After thinking about it for years, he finally 'threw/flung/cast caution to the wind', quit his job, and started his own company.
The scandal 'cast a cloud' over his presidency. [=people thought the President did something wrong]
The 'cast of characters' includes President Johnson and his top advisers during the Vietnam War.
(..) boiler that heats the baths. Move it, ya stupid soot balls. Please, I've gotta get a job here. I don't need any help. The place is full of soot. I just cast a spell on them... and I've got all the workers I need. Oh. Sorry. Wait. Just a second. Out of the way. (..)2001 Spirited Away