From House of Cards to White House? Kevin Spacey flirts with 2024 presidential bid

NEW DELHI: After a hiatus in 2021 and 2022, Kevin Spacey has made a comeback with a new Christmas video, continuing a tradition he started in 2018. This year, Spacey, embodying his 'House of Cards' character Frank Underwood, was interviewed by Tucker Carlson in a unique twist to his usual festive messages.
During this appearance, Spacey, recently cleared of legal charges, in Underwood's characteristic southern accent, hinted at a potential real-life presidential run.
In his performance, Spacey, as Underwood, declared that running for president was "a sacrifice I’m willing to make for this great nation," emphasizing the need to "get some adults back in the room". He criticized the current state of leadership, urging the country to stop apologizing and to take a firmer stance. He remarked, "let’s stop blaming bots and college kids" for "spewing ridiculous ideas" and to "start telling leaders what leadership really is."
Spacey, avoiding any direct political stance, mentioned his "long and very solid relationship with the public" as a key qualification for the presidency, describing it as "a bond that has never been broken." He boldly stated, "We need someone in the White House who's not afraid, like me, not afraid to push our country – or a journalist – in the right direction, if it comes to that."
When asked about his potential role in politics, Spacey did not confirm his entry into the 2024 race but playfully suggested that Carlson could serve as his vice president.
He also described Netflix's decision to sever ties with him based solely on allegations as "bizarre," noting that these allegations were later "proven false."
Spacey's career faced significant challenges following multiple sexual assault allegations. He was acquitted of all nine charges in the UK in July, and a 2017 case in the US was dismissed. Netflix had responded to the allegations by killing off Underwood in "House of Cards" and shelving a Gore Vidal biopic starring Spacey, actions criticized by the actor and others as a "rush to judgment."