Raymond Tusk quotes from House of Cards

Raymond Tusk

Decisions based on emotion aren't decisions, at all. They're instincts. Which can be of value. The rational and the irrational complement each other. Individually they're far less powerful.

Raymond Tusk

Well, Miss Dunbar, in 67 years on this planet I have never once been issued a subpoena. I can now cross it off my bucket list.

Raymond Tusk

[To Frank] When they put you in that box barely bigger than a coffin remember how beautiful the music was tonight. It might give you some small degree of comfort.

Raymond Tusk

Can I ask why you do that?

Frank Underwood

Do what?

Raymond Tusk

Tap your ring like that. I've seen you do it on TV. Two taps every time you get up from a table or leave a lectern.

Frank Underwood

Something my father taught me. It's meant to harden your knuckles so you don't break them if you get into a fight. It also has the added benefit of knocking on wood. My father believed that success is a mixture of preparation and luck. Tapping the table kills both birds with one stone.

Raymond Tusk

Your father was a peach farmer?

Frank Underwood

Yes, he was. Not a very successful one.

Raymond Tusk

Lack of preparation or lack of luck?

Frank Underwood

Lack of both. He was better at giving advice than following it.

Raymond Tusk

Fact, I have something that you want. You have something that I want.

Raymond Tusk

Have I said something amusing?

Frank Underwood

I've sat too many times on your side of the table not to enjoy the irony of finding myself on this side of it.

Raymond Tusk

I'm must say, I'm surprised, Frank. You have a reputation for pragmatism.

Frank Underwood

And I've also avoided a reputation for indentured servitude.

Raymond Tusk

I never make an offer more than twice, Frank. Tell me now if I can count on your cooperation.

Frank Underwood

You're not offering cooperation, you are demanding tutelage. So let me make you a proposal. I am absolutely willing to work together as equals. I will take your opinions seriously, just as the president does. But I will not bind myself to them in advance. If that doesn't interest you, fair enough. Good luck finding a vice president in the next four days who will prove as pragmatic as I. You can't purchase loyalty, Raymond. Not the sort I have in mind. If you want to earn my loyalty, then you have to offer yours in return. And if we can agree to that - well, you're a man with imagination.