinary committee, who agreed to hear a case against him. Michael wasn't going to go down without a fight. He claimed Chris had entrapped him by continuing to work at the firm after leaving his employ. He paid a woman named Rebecca to drug Danny's tea and get photos of her and Danny appearing to be having sex to show that Danny and Christine's marriage wasn't as happy as they claimed. Rebecca threatened to blackmail Michael, and he strangled her. Michael was never charged with this crime as he was never linked to it. Michael was found guilty of sexual harassment, lost his job, Hilary divorced him, and left town, never to be heard of again.

text: Michael apologized to Christine, announcing his plans to leave town, but his real plans were much more sinister. While Danny was out of town performing, Michael bluffed his way into Hilary's empty apartment and got into Christine's apartment by frantically digging a hole in the wall where he hid in the closet, waiting to attack her. Fortunately when he made his move, Paul Williams raced in, and caught him on top of Christine in her bed. Michael turned, tried to shoot Paul and missed. Paul shot Michael, and he fell limp and bloody, pinning Christine to the bed. Michael was sent to prison, and even though he claimed insanity, stayed there for four years.

text: Michael, now forced to work as a paralegal, returned to Genoa City four years later, determined to get revenge on Christine. He did this by representing Phyllis Summers, with whom he also had a brief affair, in the custody battle for her son, Daniel Romalotti. Phyllis, a computer expert, hacked into a computer and changed DNA tests so that it would appear Daniel was the father of Daniel Junior, when in fact he was not. Christine, who was representing Danny Romalotti, ultimately won the case. Michael and Phyllis still remain friends. Months later, Michael begged Christine to help him get his law license back. She agreed, but only after Michael donated a kidney to Danny.

text: Michael was released from jail and convinced Christine that he was a changed man, so she testified for him and his legal license was reinstated under Chris's watchful eye. The cocky and very successful Michael was a constant thorn in Christine's side, but somehow convinced her to join him in starting a law practice together, Baldwin, Blair & Associates (formerly Baldwin, Williams & Associates). The practice was so successful that she again put having a family on hold, causing a great rift in her marriage to Paul. In a desperate attempt to mend their marriage while still furthering her career, Christine took a case in Hong Kong which would mean moving there for several months. Paul first balked at the idea, but then decided to "do it for them", put his career on hold and move. But at the last minute, Paul backed out, so Christine lived in Hong Kong for months on her own with very little contact. Christine was offered a case in Australia when the Hong Kong case was finished, but she turned it down and was determined to go home to Genoa City and try to mend her shattered marriage. She arrived at the apartment only to find Paul in the arms of his new client, Isabella Braña, whom Michael had asked to come to Genoa City to break up Paul and Christine. Without a word to Paul, she accepted the case in Australia and filed for, and was soon granted, a divorce.

text: Isabella didn't want to tell Paul that she was pregnant with his child because she felt that he was too hung up on Chris. Isabella had a brief affair with Michael and told him that he was the father. Michael was outraged at first and even drew up legal papers for her to sign. But Isabella had something on Michael from the past, so he backed down and went along with her demands of rent, baby furniture, and everything she needed to live until the baby was born. Michael also arranged for a job for her in another town for afterward. Just as Michael was softening to the idea of a child and a future with Isabella, and Paul was getting involved with former wife Lauren Fenmore, Paul found out about the baby's paternity and wanted to be a father to the child. With this major lie, Isabella fell out of grace with both Michael and Mary, Paul's mother. Paul moved in with Isabella and she continued to use manipulating Paul to keep him under her thumb as tightly as possible. Mary went to great lengths to try to convince him that Isabella was wrong for him and would ruin his life, and to convince Isabella to go away to a home for unwed mothers. All despite the fact that Isabella was providing Mary with the grandchild, and Paul with the child, they both had always wanted. Mary even begged for help from unlikely sources in Lauren, Christine, and even Michael - all of whom she disapproves as well, but had had no luck at all. But Paul moved out on his own volition when Isabella started pressuring him to get married. Their baby boy, Ricardo, was born, but unlike Isabella's delusions, Paul was not willing to become a happy family with her. Complicating things was the sudden return of Christine, who rebuffed him for the baby's sake, although she still had feelings for Paul. Paul's response was to marry Isabella.

text: Christine spent long hours working with Michael and they became closer, sharing dinners and their feelings together. They finally broached the subject of their past, and although Christine agreed Michael was a changed man, it still haunted her. That and her lingering feelings for Paul made it rough on Michael. But Christine decided to put the past behind her and accepted Michael's marriage proposal. Paul invited Isabella's estranged father Ricardo to Ricky's christening, and father and daughter happily reunited. Michael showed up, asked Ricardo not to mention they knew each other or Isabella's past, then announced his engagement to Chris, much to Paul's rage. Paul attacked Michael, who left with a black eye. Paul showed up at Christine's apartment and forced himself on her. This storyline caused a stir among viewers as it was unknown whether it was rape or just "rough sex". The next morning Christine tracked Paul down to a deserted beach in Los Angeles where she initiated sex herself. Later Chris disappeared, leaving both Michael and Paul wondering. Christine was gone for months when the guilt got to Paul, and he told Isabella that he and Chris had sex that night. Isabella left him, only returning occasionally to see Ricky.

text: Chris returned in disguise as the dark-haired mysterious Kelly Simmons, bent on getting information on Isabella. Paul saw through Chris' disguise, and they came to an understanding about the "rape," but Paul chose Isabella and his son. Paul took Ricky to Isabella's parents in L.A., leaving her to finish packing for their move there. Just before they were to be married, Michael confessed to Chris that he set up Isabella to meet Paul so she and Paul would split for good, then Michael could have Chris. Chris exploded, walked out on Michael, and flew to L.A. to tell Paul the whole story. Upon their return to Genoa City, Paul moved back into their former apartment with Chris, while Isabella plotted revenge.

text: One night, Isabella called her only friend, Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) who was with Michael, telling them someone was breaking in then screamed. When Michael arrived he found what appeared to be a bloody murder scene and Isabella missing. Christine woke up unconscious in her car in the woods and told Michael and Paul of her only memory - Isabella screaming not to hurt her, of blood, and a boat. Michael tracked down the boat, which was covered in blood, and destroyed the evidence against Chris. The night before Chris was to be arrested for Isabella's murder, she was attacked in her bathtub by a very much alive Isabella, who had drugged Christine's wine, telling her how she had set her up, while wielding a butcher knife. Paul arrived in the nick of time, slugged Isabella and knocked her out. As he was reviving the nearly drowned Christine, Michael arrived and saved them both from the crazed Isabella. The cops arrived and hauled Isabella away. She was committed to a mental institution, and Paul and Christine were free to be together once again. Michael apologized to Chris for all the misery he had caused her, she forgave him and they are still close friends.

text: Though Michael didn't realize it at the time, his biggest trouble had yet to confront him—his own family. In 2003, Michael was shocked when his half-brother Kevin Fisher arrived after landing in a heap of legal trouble. To help Kevin get a fresh start, Michael allowed him to stay with him. They were soon joined by their mother Gloria. Victoria Newman and Michael began to grow close. They fell in love; however, Victoria left Michael and Genoa City, when family problems became too much for her to handle.

text: Shortly thereafter, Michael began dating retail store owner Lauren, They initially kept their relationship a secret due to Kevin's attraction to Lauren, but eventually they became engaged, and were married. Kevin, by this time, had gotten over his infatuation with Lauren and was Michael's best man. Victoria returned to town, arriving at Michael's doorstep expecting to pick up where they left off. Michael informed her that he was now married to Lauren, and Victoria bowed out gracefully. A year later, Lauren gave birth to a son, Fenmore "Fen" Baldwin.

text: Life as a husband and father was good for Michael, but his family troubles where his mother Gloria and Kevin were concerned were just beginning. Michael continued to put his job at risk with his family's endless legal troubles, such as Gloria's involvement in the Jabot product tampering case, Kevin landing in trouble with the government after keeping stolen money, and investigating the murder of Carmen Mesta, who was murdered by Kevin's girlfriend Jana Hawkes. Michael then had to contend with defending Phyllis after she was arrested for blackmailing Sharon Abbott and Brad Carlton about their affair. Unfortunately, Phyllis was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. After a few months, her conviction was overturned and she was released. Michael was then blindsided with yet another case when Victor was charged with the murder of Ji Min Kim. However, the charges were dropped when Michael discovered that the star witness had actually lied about Victor's whereabouts.

text: Michael decided to resume the search for information on his father, River Baldwin. His grandmother's journal described Lowell as a substance abusing criminal; Gloria, on the other hand, described Lowell as handsome and charismatic. Shortly after Michael was born, though, Lowell was drafted and fled to Canada. With these new bits of information in hand, Michael decided to start searching for his estranged father in Canada rather than the United States. He had given up the search by the time of his brother Kevin's marriage with Jana at an ashram. There he met his father, who married them, and is going by the name River. He claims he has been on the run after falsely accused of murder in a protest-gone-wrong in the sixties. Michael returns to Genoa City, disturbed, and several weeks later Lowell shows up at Michael's doorstep. After he and Gloria spend a night reminiscing, a jealous Jeffrey Bardwell tips the FBI about Lowell's location and he is arrested in a diner just before catching a bus out of town. Just as he is about to be moved to a new location for custody before his trial, his daughter Eden Gerick, who would also be Michael's sister, arrives in Genoa City, and pleads Michael to be her father's lawyer.

text: On March 23, 2010, Michael discovers that his wife, Lauren Fenmore had made out with his client and her ex-husband, Paul Williams for one night. Michael later lets go of Paul and tells him to find a new lawyer. Later, Lauren says she was drunk at the time and she was possibly being drugged as someone took pictures of her with Paul at Jimmy's Bar.

text: In June 2010, Michael is shocked to learn from Lauren that Jill Abbott is her paternal half-sister, and he shares in his wife's anger over Jill changing her last name to Fenmore. Michael does try to convince Lauren to at least give Jill a chance, but Lauren stubbornly refuses to do so due to Jill filing a suit asking for a portion of the estate of her and Lauren's late father Neil Fenmore. He is later relieved when the two women work out their differences and start developing a sisterly relationship. Michael also has to help with Lauren's continued struggle against the Carters. Sarah Smythe, the sister of Sheila, came to Genoa City looking just like Lauren after plastic surgery. Sarah along with Sheila's daughter, Daisy Carter, tortured Lauren in a cage. Michael found Lauren, and Lauren ended up shooting Sarah. Daisy escaped, but later returned pregnant with Daniel Romalotti's child. Phyllis tried to win over custody rights from Daisy, which greatly angered Michael and Lauren. Eventually, Phyllis won and Daisy escaped again.

text: Michael was eventually fired from Newman Enterprises and was replaced by Avery Bailey Clark. Michael ended up becoming the new Genoa City District Attorney. As DA he led charges against Phyllis once it finally discovered that she ran down Christine Blair and Paul Williams years earlier. During the case, Kevin was involved because of his connection during the unexpected death of Tim Reid, Phyllis's old doctor. This strained their relationship, but later the case against Phyllis was dropped when a judge determined that statute of limitations limited the case.

text: Fen ended up getting involved with Summer Newman, who slowly became more rebellious due to her family issues. Lauren and Michael were against their involvement, but Fen and Summer continued together and both began a bullying scheme against a troubled fellow student, Jamie Vernon. Summer later quit the scheme, but the tension between Fen and Jamie worsened as Michael and Lauren tried to help Jamie. Eventually, Fen and Jamie fought on the roof of a building downtown and Jamie fell onto a roof below. It wasn't clear if Fen pushed him, but when Jamie woke up in the hospital, he blamed Fen and wanted to press charges. Michael believed Jamie, but Lauren refused to believe that Fen pushed him. The tension between Lauren and Michael worsened when Michael ended up continuing the investigation and arrested Fen.

text: In 2014, Michael is under a lot of stress with his workload, so he decides to join partner law with Avery, after Leslie became an assistant district attorney, leaving Avery without a partner. Michael continues to be stressed out, so Lauren suggested Michael to go to the doctor. Michael went to the doctor, where he decides to prescribe himself with a similar drug to Viagra to help Lauren and his problem in bed. Michael went to the doctor after trying the prescription and the doctor says everything is clear. After going to the doctor, the doctor called Michael back with the lab results. The doctor explained to Michael that his PSA is elevated, which Michael asked if he has cancer. The doctor diagnosed Michael with stage 3 prostate cancer. So far, only Kevin, Lauren, Fen, Phyllis, and Jill knows Michael has stage 3 prostate cancer. Michael is planning on telling the rest of his family and friends his news eventually.


document_title: National FFA Organization

question_text: where is the vice president stationed in ffa

root

text: National FFA Organization

text: Overview[edit]

text: The National FFA Organization is a youth leadership organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education. The FFA Motto is Learning to do, Doing to learn, Earning to live, Living to serve.

tag: p

text: FFA functions within the three-circle model of agricultural education as a student leadership organization that complements a student's classroom/laboratory instruction and supervised agricultural experience program.[13] FFA members can compete in Career Development Events (CDE) that cover job skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Some events allow students to compete as individuals, while others allow them to compete in teams.[14] These competitions can happen at a local or district level, state level, and on the national level.

text: Students are supervised by agricultural education teachers in cooperation with parents, employers and other adults who assist individuals in the development and achievement of educational and career goals.

text: Official colors of the FFA are National Blue and Corn Gold.[15]

text: FFA structure[edit]

text: FFA is represented at several different levels across the nation; FFA administration may change from state to state. The basic levels are the national level, serving all of the United States of America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; the state level, serving an individual state association; and the chapter level, serving a school or set of schools in an area. By definition, there can be three types of chapters at the secondary level, they are middle for middle school, junior for ninth grade and senior which can be either tenth through twelfth or ninth through twelfth depending on the school. Other levels include districts, subdistricts, sections, regions, areas, and federations.

text: FFA was created to serve high school students, and has moved into middle schools where membership may begin as early as age 12, allowing members to become active earlier and stay active for longer. Each chapter is chartered as part of the state association and national organization. Collegiate chapters exist as well.

text: Most states hold FFA conventions at least once annually, where members gather to compete, be recognized for awards, attend leadership workshops, debate organizational issues in a delegate process, and more. Nationally, the National FFA Convention & Expo is held once a year in the fall. It was held in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1928 to 1998. The convention moved to Louisville, Kentucky, in 1999 before moving again in 2006 to Indianapolis, Indiana. Louisville again hosted the national convention from 2013 to 2015. FFA announced in July 2015 that the national convention would be hosted in Indianapolis each year from 2016 to 2024.[16]

text: Officers of FFA[edit]

text: As the FFA is a member-led organization intended to serve youth around the nation, it elects officers from its own diverse membership to certain levels of FFA. With these basic constitutional officers a basis of parliamentary procedure is completed during meetings and banquets; each officer during these procedures will stand and recite their office level and what it is stationed by, and why the particular position is stationed as so.Typical officer roles are:

text: Constitutional officers[edit]

text:
President — Stationed by the rising sun, a token of a new era in agriculture.
Vice President — Stationed by the plow, the symbol of labor and tillage of the soil.
Secretary — Stationed by the ear of corn, to keep a record of all meetings and correspond with other secretaries wherever corn is grown and FFA members meet.
Treasurer — Stationed by the emblem of George Washington, to keep an accurate account of receipts and disbursements just as Washington kept his farm accounts.
Reporter — Stationed by the Flag, strives to inform the public in order that every man, woman, and child may know the FFA is a national organization.
Sentinel — Stationed by the door, to ensure the door is open to all and keep the meeting room comfortable as well as assist in maintaining order.
Advisor — Stationed by the owl, the time honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom

tag: ul

text: Others may include[edit]

text:
Parliamentarian — Stationed by a copy of Robert's Rules of Order.
Historian — Stationed at the scroll or chapter scrapbook.
Student Advisor — Stationed by the owl or the key.
Chaplain — Stationed by the Bible or Book.
Executive Committee/Executive Board.

text: Each officer is an agricultural student and holds responsibilities needed to serve, and are elected each year by members at the respective levels.

text: National officers[edit]

text: At the national level, the organization has student-held positions of president, secretary, and vice president for each of the four administrative regions (Eastern, Southern, Central, and Western).

text: Official FFA dress[edit]

text: FFA jacket[edit]

text: The most recognizable symbol of the organization is the blue corduroy FFA jacket that is worn by current FFA members. The back of the jacket features a large FFA emblem just underneath the name of each FFA member's state. The name of the local FFA chapter, district, region or area is embroidered below the emblem. The front of the FFA jacket features a smaller FFA emblem on the left chest and the FFA member's name and sometimes, if applicable, office and year on the right chest. FFA members are required to wear the FFA jacket as part of official dress while participating in all official organization activities.[17]

text: The FFA jacket was created to be worn by the Fredericktown Band of the Fredericktown FFA Chapter by Dr. Gus Lintner.[18] It was adopted in 1933.

text: The color of the jacket's corduroy has ranged from shades of blue to shades of purple through the years. In 2004, the National FFA Organization worked with a supplier in North Carolina to set a new standard for the blue corduroy by using samples from archived FFA jackets. The jacket's color standardization was accompanied by a restoration of the embroidered FFA emblems and fit corrections led by Clemson University's Apparel Research Center. The improved FFA jacket, produced in both Van Wert, Ohio and South Vietnam, was first made available in August 2005. Currently, all lettering, embroidery and finishing of FFA jackets is completed by Universal Lettering Company in Van Wert, Ohio.[19]

text: Elements of FFA official dress[edit]

text: FFA members are required to wear official FFA dress while participating in official organization activities. The National FFA Organization recently updated its bylaws, stating that members may choose to identify however they choose in regards to official dress, in order to include transgender as well as gender non-conforming individuals within the organization. For females, official dress consists of a black skirt (black slacks may be appropriate for traveling and outdoor activities), a white collared blouse, an official FFA blue scarf, black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe, black nylon hosiery, and an official FFA jacket zipped to the top. Male official dress includes black dress pants, a white dress shirt, an official FFA tie, black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe, black socks and an official FFA jacket zipped to the top.[20]

text: Awards and pins[edit]

text: FFA members earn metal pins that signify achievement within the organization. These pins can be placed on the front of the FFA jacket,[20] however, official guidelines state that no more than three pins may be worn at one time. The pins are to be placed beneath the FFA member's name on the right chest and can recognize the highest office, highest award, and highest organizational degree. Two exceptions exist within pin placement guidelines. When an FFA member earns a State FFA Degree or American FFA Degree, the award keys should be worn above the name on right chest or attached to the FFA jacket with a standard key chain, and no other pins should accompany these.[20]

text: Traditions[edit]

text: As an organization, the FFA has many traditions and trademarks identifying it as an agricultural education organization:[21]

text: The FFA Motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

text: The FFA Mission: The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.[21]

text: The Official FFA Colors: National Blue and Corn Gold (worn on the Official FFA jackets).[22]

text: The FFA Emblem: Cross section of the ear of corn: represents unity. Where ever you live in the United States, corn is grown everywhere. Rising Sun: signifies progress. It represents that tomorrow will always bring a new day. Plow: signifies labor and tillage of the soil. It also shows the historic foundation of our country's strength. Eagle: symbolizes freedom and our ability to explore the new agriculture world. Owl: represents knowledge. Long recognized for wisdom and knowledge. Agriculture Education and FFA: symbolizes the combination of learning and leadership.

text: The FFA Creed: The creed was written by Erwin Milton "E.M." Tiffany of Lyndon, Kansas[23] and adopted at the 3rd National FFA Convention.[23] It was revised at the 38th and 63rd National FFA Conventions by the assembled delegate body. It is recited by new members to the organization to reflect their growing belief in agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA Creed also must be memorized and recited to earn the Greenhand Degree.

text:
I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement I cannot deny.
I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.
I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so-for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.
I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

text: Career Development Events[edit]

text: FFA Career Development Event (CDEs) are contests that members compete in to test their skills learned through agricultural education instruction. They vary at the different levels of FFA, and some are contested only at certain levels and certain states, districts, areas or federations.[24]

text: At the national level, there are 24 Career Development Events:[24]

text:
Ag Business
Ag Communications
Ag Issues Forum
Ag Mechanics
Ag Sales
Agronomy (Insects, seeds, etc.)
Dairy Cattle Evaluation
Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity
Dairy Foods
Environmental & Natural Resources
Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Floriculture
Food Science & Technology
Forestry
Horse Evaluation
Job Interview
Land Judging
Livestock Evaluation
Marketing Plan
Meats Evaluation & Technology
Nursery/Landscape
Parliamentary Procedure
Poultry Evaluation
Prepared Public Speaking
Rangeland Judging

text: Wildlife Management

text:
Veterinarian Science
Quiz Bowl

text: Others[edit]

text: Examples of CDEs that can be available at the state level are:

text:
Small Animal Care
Arboriculture
Aquaculture
Safe Equipment Operation
Opening/Closing Ceremonies
Wildlife
Website Development
Entomology
Tractor Operations
Greenhand CDE
F.A.R.M education
Envirothon
Demonstration

text: Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs[edit]

text: To be an active member in the National FFA Organization, a member must have an Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project.[25] The projects involve hands-on application of concepts and principles learned in the agricultural education classroom, with guidelines for the SAE projects governed by the state FFA delegation. SAE programs are grouped into four different areas:

text:
Exploratory – learning about the 'big picture' of agriculture and related careers
Research/Experimentation and Analysis – conducting research or analysis of information to discover new knowledge
Ownership/Entrepreneurship – planning and operation of an agriculture-related business
Placement – working either for pay or experience in an agricultural setting

text: Notable alumni[edit]

text: In politics[edit]

text:
Harold Brubaker, North Carolina state representative, past National FFA Secretary from Pennsylvania
Jimmy Carter, Governor of Georgia, 39th President of the United States
Matt Lohr, Virginia state representative, past state FFA President and National FFA Vice President
Bruce Maloch, Arkansas state senator, past state FFA President and National FFA Secretary
Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, past district FFA officer
Jeff Miller (Florida politician), United States Representative from Florida, past state FFA Secretary
Sam Brownback, Governor of Kansas, past United States Senator & United States representative, past state FFA President and national FFA vice president

text: In entertainment[edit]

text:
Trace Adkins, country music singer
Johnny Cash, country and rock & roll music singer/songwriter, actor
Chris Colfer, actor best known for Glee
Easton Corbin, country music singer/songwriter
Steve Doocy, network-television personality on the Fox News Channel and a best selling author. Co-host of Fox & Friends in the mornings.
Matthew Fox, actor best known for Lost and Party of Five
Brantley Gilbert, country music singer
Don Henley, music entertainer
Toby Keith, country music singer, actor
Lyle Lovett, country music singer
Tim McGraw, country music singer
Eddie Montgomery, country music singer, half of the duo Montgomery Gentry
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, pop and R&B singer
Willie Nelson, country music singer
Jim Ross, WWE Hall of Famer, past state FFA Vice President
Orion Samuelson, radio broadcaster
Josh Shipp, motivational speaker & entertainer
Taylor Swift, country and pop music singer/songwriter, actress
Craig Morgan, country music singer/songwriter
A$AP Rocky, rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor
John Mellencamp, recording artist, co-founder of Farm Aid

text: In the arts[edit]

text:
Jim Davis, creator of the Garfield comic strip
Jared Hess, director of Napoleon Dynamite
Nicholas Kristof, Pulitzer Prize Winner, past Oregon State Officer

text: Other[edit]

text:
Leonard J. Arrington, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Historian. "Dean of Mormon History", past National FFA Vice President
Howard Warren Buffett, grandson of famed American investor and philanthropist Warren Edward Buffett, past FFA chapter president
Bo Jackson, American athlete and a former multi-sport professional in American football (NFL) and Baseball (MLB)
Sterling Marlin, NASCAR driver
Brad Meester, American football center for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League, past FFA chapter president
Rebecca Podio, Miss Wyoming 2013
Bryant Reeves, retired American professional basketball player for the NBA's Vancouver Grizzlies
Carroll Shelby, American automotive designer, racing driver and entrepreneur
Chris Soules, The Bachelorette contestant and The Bachelor star, past Iowa FFA Member
Harry Stine, founder and owner of Stine Seed, past Iowa FFA Member
Mark Tauscher, American football Offensive Tackle for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League

text: Notable historic events and milestones[edit]

text:
1928: FFA is established
1929: National Blue and Corn Gold is adopted as official colors
1930: Official FFA creed adopted
1944: Future Farmers of America Foundation formed
1953: Future Farmers of America U.S. postage stamp issued by U.S. Postal Service
1965: African American New Farmers of America merged with FFA
1969: Girls are allowed to join FFA
1988: Official Name change from Future Farmers of America to FFA Organization
2006: National FFA Foundation receives first $1 million contribution from Ford Motor Company.
2009: FFA celebrates 40 years of women in the organization.
2010: FFA members earn a record 3,449 American FFA Degrees.
2011: National FFA Alumni Association celebrates its 40th anniversary.
2013: Official FFA Jacket celebrates 80th anniversary.
2015: National FFA celebrates 50 years since NFA merged with the FFA.
2017: National FFA elects first Woman African-American National President, Ms. Breanna Holbert from the State of California.


document_title: House of Cards (season 2)

question_text: who plays press secretary on house of cards

text: House of Cards (season 2)

text: Summary[edit]

text: Francis spends most of the season as the newly appointed Vice President of the United States. In early episodes Frank vanquishes reporters on the trail of a murder he committed in the previous season. However, the drama soon shifts to tensions involving Frank, President Walker, the Chinese government, and the wealthy Raymond Tusk, eventually culminating in a bitter political war between Frank and Tusk. Frank's wife Claire publicly reveals that she was raped in college by a prominent general and pursues anti-rape legislation. The most significant new character is Jackie Sharp, Frank's successor as House Whip, who soon finds herself embroiled in Frank's plans. As the war between Frank and Tusk consumes the Presidency, things culminate in a scandal that leads to Walker resigning, Tusk being arrested, and Frank ascending to the Oval Office.

text: Cast[edit]

text: Among the new cast members in season 2 are Molly Parker and Sam Page, while directors include Carl Franklin, Jodie Foster, James Foley and Wright.[1] The season features cameos by several notable journalists,[2] including Ashleigh Banfield, Rachel Maddow, Chris Matthews, Matt Bai, Morley Safer, Sean Hannity, and Kelly O'Donnell.[3][4][5]

text:
Kevin Spacey as Francis "Frank" J. Underwood, the Vice President of the United States
Robin Wright as Claire Underwood, the Second Lady of the United States
Michael Kelly as Douglas "Doug" Stamper, the Chief of Staff to the Vice President of the United States
Molly Parker as Jacqueline "Jackie" Sharp, a war veteran, Congresswoman from California and Underwood's successor as House Majority Whip
Michel Gill as Garrett Walker, the 45th President of the United States
Gerald McRaney as Raymond Tusk, a multi-billionaire businessman and investor who acts as an advisor and confidante to President Walker
Nathan Darrow as Edward Meechum, Secret Service agent on Underwood's detail, a former member of the U.S. Capitol Police serving as Underwood's bodyguard and driver
Mahershala Ali as Remy Danton, a lobbyist with law firm Glendon Hill and former employee of Frank Underwood
Derek Cecil as Seth Grayson, a sinister political operative who becomes Press Secretary for Vice President Underwood
Rachel Brosnahan as Rachel Posner, a former sex worker seeking a new life
Sakina Jaffrey as Linda Vasquez, the White House Chief of Staff in the Walker Administration
Jayne Atkinson as Catherine Durant, the U.S. Secretary of State in the Walker Administration
Jimmi Simpson as Gavin Orsay, a hacker and informant for the FBI
Joanna Going as Patricia Walker, wife of President Garrett Walker and First Lady of the United States
Mozhan Marnò as Ayla Sayyad, a tenacious journalist working for the Wall Street Telegraph
Jeremy Holm as Agent Nathan Green, the White House/FBI liaison
Sebastian Arcelus as Lucas Goodwin, a senior political editor working at the Washington Herald
Terry Chen as Xander Feng, a corrupt Chinese businessman and backchannel diplomat who is Raymond Tusk's business partner
Libby Woodbridge as Megan Hennessey, a former U.S. Marine Private who was sexually assaulted by General Dalton McGinnis
Kate Lyn Sheil as Lisa Williams, a social worker who befriends Rachel Posner
Elizabeth Norment as Nancy Kaufberger, secretary of the office of the Democratic House Whip
Gil Birmingham as Daniel Lanigan, a Native American casino owner in Missouri and friend of Raymond Tusk
Reg E. Cathey as Freddy Hayes, friend of Frank Underwood and the owner of a BBQ restaurant that Frank frequently visits
Samuel Page as Connor Ellis, a smooth talking media consultant who becomes Communications Director for Claire Underwood
Larry Pine as Bob Birch, a Democratic Congressman from Michigan and the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Kristen Connolly as Christina Gallagher, a headstrong aide to President Walker and former girlfriend of Peter Russo
Curtiss Cook as Terry Womack, House Majority Leader from Missouri's 5th congressional district
Constance Zimmer as Janine Skorsky, a veteran journalist working for news blog Slugline
Michael Warner as Oliver Spence
Benito Martinez as Hector Mendoza, a Republican Senator from Arizona and the Senate Majority Leader
Boris McGiver as Tom Hammerschmidt, former chief editor of the Washington Herald
David Clennon as Ted Havermeyer, a veteran Congressman from California and PAC Chairman who is a mentor to Congresswoman Sharp
Elizabeth Marvel as Heather Dunbar, an uncompromising lawyer who is appointed Special Prosecutor in the investigation into money laundering of foreign money via PACs
Tom Galantich as Reverend Thomas Larkin, a minister and relationship therapist
Mark Zeisler as Bill Gallich, the White House Counsel
Reed Birney as Donald Blythe, a Democratic Congressman from New Hampshire
Sandrine Holt as Gillian Cole
Ben Daniels as Adam Galloway, a world-renowned photographer and former lover of Claire Underwood
Kate Mara as Zoe Barnes, an ambitious journalist working for news blog Slugline and former lover of Frank Underwood

text: Episodes[edit]

text:
No.
overall
No. in
season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original release date
Prod.
code

14
1
"Chapter 14"
Carl Franklin
Beau Willimon
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-201

Newly selected Vice President Frank Underwood's chief of staff Doug Stamper warns him about journalists investigating the death of Congressman Peter Russo. Frank attempts to steer journalist Zoe Barnes away from it but when she suggests Russo was murdered, he pushes her in front of an oncoming train. Zoe's colleague Janine Skorsky receives nude photos of Zoe that Frank had taken, and is frightened into abandoning the investigation, but Zoe's lover, editor Lucas Goodwin refuses to desist. Doug forcibly relocates the prostitute Rachel Posner, who was involved in Russo's covered-up DUI and also his eventual downfall, and is now afraid of the consequences. Frank makes a new ally in Jacqueline Sharp, a former war hero, as his choice to replace him as House Majority Whip, and suggests an open race within the House to allow Jackie to compete against the expected candidates. Claire leverages her former employee Gillian Cole's expected lawsuit by fraudulently excluding vital medication for her unborn child from her health insurance, and then offers her total control of the Clean Water Initiative company allegedly as a peace offering.

15
2
"Chapter 15"
Carl Franklin
Beau Willimon
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-202

Frank is appointed Vice President and declines to move into the Naval Observatory. The Secret Service renovates his town-house with required security features. Frank uses Secretary of State Catherine Durant's team to stall a trade meeting with China, in order to loosen billionaire Raymond Tusk's influence on President Walker. Frank convinces President Walker to stand tough against China's indignant withdrawal, resulting in China cutting off further trade talks with the United States. Jackie Sharp strengthens her race for House Majority Whip, eventually destroying her mentor's career in order to secure the position. At his first formal engagement as Vice President, a military awards ceremony, Claire tells Frank the newly-commissioned General Dalton McGinnis is her college rapist. Lucas Goodwin looks for a hacker on the Deep Web to access Frank's phone records and connect him to the deaths of Russo and Zoe.

16
3
"Chapter 16"
James Foley
Bill Cain
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-203

As President Walker crafts his State of the Union address, Raymond Tusk reluctantly agrees to postpone resumption of trade negotiations with China, and Frank negotiates a bipartisan agreement with Senate Majority Leader Hector Mendoza on a compromise over reform of public entitlements and retirement age, to avoid a government shutdown. The Senate Republicans renege on the agreement, attempt to avoid a quorum and then filibuster, but Frank thwarts both moves and secures passage of the bill. Doug Stamper requests his FBI contact to run a sting operation on Lucas Goodwin, who is contacted by a hacker Gavin Orsay, claiming to be able to retrieve Zoe's phone records. Rachel Posner contacts her mother and then reaches out to a religious stranger, Lisa Williams, despite Stamper's instruction to speak to no one.

17
4
"Chapter 17"
James Foley
Laura Eason
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-204

The Underwoods prepare for their first media interview, and Frank works to secure votes in the House for an amendment to entitlements. Donald Blythe, who previously was burnt by the late changes in the education bill, opposes the entitlement amendment in principle. Frank and Blythe become quarantined inside the Capitol due to receipt of a package containing suspicious white powder. Interviewed alone, Claire is pressured into revealing she once had an abortion, and then lies that the pregnancy was a result of her much earlier rape by General Dalton McGinnis. Her account is supported by a woman who claims she also was assaulted by him in the army. Jackie Sharp and Remy Danton lobby for votes to avoid the government shutdown, both revealing negotiating skills unexpected by the other. Gavin Orsay is revealed to be facing federal charges for his association with a hacktivist group, and is reluctantly informing for the FBI as part of a plea bargain. Frank and Claire once again enjoy a smoke at their window, and Frank sings the murder ballad "Pretty Polly" for her.

18
5
"Chapter 18"
John Coles
Kenneth Lin
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-205

While attending a Civil War reenactment, Frank holds back-channel negotiations with Xander Feng - a billionaire unofficial Chinese diplomat working with Raymond Tusk to build a refinery for rare earth elements in Beijing - over construction of a bridge over the Long Island Sound. Frank discovers Feng and Tusk are manipulating a trade summit in Washington using a U.S. lawsuit against China at the WTO to benefit their investments and strengthen their influence with the Chinese government. Frank acts to drop the lawsuit against Feng's request and falsely accuses Feng of double-dealing, driving a wedge between Tusk and President Walker. Feng refuses to build the bridge, and President Walker finally withdraws the U.S. delegation from the trade summit, risking an international trade war in order not to appear weak. Claire enlists support from the First Lady Tricia Walker to advocate with military officials for more protection against sexual assault in the armed forces. An alleged media consultant, Seth Grayson learns that Claire Underwood's abortion is not related to her rape, and leverages it to replace Connor Ellis as the Underwoods' Press Secretary. Lucas Goodwin visits an AT&T data center allegedly to write an article on cyber security, and he surreptitiously inserts a USB flash drive into a data server to provide access to Gavin Orsay. His tour guides reveal themselves to be undercover FBI agents, and arrest him.

19
6
"Chapter 19"
John Coles
John Mankiewicz
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-206

The White House develops a strategy to prevent a national energy crisis due to the stalled trade negotiations with China. Frank proposes establishing a federal subsidy for raw materials for nuclear power, enraging Raymond Tusk. Claire Underwood hints to Tricia Walker that a presidential aide, Christina Gallagher could be pursuing an intimate relationship with President Walker. In custody, Lucas Goodwin refuses to plead guilty, and requests his former boss Tom Hammerschmidt to continue the investigation. The FBI intimidate Janine Skorsky into convincing Lucas to accept a plea deal. Doug Stamper attempts to pressure Rachel Posner into cutting ties with her new friend Lisa Williams and discontinuing her regular church attendance. Jackie Sharp and Remy Denton discuss the proposed emergency energy legislation and they end up sleeping together. Tusk intimates his intention to fight the legislation, and Frank encourages President Walker to raise the stakes using FERC. Frank is about to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Camden Yards, when the stadium lights go out as Tusk's utility company shuts off power to the grid. Tusk blames the ongoing heat wave and threatens another power outage in the south-east states. Frank advises President Walker to have the federal government take over Tusk's power plants. Frank meets Tusk at Freddy's barbecue joint and tells Tusk that their interests are no longer aligned.

20
7
"Chapter 20"
James Foley
Bill Kennedy
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-207

Raymond Tusk pressures the Walker administration by funding Republican attack ads for the upcoming midterm elections. Frank learns that the donations are disguised through a Kansas City casino and he sends Doug Stamper to investigate. Doug learns that Feng is donating the money and he flies to Beijing to negotiate. Frank learns that Tusk is orchestrating Feng's donations, which puts Frank himself in a tricky position, since he should have known about it when he was the Whip. Frank requests the casino owner Daniel Lanigan to stop the attacks but he scoffs at Frank's offer of political influence. Feng requests approval to build the Long Island bridge as a consolation for losing the refinery deal. Seth Grayson is revealed to be a double agent working for Remy Denton; however, Grayson confesses this to Frank and expresses his desire to work for Frank's power over Tusk's money. Wall Street Telegraph reporter Ayla Sayyad links Tusk and Feng to the refinery business deal and decides to investigate their business for illicit activity. Frank organizes Jackie Sharp to whip support for Claire's sexual assault legislation but she quietly stalls it. The Underwoods host President and Mrs. Walker for dinner and confirm their marital problems. Freddy Hayes is approached to franchise out his restaurant brand.

21
8
"Chapter 21"
James Foley
David Manson
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-208

Frank lobbies Linda Vasquez and President Walker to approve the bridge contract, but they are focused on the midterm elections. He meets with Daniel Lanigan and Raymond Tusk, who offers to discontinue Republican funding in exchange for reconciliation with President Walker. Frank clashes with Linda over the bridge proposal, resulting in Linda's resignation. Doug Stamper informs Feng that the bridge is approved and instructs him to abandon the refinery project with Tusk. Pvt. Megan Hennessey has a panic attack and is unable to testify against General McGinnis. Claire suggests that Tricia convince her husband to attend marriage counseling, and President Walker reluctantly agrees. Lisa Williams moves in with Rachel Posner and they become lovers. Jackie Sharp and Remy Denton's relationship progresses. Remy tracks down Claire's former lover Adam Galloway, and Tusk authorizes publication of an intimate photograph of Claire.

22
9
"Chapter 22"
Jodie Foster
Beau Willimon
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-209

Claire requests Adam Galloway to publicly deny their affair and he complies, but then Claire and Frank lie to the media that they had commissioned Galloway to take the leaked photograph as an anniversary gift for Frank. Remy Denton pressures Adam to release a second intimate photograph of Claire, blackmailing him with a threat to his fiancée Inez's father in Bogotá. Claire intimidates Adam into claiming that the whole episode is a publicity stunt to stimulate his languishing photography business. Doug Stamper cautions Seth Grayson about his ambitions in Frank's team. Ayla Sayyad interviews Raymond Tusk, who orders her to stop investigating him and Xander Feng with veiled threats. Tusk assumes Frank is driving Ayla's investigation and orders Remy to publish Freddy Hayes' criminal past and felonies. Freddy loses the restaurant franchise deal and he is forced to sell his restaurant to pay his son's bail. Frank visits him one last time and Freddy accepts his apology but refuses to accept financial assistance. Frank feels the loss of one of his few friends, and it motivates him to destroy Tusk.

23
10
"Chapter 23"
Robin Wright
Laura Eason and Beau Willimon
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-210

President Walker responds to a Chinese blockade of a Japanese island, to prevent military action. At the Underwood residence, Secret Service agents apprehend a bomber who confesses that Claire's pro-abortion public confession influenced his wife to abort their child. Seth Grayson leaks information to Ayla Sayyad linking Raymond Tusk to Daniel Lanigan's casino, confirming her suspicions that Tusk is using laundered money to influence Congress. Ayla publishes the story, causing a huge stir in national media. President Walker consults the White House Counsel but eventually appoints a special prosecutor to clear the White House of involvement. Based on her military service, Jackie Sharp attempts to alter the proposed sexual assault legislation but Claire refuses to negotiate. Seth learns of Remy Denton's relationship with Jackie, leading Frank to believe that Jackie's opposition to the legislation is another attack from Tusk. Frank berates Jackie and suggests that Remy is playing her. Frank chooses Seth Gayson's strategy despite Doug's protest; he informs Doug that Doug's rivalry with Seth is affecting his work. Miserable, Doug permits Rachel Posner to allow Lisa Williams to stay with her. The Underwoods appreciate Meechum's loyalty and share an informal drink with him. The code Lucas Goodwin inserted into AT&T's data server enables Gavin Orsay to track Doug's movements.

24
11
"Chapter 24"
John Coles
John Mankiewicz and Beau Willimon
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-211

Frank stonewalls Heather Dunbar, the special prosecutor leading the corruption investigation, but when she reveals a photograph of Doug Stamper at Daniel Lanigan's casino along with proof of his trip to China, Frank is forced to confirm his back-channelling effort with Xander Feng. Frank appears to cooperate by submitting his and President Walker's official travel logs. Daniel Lanigan accuses Remy Denton of making him a patsy to save Raymond Tusk. Remy tries to pressure Jackie Sharp to falsely implicate Frank in the scandal but she refuses to be manipulated. Unsure of which side will win, Remy offers Frank reduced attacks in return for Frank's influence should Raymond Tusk lose. Tricia Walker withdraws her support for the sexual assault legislation, so Claire encourages Megan Hennessey to go public with her story. Frank returns home to a drunk Claire and Edward Meechum, and joins them in a threesome. Doug mends his relationship with Seth Grayson. Doug struggles with his obsession with Rachel Posner, and sees her in bed with Lisa Williams. Dunbar finds President Walker's marriage counseling sessions in his travel logs.

25
12
"Chapter 25"
James Foley
Beau Willimon
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-212

President Walker accuses Frank of engineering his downfall, and breaks off all contact with him. Frank convinces Catherine Durant and Heather Dunbar to obtain Xander Feng's testimony by offering him diplomatic immunity and political asylum. This forces President Walker to waive the therapist-patient privilege with Reverend Larkin. Heather Dunbar discovers Larkin was coached by the White House to withhold that he prescribed medication to President Walker, which further weakens President Walker's position. Seth Grayson reveals to Raymond Tusk that Remy Denton offered to rejoin Frank's team. Tusk is subpoenaed but he invokes the Fifth Amendment, confident he will get a presidential pardon. Megan Hennessey publicly derides Jackie Sharp for opposing the sexual assault legislation. Jackie publicly derides Claire, who then withdraws the sexual assault legislation, destroying Megan's composure. Doug Stamper forces Rachel Posner to break up with Lisa Williams and evict her. Gavin Orsay blackmails the FBI for his freedom and other conditions. The Underwoods convince Jackie to guide President Walker's impeachment, for the best interest of the Party.

26
13
"Chapter 26"
James Foley
Beau Willimon
February 14, 2014 (2014-02-14)
HOC-213

President Walker requests Raymond Tusk to implicate Frank in the money laundering scheme, in return for a pardon. Frank makes the same request, in return for an assurance to restore trade relations with China. Claire attempts to console Megan Hennessey, but she is pushed away by the newly broken girl. Gavin Orsay informs Doug Stamper that he knows about Rachel Posner, and pressures him for protection. Doug relocates Rachel, but terrified, she leaps out of his car and then beats him unconscious in the woods. In a risky gesture of fake loyalty, Frank sends President Walker a signed admission of sole responsibility for the scandal. President Walker requests Frank to produce results by whipping votes to stave off his impeachment, but Frank drives the opposite vote. President Walker revokes his offer to pardon Tusk, who then implicates him in the scandal, and is arrested. President Walker's approval rating drops to 8% and The House votes to pursue his impeachment, which forces him to resign. He parts with Frank on good terms, unconvinced of Frank's treachery. Frank is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. He swiftly restores trade relations with China by extraditing Xander Feng to face corruption charges in China. Claire gifts Frank a copy of his class ring, which he previously buried at the Civil War memorial. He enters the Oval Office, puts on the ring and triumphantly double knocks on the desk, in his signature style.

tag: table

text: Background[edit]

text: The second season was made available in its entirety on February 14, 2014 (Valentine's Day) at 12:01 a.m. PT.[6][7] Prior to the release of season 1, three reviewers, Hank Stuever of The Washington Post, Nancy deWolf Smith of The Wall Street Journal, and Alessandra Stanley of The New York Times, commented on possible binge viewing by Netflix customers.[8][9][10] Stanley notes that the show "is probably seen best one episode at a time. It's a delicious immorality play with an excellent cast, but the tempo is slow and oddly ponderous—a romp slowed down to a dirge".[10] Smith also notes that due to its "relentless theme", "House of Cards might go down better in smaller portions and thus be enjoyably prolonged", deriding potential binge watchers as people who liken a delicacy to a "bag of M&M's".[9] However, Stuever disagreed about season 1 saying "So, on the iffy chance that House of Cards draws you in and you simply cannot stop watching, then, yes, you may power-binge your way through all 13 hours at once".[8] Upon viewing the four episode season 2 preview Time's James Poniewozik says "I could easily see powering through the season in a free weekend, precisely because no individual episode needs much time to sink in".[7] Stanley also felt the second season was "binge-worthy" upon viewing the preview.[11] However, Ellen Gray of Philly.com supports not binge-watching the season, as she believes it does not serve it well.[12]

text: Production[edit]

text: Writing[edit]

text: In interviews during the writing and filming of season 2 showrunner Beau Willimon said he had drawn inspiration for the series from a variety of sources including Robert Caro's The Years of Lyndon Johnson and Jeremy Larner's Nobody Knows. Lyndon B. Johnson was a repeated source for themes and issues. Willimon also commented on the fictional world of politics that the show represented: "It's a rough-and-tumble game whenever power is involved—people's ambitions, their desires, their competitive spirit will often push them to play outside the rules."[13] Willimon noted that "I don't think about topping things ... The evolution of character is not a game of one-upmanship. It is about change. Souls are vast and so the opportunity to explore ways in which characters contradict themselves and evolve is also vast" and that season 2 provided the opportunity "to expand the world and more deeply explore the characters".[14]

text: Spacey viewed continuing to portray Underwood for a second season as a continuing learning process. "There is so much I don't know about Francis, so much that I'm learning ... I've always thought that the profession closest to that of an actor is being a detective ... We are given clues by writers, sometimes clues they're aware of and sometimes not. Then you lay them all out and try to make them come alive as a character who's complex and surprising, maybe even to yourself".[15] Gerald McRaney spoke about his expanded role by saying that whereas in season 1 the challenge to playing his character, Raymond Tusk, was in "having to learn Mandarin", in season 2 his character has become "somebody who you don't know which color hat he's wearing".[16]

text: Filming[edit]

text: Netflix had ordered two seasons of 13 episodes when it made its original commitment to the series in 2011.[17][18] According to Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley, production of the first season brought $140 million in the form of 2,200 jobs and transactions with 1,800 vendors to the Baltimore metropolitan area economy and the Maryland General Assembly expanded its Film Production Tax Credit so that season two could have similar impact over the course of 150 days of filming.[19][20] Like the first season, the second season was largely filmed in the Baltimore area.[21][22] Although production was publicized as being in Baltimore, Season 1 had based production in Harford County, Maryland,[23] and season 2 also had its production office in Edgewood and a Joppa sound stage.[24] The April 27, 2013 White House Correspondents Dinner spoofed House of Cards from the Maryland set prior to the beginning of the filming of season 2.[20] Filming began on Monday April 29, 2013,[25] which was just a few weeks later in the year than season 1 had started.[26] On May 14, O'Malley visited the set to publicize the success of the tax incentives.[27]

text: During spring and summer 2013, the show hosted several large casting calls some of which had over 1000 hopefuls.[28][29] On June 13, crews began preparing the State House for filming on June 17 and 18. The Maryland State House is not available for rent so the producers made donations to various organizations.[30] The show filmed in Annapolis at the Maryland House of Delegates and the wife of House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Cynthia, was cast as an extra. She played a United States Senator as the set depicted the United States Senate chamber.[31][32] The scenes were used as part of "Chapter 16" (season 2, episode 3).[33] On July 24, the show announced that it would film at the Baltimore County Circuit Courthouses in Towson, Maryland on July 31.[34] The filming occurred at this location on August 7.[35]

text: On August 3, House of Cards was going to film a presidential motorcade at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. at 3 PM. However, Chief of police Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD) revoked the permits that morning. An MPD spokesperson explained "The Metropolitan Police Department is not the lead agency on presidential motorcades and we did not want to portray ourselves as such". As a result, the production crews did a last minute filming of the desired scenes back in Baltimore.[36] The next day, Mayor of the District of Columbia Vincent Gray stated that there was confusion on what role the MPD would play in the filming. A spokesperson from his office stated that ""MPD is not going to rent itself out as extras for film ... That's what MPD's decision was focused on. We're not going to be actors."[37] On October 2, all issues were resolved and the motorcade was filmed as originally planned without any MPD personnel "actively participate in the filming".[38]

text: In August, several areas in Harford County were used for filming season 2, including areas in Bel Air and Edgewood. Havre de Grace had been used in season 1 to depict Underwood's home district in South Carolina. The Liriodendron mansion was the scene of filming on August 12 and 13. Bel Air police were paid $1550 for August 13 duties at another filming location.[24][39][40]

text: Although there were reports that the filming was largely completed by October 1,[41] Willimon tweeted on that date that he had just finished writing the season finale.[42] Willimon and others tweeted that filming was completed on November 8.[43][44] The following week, House of Cards workers got involved in the Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts.[45]

text: According to an October 10 story in The Huffington Post, executive producer Rick Cleveland stated that he believed that season 2 would be the final season because both Spacey and Wright prefer to act in movies than in television.[46] However, Willimon remained optimistic that the show will continue.[47] The Baltimore Sun reporter, David Zurawik contested the journalistic process of The Huffington Post report because he says Modi Wiczyk, CEO of Media Rights Capital, the company that produces House of Cards, told him "I would basically be shocked if there wasn't [a season 3, 4 and 5]".[48] A few weeks later, Netflix's Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos confirmed that Netflix had an earnest interest in continuing House of Cards beyond its second season.[49]

text: Post-production[edit]

text: On December 4, 2013, Netflix announced that the 13-episode season would be released in its entirety on February 14, 2014.[6] Along with the scheduling announcement, Netflix confirmed that Francis (now Vice President) and Claire would "continue their ruthless rise to power as threats mount on all fronts".[6] After season 1 received four nominations for the 71st Golden Globe Awards on December 12, a season 2 trailer was released on December 13.[50] However, the first official full trailer was released on January 6.[51]

text: Willimon has stated "In conception of the second season, I put a lot of thought into the doors open to us in seasons three and beyond ... I didn't want to paint ourselves into a corner in the second season."[14] On February 4, 2014, Netflix announced it had renewed the web series for a season 3 of undisclosed length.[52] In May 2014, the season became one of the first Netflix streaming offerings available in 4K video format.[53][54]

text: Reception[edit]

text: Critical reception[edit]

text: The season was generally well received. The review aggregator Metacritic gave the season a score of 80 out of 100, based on 25 critics.[55] Another review aggregator, Rotten Tomatoes gave the season a rating of 85%, based on 34 reviews, with an average rating of 8.2/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "House of Cards proves just as bingeworthy in its second season, with more of the strong performances, writing, and visual design that made the first season so addictive."[56]

text: James Poniewozik of Time says "It is the same show you saw last season, the same weaknesses and strengths intact, but, as it makes clear before the first hour is over, every bit as brutal and sanguinary."[7] According to Sara Smith of The Kansas City Star, "The shock and delight of the showy storytelling ... has faded a bit".[3] Smith says that Barnes, Skorsky, and Goodwin's "investigation sucks them down a rabbit hole into a surreal underworld no sane reporter would explore".[3] Regarding Frank, Smith says "A show can successfully revolve around one man, but a flawless winning streak gets monotonous" and that "it's time for someone to take Frank down a notch".[3]

text: Willmore says that since characters have been introduced, "season two of House of Cards begins in a fashion that's far more free and quick-paced" than season 1.[57] Willmore also notes that, "If season one slowly grew blacker in tone as it went from serious games of power and manipulation to life-and-death ones, season two starts off there and looks to only get darker in content."[57] However, she stated that season 2 appeared to be lighter than season 1: "delivered with more of a wink by Frank than before. It may be darker, but it's also less heavy".[57]

text: Stanley praises the series saying "It's not clear exactly why this bleak series is so exhilarating and binge-worthy. It could be that just as victims of tragedy find it hard to accept that their suffering is random and purposeless, voters find it intolerable that so many of the petty, shortsighted moves by elected officials have no greater meaning than small-time expediency." She also notes that the series "is more cynical than The Americans on FX and more pessimistic about human nature than The Walking Dead on AMC".[11] However, The Americans "is more complex and inventive" according to Stanley who concurs that season 2 is darker but notes it is more compelling than season 1.[11] Stuever compares the show unfavorably to both Veep for its "bumbling chaos and ego implosions" over House of Cards "prohibitively sinister" execution and The Good Wife for its superior delivery of "nastiness and self-interest in power plays".[58]

text: Many critics criticized the lack of reasonable challenge for the Underwoods. James Poniewozik notes that "Francis needs a stronger nemesis, if not for the sake of justice then for the sake of excitement. And House of Cards would be a greater show if it had characters who were people more than game pieces. Still, on its limited terms, it's absorbing to watch".[7] According to Entertainment Weekly's Karen Valby, the show's fundamental problem is that "The Underwoods have no worthy opponents."[59] According to Variety's Brian Lowry, as conniving as Underwood is, it is unfathomable that "nobody else in a town built on power seems particularly adept at recognizing this or combating him".[2] Valby notes that neither Tusk nor Goodwin is an effective foe, leaving the audience longing for a comeuppance in the first four episodes that served as a preview for critics and his hopeful that Sharp provides a good foil as the season progresses.[59] He also wrote that House of Cards overplays its depiction of the edginess of "Washington being venal and corrupt". He describes the show as a "mixed bag".[2]

text: Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter describes the preview of the season by saying "It's entertaining and cruises along with a strong pulse. There's a core mystery and American politics is mocked, appropriately, for being a two-party hustle of recrimination and separatism."[60] Goodman notes that writer Beau Willimon has Frank "pontificate to the point of spouting cliches from time to time" and Frank's "conniving wins too often".[60] Goodman sums things up by saying "There's a heavier hand than is necessary at times" and "House of Cards needs to stay more focused to be successful."[60]

text: Chuck Barney of the San Jose Mercury News had a more mixed response, noting that the preview episodes show that the series is as "handsomely crafted and marvelously acted as ever" but the episodes don't "provoke the same kind of adrenaline rush as last season". Barney was also impressed with newcomer Parker: "She's an agile actress who can deliver a sense of soft-spoken warmth but also a steely fierceness that comes with an underlying message: 'Underestimate me at your own peril.'"[61]

text: The addition of Parker was well received among critics. Stanley notes that as Underwood's "protégée and, like everyone else in his poisoned orbit, soon discovers that Underwood expects his people to cast aside principle and pursue his grand plan."[11] Valby describes her performance as one "played with throbbing edge".[59] Goodman notes she serves to somewhat counterbalance Frank.[60]

text: Verne Gay of Newsday notes that "Spacey's Underwood is even more sinuous, more complex, more treacherous and so—as a result—is the deeply pleasurable show that surrounds him."[62]

text: Awards[edit]

text: On July 10, 2014, House of Cards earned thirteen Primetime Emmy Award nominations for the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.[63] Among its nominations were Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Kevin Spacey, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Robin Wright, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for Beau Willimon and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for Carl Franklin.[64] The second season was also nominated for several 66th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, including Kate Mara for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series and Reg E. Cathey for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.[64] Other Creative Arts nominations were received for Casting, Cinematography, Picture Editing, Music Composition, Sound Mixing, and Art Direction.[65]

text: Other recognitions included a TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama nomination at the 30th TCA Awards and the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for Wright at the 4th Critics' Choice Television Awards.[66][67] For the 67th Writers Guild of America Awards, the series was nominated for Best Drama Series.[68] For the 21st Screen Actors Guild Awards, the cast was nominated for Best Drama Ensemble, Spacey won for Best Drama Actor, and Wright was nominated for Best Drama Actress.[69] For the 72nd Golden Globe Awards, the series was nominated for Best Television Series – Drama, Wright was nominated for Best Actress – Television Series Drama, and Spacey won for Best Actor – Television Series Drama.[70] For the 67th Directors Guild of America Awards, Jodie Foster was nominated for Outstanding Directing – Drama Series for the episode "Chapter 22".[71]

text: Impact[edit]

text: U.S. President Barack Obama quipped about his interest in an advance copy of the second series: "I wish things were that ruthlessly efficient ... It's true. I was looking at Kevin Spacey thinking, 'this guy's getting a lot of stuff done'."[14] The evening before the season was posted, someone responsible for the @BarackObama Twitter account (which is run by Organizing for Action[72]) tweeted a request that no spoilers be posted online.[73] Since the season debuted on Valentine's Day, The New York Observer created themed cards in honor of the series with quotes such as "A great man once said everything is about sex. Except sex. Sex is about power"[74] (an Oscar Wilde quote Underwood had stated during season 1).[75]

text: Whereas less than 2% of Netflix subscribers streamed season 1 during the first weekend last year, over 15% streamed at least one hour during the business day on February 14.[76]

text: Home media release[edit]

text: The second season was released on DVD and Blu-ray in region 1 on June 17, 2014 (2014-06-17),[77] in region 2 on June 16, 2014 (2014-06-16),[78] and in region 4 on June 19, 2014 (2014-06-19).[79]