Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

“‘The only thing that matters,’ Jordan said, ‘is winning.’”

This concise statement—attributed to Republican congressman Jim Jordan—underscores a political mindset leading up to the 2020 presidential election. Cheney’s use of it reflects how her book portrays a shift from traditional democratic values, where process and integrity are paramount, to a win-at-all-costs attitude. This is indicative of her broader theme that the pursuit of power can overshadow ethical considerations and the democratic principle of fair competition.

“America is governed by the rule of law. The president and his lawyers have made claims of criminality and widespread fraud, which they allege could impact election results. If they have genuine evidence of this, they are obligated to present it immediately in court and to the American people.”

This quote—taken from a statement Cheney issued—emphasizes the foundational principle of the rule of law in the American political system. It challenges the rhetoric of fraud by demanding tangible evidence, highlighting the necessity of substantiating claims within the legal framework. This insistence on evidence and legal procedure reflects the tension between unfounded allegations and the established legal process and forms part of Cheney’s effort to frame her efforts and those of the committee as impartial and evidence based.

“We could not act in a way that we knew to be contrary to the Constitution. I urged all our members to think very carefully about the ramifications of objecting to electoral votes.”

This quote emphasizes the gravity and constitutional responsibility that comes with political decision-making. Cheney highlights the importance of adhering to constitutional principles, even in the face of political pressure. The quote also expresses her perception of the conflict between personal and party loyalty versus constitutional duties, which led her to urge members to consider the long-term implications of their actions on democratic processes.

“Kevin McCarthy was essentially telling members of Congress to ignore their constitutional obligations and, instead, do what Trump wanted. It was no wonder he preferred to deliver this message in small groups only.”

This quote contrasts different leadership approaches within the same political faction, highlighting the tension between personal convictions and party alignment. It suggests an undercurrent of political maneuvering, where advice given in private may conflict with public responsibilities or constitutional obligations. The openly critical and accusatory nature of this statement naming McCarthy indicates the personal and opinionate nature of Cheney’s memoir.

“We have sworn an oath under God to defend the Constitution. We uphold that oath at all times, not only when it is politically convenient. Congress has no authority to overturn elections by objecting to electors. Doing so steals power from the states and violates the Constitution.”

This passage seeks to emphasize Cheney’s sense of commitment to constitutional duty over political convenience. Cheney’s statement underscores the principle of upholding the Constitution as a fundamental obligation, regardless of the political climate or pressures.

“He had summoned them to Washington for a ‘big protest’ on the day of the congressional vote count, promising them it would be ‘wild.’”

This reflects Cheney’s view of the direct influence and responsibility of President Trump in shaping public action and sentiment. It implies a causational relationship between Trump’s rhetoric and the subsequent actions of his supporters and serves as an indictment of reckless leadership, suggesting that such rhetoric can have dangerous and uncontrollable consequences.

“Historian Timothy Snyder has described the deep damage this was doing to our country: ‘Making [Trump’s] fictions the basis of congressional action gave them flesh.’”

Here, the narrative highlights the dangers of legitimizing unfounded claims through official actions. It suggests that when fiction is treated as fact within the halls of power, it gains a dangerous level of credibility that can harm the fabric of democracy. In citing scholarly work, Cheney is underpinning her own opinion with academic study, a discipline that is held to a higher standard of impartiality and evidence than political memoir. In doing so, she seeks to convey authority and fairness in her own statements.

“The mob will not prevail. We have all taken an oath to the Constitution. It’s an oath that doesn’t bend to mob rule. It doesn’t bend to political threats. It’s an oath [taken] under God, and we will carry it out.”

This quote presents Cheney’s sense of commitment to constitutional duties amidst chaos and violence. It symbolizes the nature of the eponymous oath taken by elected officials, emphasizing its sanctity even under extreme pressure, part of the manifesto of Oath and Honor.

“What a monster, I thought. I said this to [Fox News host] Bret [Baier]: ‘The president is abusing the trust of the American people, and abusing the trust of the people who supported him.’”

This quote presents Cheney’s feelings as a moment of disillusionment and criticism toward the president’s actions. It highlights a perceived betrayal and misuse of power, suggesting a deep erosion of trust between the president and the public, including his supporters. The personal expression of her own thoughts at the time promotes a sense of connection with the reader to foster empathy.

“Anyone who watched those horrible hours unfold should have been galvanized to rebuke these insurrectionists in the strongest terms. Instead, some members whom I believed to be leaders in the defense of the nation chose to put political theater ahead of the defense of the Constitution and the Republic.”

This reflects Cheney’s deep sense of betrayal and disappointment in fellow members of Congress. It criticizes those who prioritized political agendas over the defense of democratic values and constitutional duties. The passage’s contrast between expected moral action and actual behavior underscores Cheney’s sense of a crisis of integrity and leadership in the face of national adversity and her wish to distance herself from those she feels to be culpable.

“The mob on the steps of the Capitol got hold of a police officer […] and dragged him down the steps, beat him. You watch that and it’s like Mogadishu.”

This quote references Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, during the Somali Civil War and the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, when US soldiers faced brutal combat and casualties. Civil unrest in Somalia caused images of rioting and violence to be seen across the world. Here, Cheney underscores the gravity of the Capitol attack by drawing a comparison that is intended to be deeply unflattering, leaning on popular American perceptions of Somalia as a divided and undemocratic country. In doing so, Cheney seeks to challenge the complacent view that civil order and democracy are permanently safe in America, part of the “warning” of her book.

“I’ve been very clear to the president. He bears responsibilities for his words and actions—no ifs, ands, or buts. I asked him personally today: does he hold responsibility for what happened? Does he feel bad about what happened? He told me he does have some responsibility for what happened. And he needs to acknowledge that.”

This quote—attributed to Kevin McCarthy—demonstrates a direct confrontation with the president, holding him accountable for his role in the events of January 6. It is used to signify the importance of the moral obligation to seek truth and responsibility, regardless of political alignment, and Cheney’s belief in this as a possibility given the political will to do so. This quote is part of Cheney’s examination of McCarthy’s fluctuating stances on the Capitol attack and Trump’s claims of a stolen election.

“Jamie Raskin, the lead House impeachment manager, told me later that, during the trial, certain senators in the chamber had stared down at their desks as the video of the violent attack played.”

This quote paints a vivid picture of denial and discomfort among senators during the impeachment trial. Their action (or inaction) of staring down at their desks while confronted with the video evidence symbolizes a broader theme of avoidance and reluctance to acknowledge the severity of the Capitol attack. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the political landscape at the time, highlighting an unwillingness among certain leaders to confront uncomfortable truths.

“The power to rally a mob must never be underestimated. Nor should the fear that a mob can instill in people of reason.”

This quote probes the psychology of mob behavior and its impact on society. Cheney’s words highlight the dangerous potential of influential figures to incite collective action, often based on misinformation or extremist ideologies. The phrase “people of reason” suggests a contrast between rational thought and mob mentality, underscoring the threat that such irrational collective behavior poses to reasoned, democratic processes.

“We must know what happened here at the Capitol. We must also know what happened every minute of that day in the White House—every phone call, every conversation, every meeting leading up to, during, and after the attack. Honorable men and women have an obligation to step forward.”

Cheney’s call for a comprehensive understanding of the day’s events, including the activities within the White House, serves to demonstrate the importance of transparency and accountability in democratic governance. This quote underscores Cheney’s desire to present the investigation into the events of January 6 as scrupulously evidence based.

“I was electrocuted again and again and again with a Taser […] At the hospital, doctors told me that I had suffered a heart attack.”

This account from Officer Michael Fanone, a witness at the January 6 Committee hearing, portrays the brutality faced by law enforcement officers during the Capitol riot. Cheney’s inclusion of this graphic description of his physical assault serves as a reminder of the real and immediate dangers these officers faced.

“Presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff is not President.”

This quote, drawn from Judge Tanya Chutkan’s ruling, captures a fundamental principle of American democracy: the limits of presidential power. The statement “Presidents are not kings” is a direct rebuke to any notions of unchecked executive authority, affirming the constitutional balance of powers. By quoting the judiciary, Cheney draws on the authority of a different constitutional branch to support her argument.

“The resolution reflected a political party that had lost its principles and, frankly, seemed to be led by morons. This was my reply: The leaders of the Republican Party have made themselves willing hostages to a man who admits he tried to overturn a presidential election and suggests he would pardon Jan. 6 defendants, some of whom have been charged with seditious conspiracy.”

Cheney’s statement is a critique of the Republican Party’s leadership and its apparent deviation from core principles in favor of allegiance to former President Trump. Cheney’s characterization of the party as being led by “morons” and her depiction of its leaders as “willing hostages” to Trump’s influence illustrates a powerful internal conflict.

“It seemed absurd to us that Donald Trump would argue that he had dispatched the National Guard to forcibly remove the rioters from the Capitol when for three hours he would not take even the most elementary step of asking the rioters to stand down and leave.”

This statement addresses Cheney’s perception of a contradiction in Trump’s claim of having dispatched the National Guard on January 6. Cheney’s use of the word “absurd” indicates a clear skepticism toward Trump’s narrative, suggesting that he is deliberately misrepresenting his actions.

“It has all gone too far. All of it. This is elections. This is the backbone of democracy. And all of you who have not said a damn word are complicit in this.”

This statement by Georgia election official Gabriel Sterling represents a critical moment in the narrative of the 2020 election aftermath. It serves as a plea for responsible leadership and a rebuke of silence in the face of threats to democracy. Sterling’s words reflect the underlying tone and message of Cheney’s book.

“To be completely honest, we were all in a state of shock. We all knew what that implicated and what that meant: that this was no longer a rally, that this was going to move to something else if he physically walked to the Capitol. I don’t know if you want to use the word insurrection, coup, whatever. We all knew that this would move from a normal, democratic, public event into something else.”

This quote, coming from a national security professional in the White House, captures the unfolding realization among Trump’s staff of the potential escalation of events on January 6. The use of direct speech in this narrative brings an immediate and personal perspective to the reader, conveying the shock and gravity of the situation as it was perceived in real time.

“I have said since January 6 that I will do whatever it takes to ensure Donald Trump is never again anywhere near the Oval Office, and I mean it.”

This quote speaks to Cheney’s resolve, reflecting her stance against what she perceives as a threat to the democratic fabric of the United States. The use of the first-person narrative in this statement personalizes her commitment, making it not just a political stance but a deeply held personal conviction.

“This was his responsibility.”

Cheney’s direct attribution of responsibility to Donald Trump for the events of January 6 is a blunt and unequivocal assessment. This statement lays out her view of the critical role of leadership in times of crisis. The simplicity and directness of the phrase “This was his responsibility” cut through any attempts at deflection or obfuscation.