The Old Potomac Two-Step
What does this mean? Is it a political term for lying? I love the ring to it.
(Also, 10 out of 10. Great action, plot, acting. Harrison Ford is god.)
"two step" is a common term for covering up something, usually deceptively. As you know, the White House is situated near the Potomac River...hence Potomac Two-Step.
shareActually I think the term refers to the idea of "if you rub my back, i'll rub yours"
Remember what the prez says to Ryan:
Prez: Ahh son what you've got now is a bargaining chip. And what you're going to do is put it in your pocket, and then you're going to keep it until you are ready to cash it in.
Translation: prez wants ryan to keep quiet. In exchange for doing this, the prez says he will do ryan some kind of favor later on.
Thats why its called a two step. Step one: ryan agrees to conceal the truth. Step two: prez does a big favor for ryan later
This is exactly what I was thinking as well.
shareThe two-step is a dance. Remember, after the President says that ... Ryan says "I don't dance."
shareYes, the Texas two step is a way to dance to country music.
But in terms of what it means in the film, the explanation above is what the interpretation is.
Then why did Ryan say.... "I don't dance."
The Texas Two Step DANCE.
Two steps one direction, one step in another. Hence, the Potomac Two Step. Washington politics can't be done in a straight line, dancing around the truth, etc etc.
Yes, the two-step is a dance but the president meant it metaphorically, he wasn't actually asking Harrison Ford to dance with him
shareBut Ryan meant it metaphorically too. He wanted Ryan to play the same game that most folks in government place, to "dance" with him in that style. Ryan "doesn't dance" like that.
shareExactly.
shareThe President wanted Jack to dance.
He was going to pull out a six shooter and start firing at his feet while simultaneously encouraging him by chanting "Dance" and laughing maniacally.
The old Potomac two step was just a warm up for the Charleston the President was working up to.
The President wanted a "Break off" so afterwards he could tell Jack he just got served. Harrison Ford had trouble pop-locking but the Presidents windmill was "tight".
There is a cut scene of Jack's response to the President. Instead of saying "I don't dance" he puts a rose between his teeth and him and the President go cheek to cheek and Tango towards the camera. Fade to black.
Love this movie btw
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"There is a cut scene of Jack's response to the President. Instead of saying "I don't dance" he puts a rose between his teeth and him and the President go cheek to cheek and Tango towards the camera. Fade to black."
No, you're thinking of the ending of True Lies.
(LOL, by the way.)
I asked the doctor to take your picture so I can look at you from inside as well.
you just want to avoid getting tossed in the river.
Veneration of Mark Twain is one of the roots of our current intellectual stalemate