Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

Liz Cheney

4.58(25800 readers)
Read by Liz Cheney with 50+ audio source material clips included, Oath and Honor is a gripping first-hand account from inside the halls of Congress as Donald Trump and his enablers betrayed the American people and the Constitution—leading to the violent attack on our Capitol on January 6th, 2021—by the House Republican leader who dared to stand up to it.

In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump and many around him, including certain other elected Republican officials, intentionally breached their oath to the Constitution: they ignored the rulings of dozens of courts, plotted to overturn a lawful election, and provoked a violent attack on our Capitol.

Liz Cheney, one of the few Republican officials to take a stand against these efforts, witnessed the attack first-hand, and then helped lead the Congressional Select Committee investigation into how it happened. In Oath and Honor, she tells the story of this perilous moment in our history, those who helped Trump spread the stolen election lie, those whose actions preserved our constitutional framework, and the risks we still face.

Publisher

Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date

12/5/2023

ISBN

9780316572088

Pages

381

Categories

Politics

About the Author

Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney

Elizabeth Cheney Perry, commonly called Liz, is an American attorney. During the George W. Bush administration years, she held positions in the State Department of the United States. She has been politically active on behalf of the Republican Party and is a co-founder of Keep America Safe.

She is the elder daughter of former Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney and Lynne Cheney.

Questions & Answers

The events of January 6, 2021, marked a critical moment in the unraveling of American democracy due to several key factors. First, former President Trump's repeated claims of election fraud and his incitement to violence at a rally led directly to the Capitol riot. His attempts to overturn the election results and stay in power threatened the peaceful transition of power, a cornerstone of democracy.

Second, the involvement of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who were radicalized and mobilized by Trump's rhetoric, demonstrated the potential for domestic terrorism to undermine democratic processes. The violence and chaos at the Capitol also revealed weaknesses in the U.S. government's ability to respond to such threats.

Third, the reluctance of some Republican leaders to condemn Trump's actions or support an investigation into the events of January 6 highlighted the deep divisions within the party and the challenges of maintaining the rule of law and democratic norms. The incident underscored the importance of upholding the Constitution and the need for vigilance in protecting American democracy.

After the January 6 attack, Liz Cheney, a former Secretary of Defense, played a pivotal role in defending the Constitution and the rule of law. She authored a memo explaining the constitutional process for certifying electoral votes, which was crucial in ensuring the peaceful transfer of power. Cheney also co-authored a letter with former defense secretaries, emphasizing the military's duty to uphold the Constitution and not interfere in elections. She was a key member of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack, where she tirelessly pursued the truth and held those responsible accountable. Her actions, including her vocal opposition to former President Trump and her unwavering commitment to the Constitution, reflect her deep dedication to democratic principles and the rule of law.

The Republican Party's response to the events of January 6 was mixed, with some members, like Liz Cheney, strongly condemning the attack and supporting the impeachment of then-President Trump, while others, including Kevin McCarthy, continued to defend Trump and his claims of election fraud. This response reveals a significant division within the party, highlighting the challenges facing American democracy.

The party's inability to unite against Trump's actions underscores the growing partisanship and the erosion of the rule of law. It indicates that political loyalty to a single individual can override the commitment to democratic principles and the Constitution. This situation poses a threat to the peaceful transfer of power and the integrity of elections, which are fundamental to democratic governance. The response also reveals the power of misinformation and the ability of charismatic leaders to manipulate public opinion, even in the face of overwhelming evidence.

The January 6 attack and its investigation revealed several critical lessons for strengthening American democracy:

  1. The Importance of Rule of Law: The rule of law was tested and upheld, demonstrating its resilience. Ensuring that all individuals, including former presidents, are held accountable for their actions is crucial.

  2. The Power of Truth and Transparency: The investigation's focus on uncovering the truth and presenting it to the public is essential for maintaining trust in democratic institutions.

  3. The Need for Bipartisanship: The Select Committee's ability to operate effectively across party lines underscores the importance of bipartisanship in addressing national crises.

  4. The Vulnerability of Democracy: The attack exposed the fragility of American democracy, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness.

  5. The Role of Media: The media's role in disseminating accurate information and holding those accountable for spreading misinformation is vital.

To apply these lessons, steps include:

  • Strengthening election integrity measures.
  • Enhancing security at critical institutions.
  • Promoting media literacy and fact-checking.
  • Encouraging bipartisanship in addressing national issues.
  • Ensuring accountability for those who undermine democracy.

The book's narrative contributes significantly to the ongoing debate about truth, the Constitution, and political leadership in democracy. It emphasizes the importance of truth and adherence to the Constitution, highlighting the consequences of ignoring these principles. Cheney's account of the events surrounding the 2020 election and the Capitol attack underscores the dangers of political leaders, like Trump, who undermine democracy through lies and incitement. The book also critiques the failure of some political leaders, particularly Republicans, to uphold their oaths and defend the Constitution, suggesting that their loyalty to a single individual compromised their duty to the nation. Cheney's narrative advocates for the need for political leaders to prioritize truth and the rule of law over personal ambition and party loyalty, emphasizing the crucial role of political leaders in maintaining a healthy democracy.

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