With Frank in critical condition and requiring a liver transplant, the Underwood administration is in a state of suspended animation. Vice President Donald Blythe is technically in charge but relies heavily on Claire’s guidance. Sensing a power vacuum, Claire and her political consultant, LeAnn Harvey, orchestrate a plan to secure Claire’s future by manipulating the upcoming convention in Atlanta.
: Frank’s health is the ticking clock of the episode. He is placed on the donor list, but his prospects look grim until a series of ethical and political pressures are applied to move him up the priority list. House of Cards 4x5
: Claire convinces Blythe to make the Democratic National Convention "open," meaning the delegates can vote for any Vice Presidential candidate rather than just accepting the President's pick. This is a calculated risk designed to sideline Frank’s preferred VP, Catherine Durant, and pave the way for Claire. With Frank in critical condition and requiring a