mnet logo no padding

TV's Dirtiest Politicians

News
21 April 2015
Taking a look at the dirtiest politician on TV.
Martin Scorsese Steve Buscemi Boardwalk Empire

Thrust into the cut-throat world of politics with shows like House of Cards , we thought we'd take a look at the dirtiest politicians on TV.

Here are eight TV politicians who will do anything, and everything, to get what they want and keep themselves at the top.

Francis Underwood, House of Cards

Let's start with House Of Cards’ very own Francis Underwood, masterfully played by Kevin Spacey. Raised in impoverished circumstances, becoming a U.S. Representative from South Carolina's fifth congressional should be enough for many people. But Francis Underwood’s ambition is endless, an abyss of need and self-gain that really has no end. After becoming House Majority Whip he married Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) and they soon became the most powerful couple in Washington D.C. Francis is relentless, devious, charismatic and tenacious, which makes him a very dangerous man, who will do anything for his cause and his wife, including murder.

Clay Davis, The Wire

It’s hard to be a noticeable, dirty character in The Wire, with drug dealers and corrupt cops everywhere; but Senator Clay Davis stands out nevertheless. His character is synonymous with Baltimore's political corruption, as Davis took bribes from drug dealers, paid off the cops and smooth-talked his way out of a conviction on money laundering charges. What a guy.

President Charles Logan, 24

Many have thought that this character in 24 was inspired by Richard Nixon. The comparison gives you an idea of the lengths he will go to, to stay in power. Gregory Itzin’s performance of Charles Logan was so loathsome he was nominated for an Emmy. Logan’s acts entailed terrorist plots, murder and major cover-ups. Needless to say, he had a long rivalry with our hero, Jack Bauer.

Mayor Adam West, Family Guy

Mayor Adam West is one of the most dangerous politicians you can get. That's because he is more insane than corrupt. The mayor of Quahog is less the mayor and more the crazy guy in a chair at City Hall. From shooting cats from a catapult to contemplating if his name is really Adam West, Mayor West is absolutely useless in politics.

Peter Florrick, The Good Wife

Peter Florrick has truly run the gauntlet in The Good Wife. From coming under fire for corruption charges, having an affair with a prostitute and finally being sent to prison and eventually being released and having his case dismissed, Peter Florrick has had a wild ride. After all that, Florrick returned to his old position as the Cook County State's Attorney. A man that tenacious has to be feared.

Mayor Joe Quimby, The Simpsons

The good Mayor Joe Quimby. Modelled after a mix of the Kennedy family members and all their tabloid scandal and glory, Quimby is known for his philandering, cheating, bribe-accepting and scamming. It is undeniable that he brings a whole new dimension to the crazy town of Springfield. Willing to abandon the citizens he pledged to lead at any time, we would not be surprised if he was caught with a suitcase filled with money.

Congressman Nicholas Brody, Homeland

To say that Congressman Nicholas Brody is a piece of work is an understatement. After going through years of wartime torture and returning home, he was loved by the viewers. But we soon saw that he has ulterior motives for moving up in the world of politics. Needless to say, his actions are so deplorable that his fall from grace is not only inevitable but also welcomed.

Nucky Thompson, Boardwalk Empire

This charismatic politician is based on the real-life Prohibition-era Atlantic City treasurer Nucky Johnson. He is a man that dominates the Atlantic region. In an era that was known for its corruption, Nucky seemed to be at the root of it. He is deeply entrenched in the vast bootlegging trade, the political and criminal underworlds, murders, bribery and making mafia connections. He will do anything and everything to get rich and stay powerful.

President Gaius Baltar, Battlestar Galactica

Gaius Baltar had a hand in wiping out most of humanity on Battlestar Galactica, but that didn't stop him winning the race for president a couple years later. Unfortunately, Baltar was more interested in drinking and womanising than politics, and his citizens suffered due to his ineptitude. When the evil Cylons invaded New Caprica and enslaved humanity, the cowardly president crumbled in the face of pressure, worrying about no one but himself. Though he was eventually ousted from office and tried for treason, humanity would have been better off had Baltar never been elected.

Which politician do you think is the dirtiest? Share your thoughts on social media.