Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

If you haven’t already read this amazing book, you really should. I couldn’t put it down and as someone who follows politics very closely, I can tell you that her facts are all correct. I tend to watch the BBC news outlets because they are not as invested as our own reporting agencies, or biased. I like to read The NY Times and I catch Ari Melber’s show every once in awhile, but to listen to our news, from another country, seems to be the best way to get my information, and, I love to read first hand accounts. Since Trump first took the stage I have been wary of him and his cohorts. They seem shifty and greasy and to sly by half. This book scares the living hell out of me. Ms Cheney must have kept a very tidy journal and reading her book is like reading her journal. The day after day after day of unfortunate events, created by Trump and his cronies, are stunning and classic authoritarianism at its core. He wants to be KING! Seriously? Is that what we truly want, again? A king to rule over us, to tell us when, where and how to live our lives. This does not sound like “Freedom” to me. I applaud Liz Cheney and anyone else who has the balls to stand up and tell it like it really was. Like it really IS. The truth might hurt, but it’s better than living in a North Korean or Russian state. I truly believe that the United States Of America is going to catch fire and burn in 2024 and what comes out the other side, if trump is elected, is going to be a living hell. Forget your big dreams or the dreams for your kids and grandkids…IF HE GETS ELECTED…we are truly doomed to fail as a nation. I am embarrassed of my so called leaders in Congress. I truly am! Read this book, tell me I am wrong.

The warning that comes across loud and clearly needs to be heeded by all Americans and Ms. Cheney has done a wonderful job in this very powerful book of explaining very clearly the issues at hand. This book’s message is supplemented by her powerful, very frequent interviews on television and radio in support of her book’s message. She is a great communicator. To the careful and thoughtful American, her message is straightforward. What is not clear to me however is why only half the nation appears to agree with her. The cult of Donald Trump is a mystery to me and I believe this needs to be understood and attacked with conviction and vigor. His lies are self evident and blatant and yet his followers continue to believe his words. There is truth in the saying that if one repeats things often enough the words become the truth whether the substance is or is not true. I believe that the January 6 committee gave us the facts and told the truth. As an American I expect that my political leaders will tell me the truth all the time and when they don’t they will be called to task. I believe that Liz Cheney tells the truth with a strength of conviction that is to be commended.I believed my eyes on January 6. I believe in the rule of law and the power of the constitution of the United States. I believe that Donald Trump is a deeply flawed personality. And I believe that his motivation is purely for power and self interest. I also strongly believe in the message of truth that Liz Cheney is trying to convey to the American people. People must listen. People must seek the truth. People must follow her important message with vigor and conviction in order to preserve the gift of democracy that we enjoy.

Liz Cheney is a living national treasure. She is one of the few clear-headed and principled Republicans who have stood firm against Trump's clear violations of the US Constitution. He is the first President in US history to attempt to remain in office after clearly losing an election. This book has a lot of behind the scenes first-hand accounts of what was going on and being said among Republicans in the House of Representatives following the 2020 election, so it reveals a lot of information you cannot find anywhere else. Liz was the 3rd highest ranking member of the Republican House caucus, so she talked to a lot of people daily and reveals those conversations. The book takes her all the way through the experience of January 6th as felt by those such as her, working in the House and Senate to certify the electoral college votes, as the violent mob attacked the Capitol and the very doors of the House chamber, causing them to flee to a safe room. The book goes all the way through the process of the January 6th Committee Hearings revealing many details I had never seen elsewhere. It ends with a dire warning that Donald Trump can not be allowed to ever step foot in the Oval Office again. He violated his oath of office and tried to put himself above the Constitutional process. He clearly knew that he had lost, but continued his lies about fraud regardless. Liz is one of only a handful of courageous Republicans who ultimately voted to impeach Donald Trump in the House for planning and inciting the Jan. 6 riot. She reveals that a majority of Republican House members were enraged with Donald Trump after Jan. 6. Kevin McCarthy and a majority of Republicans wanted to impeach him or severely censure him. She recalls and shares the exact conversations they all had about that. Top House Republicans condemned Trump following Jan. 6 and said so forcefully and publicly, yet she shows how they soon later became inexplicably spineless and submissive to Trump once again, which she could never do. What Trump did in his attempts to stay in office despite his clear election loss is explained in precise detail. The fact that he was clearly told by several of his own loyal Republican experts that there was no credible indication of significant fraud in the 2020 election and that he had indeed lost the election is described. Despite that, Trump continued to tell the same fraud lies , even after they had been debunked by 60 court cases where the evidence provided to the court was unconvincing at best. This is an important and well written book. I wish Liz would run for President herself!

I always inform people that I'm an author and avid reader. I can be picky when reviewing a book/novel, usually fiction. I review for sentence structure, ease of reading, plot, and character development so I'm in new territory with this book. While I don't agree with Ms Cheney politically, I do agree with her about her stance on her oath and the Constitution over party. This book was well-written and an interesting read. I like that she included historical context at appropriate places. As for the Committee, I had watched all the hearings, but this was an excellent review of the issues, the investigative work, and additional information I hadn't heard previously. Definitely, worth reading. To those who look at the star ratings, most all who placed one star and were critical were not verified purchasers of the books and are most probably trolling her. Good luck to Ms Cheney now and in the future.

I am through the first third of “Oath and Honor” by Liz Cheney. I’m learning a great deal—about the events arising from Election 2020 and former President Trump’s claims that it was “stolen”—about our Constitution and system of government—and about various members of Congress, some of whom currently hold leadership positions. A lawyer and a former government official and Member of Congress, Ms. Cheney was an eye witness to and participant in many of the events she writes about, including most notably the counting of electoral votes and the ensuing riot at the capital. She tells her story succinctly with plain and clear prose that’s easy to read. Although the events she describes are highly dramatic, she does not over-dramatize them or engage in lurid descriptions. While she does not hesitate to tell us what she thinks and feels about those events and other participants, she does not engage in character assassination or self-aggrandizement. While she’s a conservative, she doesn’t get on a “hobby horse” about conservative issues. Her only concern, so far, is telling readers what happened and why it was, and continues to be, a threat to our Constitution, democracy, and freedoms. She uses research and facts and figures to support her arguments and a cool logic to debunk many of the myths and meritless claims put forth by election deniers. Along the way, she discusses the Constitution, some of its provisions, and why the founders included them. One of the subtler points she makes is that the structure of government established by the constitution—the separation of powers amongst three branches of government each checking and balancing the others—affords us more protection, perhaps, than the Bill of Rights. So far, this is a very good book, a must-read for anyone from either side of the aisle, hoping to gain an understanding of what happened during the election of 2020 and how our Constitution and government are meant to function. I have a feeling "Oath and Honor" will keep me up until the early hours of tomorrow morning. More later. UPDATE- I’ve just finished “Oath and Honor.” I found the latter 2/3rds as compelling as the first. That 2/3rds covers the aftermath of the January 6th attack and includes, among other things: Congressional reactions to the riot, including those of various Republicans initially condemning Trump but later supporting him; Trump's second impeachment and Senate trial; Ms. Cheney’s loss of her leadership position, and ultimately her congressional seat, for opposing Trump; and the Congressional investigation and hearings concerning January 6th. Ms. Cheney makes many points we need to listen to and be very concerned about. She also paints some very unflattering pictures of various members of Congress—pictures that call their fidelity to the Constitution, and even their honesty and sense of honor, into question. She also makes a compelling case that former President Trump engaged in a systematic attempt to subvert the election and hold on to power (i.e., steal the election) using a variety of illegal means, including deceit, fraud, threats, extortion, and incitements to riot and to do physical harm to others. I wrote above that she does not engage in character assassination, and she doesn’t. What she writes she seeks to prove with evidence. Bottom line: “Oath and Honor” shows us the vast differences between what we want our politicians to be and what some have become. Most importantly, it demonstrates, time and time again, how crucial belief in and fealty to the Constitution is, not just for our elected officials (who swear a solemn oath to support and defend it), but for every citizen (and those hoping to become citizens). It is, after all, the instrument that protects our freedom.

I purchased the book and have struggled to put it down today. The perspective of a committed American from a family legacy of service to our country is factual, poignant and powerful. The historical perspectives from Washington to Lincoln to recent history fit together like finding the perfect piece of a puzzle. The words used by people that are only headlines to me are incredibly courageous or damning. I have no doubt her words are true. There is no strutting, name calling or personal attacks. Her words are stated with clarity allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. I was moved to tears by her recounting of this conversations with her father. From the title above: former VP Dick Cheney clearly concerned for his daughter tells her to “Defend the republic, daughter.” She replies, “I will, Dad. Always.” I’ve just finished the section on the January 6th insurrection. Ms. Cheney has reawakened the horrors of that day. My perspective from watching news coverage was desperately insufficient. Her retelling of what happened, what was being said, who played the hero, and who were actual heroes has left new wounds on top of old scars. I’ve taken a break as she recounts the aftermath. I’m literally sick to my stomach to view these actions in the light of what is happening today. My respect knows no bounds. I grieve with her. Our political views may differ but I’ve never been prouder of an American sister and true patriot.

Over the course of her political career, I don’t think I ever agreed with Liz Cheney. Well, maybe 5% of the time, but it was rare. However, as I read this book I found myself cheering her on with every page. In this most readable narrative, Liz Cheney walks the reader through the frightening days following the 2020 election. Two things become clear: 1. Liz Cheney is a patriot with a deep love for America, an unbendable allegiance to the United States Constitution, and a moral center that guides her and gives her an understanding between right and wrong. 2. Donald Trump is a madman. There should be no debate on what happened on January 6th, the days leading up to it, or the days following it. After losing the election to Joe Biden, an election he knew that he lost, Donald Trump set out on one illegal scheme after another in an attempt to remain in office. He surrounded himself with sycophant lawyers and corrupt republicans in the House and Senate who were willing to sell their souls and destroy democracy in exchange for power that they did not earn. She takes no prisoners and names the collaborators who continue to endanger our nation. There were many moments when she brought me to tears. Our democracy and everything that Americans have always taken for granted is one election away from disappearing before our eyes. This is a sad and sobering book. It should be required reading for every American. Liz Cheney is a woman without a party. She knows that. To watch someone do the right thing as they pay a heavy price is an uncommon event in a world where keeping one’s head down and going along to get along is the more common choice. Liz Cheney may see the world through a conservative lens that many don’t agree with, but everyone should give her nothing less than complete respect and admiration for her dedication to insuring that our republic is not lost.

Good read, full of Facts.

Muy buen libro de esta mujer tan valiente,narra su lucha contra Trump y lo qué pasó el 6 de enero de 2021 en el Capitolio

For all who believe 6 January 2021 was a non-event; have a read of this must read book (which could do with a bit less "acknowledging and thanking" of people involved with the committee and hearings). Reading this in Mar-2025, it's scary to compare the current situation with Ms Cheney's predictions made in the final chapter/epilogue...

Je viens de terminer la lecture du livre Oath and Honor de Liz Cheney. Bien que je sois en désaccord avec la quasi-totalité de ses idées politiques, j'ai beaucoup de respect pour elle en tant qu'être humain. Voici ma critique de son livre : « Serment et honneur : A Memoir and a Warning » de Liz Cheney est une lecture passionnante qui plonge dans ses expériences, ses principes et ses réflexions, en se concentrant particulièrement sur les événements qui ont entouré le 6 janvier 2021. Le livre est structuré comme un mémoire entremêlé d'une analyse politique et d'un appel à l'action. Mme Cheney raconte son parcours personnel, sa carrière politique et les événements tumultueux qui ont précédé et suivi l'insurrection du 6 janvier. Le livre est à la fois un récit historique et un récit personnel, qui donne un aperçu de son processus de prise de décision et des conflits internes auxquels elle a été confrontée. Le thème du patriotisme est au cœur des mémoires de Mme Cheney. Elle évoque sa croyance profonde dans les principes inscrits dans la Constitution et son sens du devoir de les défendre, même si cela signifie aller à l'encontre de son propre parti à un coût personnel élevé. Elle souligne l'importance du courage et de l'intégrité dans la vie politique. Elle détaille ses luttes et les réactions négatives qu'elle a subies au sein du parti républicain pour sa position du 6 janvier, soulignant la nécessité pour les dirigeants de privilégier la vérité par rapport à l'opportunisme politique. Ce livre est une mise en garde contre les dangers de la désinformation et l'érosion des normes démocratiques. M. Cheney appelle à un réengagement en faveur des principes démocratiques et exhorte les hommes politiques et les citoyens à s'opposer aux menaces qui pèsent sur la démocratie. Bien que certains puissent trouver le récit de Mme Cheney partisan, compte tenu de sa position et de son expérience, ce parti pris est quelque peu inévitable : après tout, c'est une républicaine ! Elle a indiqué qu'elle ferait tout ce qu'il faut pour empêcher Trump de redevenir président. Elle a exprimé sa volonté d'appuyer et de soutenir les candidats qui partagent son engagement à défendre les principes démocratiques et à empêcher le retour de Trump au pouvoir. Je sais, en lisant ce livre, qu'elle a voté pour des démocrates dans le passé : le fera-t-elle à nouveau puisqu'elle ne votera pas pour Trump s'il est le candidat républicain ? I just finished reading Liz Cheney's book Oath and Honor. Although I disagree with just about all of her politics, I have great respect for her as a human being. What follows is my review of her book: "Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning" by Liz Cheney is a compelling read that delves into her experiences, principles, and reflections, particularly focusing on the events surrounding January 6th, 2021. The book is structured as a memoir interwoven with a political analysis and a call to action. Cheney recounts her personal journey, her political career, and the tumultuous events leading up to and following the January 6th insurrection. The book is both a historical account and a personal narrative, providing insights into her decision-making process and the internal conflicts she faced. Central to Cheney's memoir is the theme of patriotism. She discusses her deep-seated belief in the principles enshrined in the Constitution and her sense of duty to uphold them, even when it meant going against her own party at great personal costs. She highlights the importance of courage and integrity in political life. She details her struggles and the backlash she faced within the Republican Party for her stance on January 6th, emphasizing the need for leaders to prioritize truth over political expediency. The book serves as a warning about the dangers of misinformation and the erosion of democratic norms. Cheney calls for a recommitment to democratic principles and urges both politicians and citizens to stand up against threats to democracy. Although some may find Cheney's account to be partisan, given her position and experiences, this bias is somewhat inevitable, after all, she is a Republican! She has indicated that she would do whatever it takes to stop Trump from becoming president again. She has expressed willingness to endorse and support candidates who share her commitment to defending democratic principles and preventing Trump’s return to power. I know from reading this book, she has voted for Democrats in the past: will she do it again since she will not be voting for Trump if he is the Republican nominee?

This lady is very brave and courageous to do what she did. Speak the truth even if it meant speaking against her own party. She is a staunch defender of the Constitution as that is how all politicians should be and she deserved the Profiles in Courage Award that she received. So many politicians just care about preserving their positions in Congress and the Senate so they will support any leader no matter how amoral or corrupt that leader is in order to remain in power. Liz did not do that and it cost her dearly as she lost her seat in Wyoming and had to resign.

A fascinating insight into the unbelievable corruption of Trump. Very well written by an amazingly strong and incredibly hard-working lady. One of the tests I subconsciously apply to non-fiction is would I like to meet and spend time talking to the writer; Liz Cheney certainly passes this test.