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<p>The reading time for <em>Oath and Honor</em> varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.</p>

<p>Who is the author of Oath and Honor?</p>

<p>Liz Cheney is the author of <em>Oath and Honor</em>.</p>

<p>How many chapters are in Oath and Honor?</p>

<p>Oath and Honor has several chapters. Here are the chapter titles: </p><ol><li><div>Chapter 1: Title of Chapter 1</div></li><li><div>Chapter 2: Title of Chapter 2</div></li><li><div>Chapter 3: Title of Chapter 3</div></li></ol>

<p>How many pages are in Oath and Honor?</p>

<p><em>Oath and Honor</em> contains 200 pages.</p>

<p>When was Oath and Honor published?</p>

<p><em>Oath and Honor</em> was published in 2021.</p>

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Oath and Honor Book Summary - Oath and Honor Book explained in key points

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Oath and Honor summary

Name: Oath and Honor
Rating: 4.1 (74 reviews)
Author: Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney

A Memoir and a Warning

4.1 (74 ratings)

17 mins

Topics

US History Biographies US Politics Political Figures Crises & Scandals Memoirs

Table of Contents

Oath and Honor
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What’s in it for me? An insider account of the day that changed American history: January 6, 2021.

The January 6 attack on the United States Capitol was an unprecedented and chilling day in America. Former Congresswoman and author Liz Cheney’s gripping first-hand account gives insight into the weeks leading up to that fateful day, and the hours during which the violent attack unfolded. This insider perspective from within the halls of power details the actions and conversations of key players like President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Speaker Pelosi.

For anyone seeking clarity on the facts of January 6 and its aftermath, Cheney offers a unique look into this watershed moment, the dangers to democracy that were exposed, and the ongoing impact on American politics. Her account aims to ensure that everyone fully understands what happened in order to safeguard the future of America.

Questioning the election

In the days after the 2020 election, it initially seemed that Republican leadership was dealing with the reality of losing the White House, even as Trump refused to concede. Congresswoman Liz Cheney discussed with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy that although the election hadn’t been called yet, Joe Biden would likely soon reach 270 electoral votes.

Yet just hours after their talk, McCarthy appeared on Fox News declaring, "President Trump won this election, so everyone who is listening, do not be quiet!" Cheney knew McCarthy was not speaking the truth.

Hints of Trump's desperate attempts to cling to power emerged quickly. Two days after the election, Trump loyalist Mark Levin tweeted that state legislatures had final say over state electors, not election boards or courts. He urged them to "get ready to do your constitutional duty.”

Though no evidence of fraud existed, Trump pressed officials in key U.S. states to alter their vote totals in his favor. He filed over 60 lawsuits – all of which failed – seeking to overturn results. Trump also personally called local election officials, urging them to recalculate votes and manufacture extra votes for him.

As Biden's tally grew, Trump amplified false conspiracy theories about rigged voting machines. He made increasingly urgent appeals for supporters to protest the "stolen" election in Washington on January 6, the date when Congress would finalize Biden's victory.

Events leading up to that fateful day, and the aftermath, would shake American society to its very foundations — with consequences still reverberating today.

Rallying support

As his legal efforts failed, Trump focused intensely on January 6 as his last opportunity to overturn the election results. He took to Twitter, urging supporters to attend the "Stop the Steal" rally planned in Washington D.C. His campaign sent fundraising emails promising free transportation and lodging to draw more attendees.

On December 9th, at Trump's direct request, Representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana emailed every Republican member of the House. He implored them to sign onto an amicus brief supporting Texas’s lawsuit. The lawsuit challenged the election results in four swing states won by Biden. Trump wanted to carefully review the list to see who showed support for this controversial legal action.

The calm before the storm

With his legal options extinguished, Trump set his sights on his last gambit to cling to power – January 6.

On a campaign call on January 4th, Trump advisor Jenna Ellis falsely claimed that seven key states had submitted competing slates of electoral college electors. This means that several individuals in these key states claimed to be the elected electors for their respective states. In truth, no state had dual slates – the supposed "alternate" Trump electors were entirely fake. Ellis floated a theory that Vice President Pence could refuse to count votes from these states during electoral vote certification, based on the Republican objections that were expected in Congress.

The day democracy was attacked

In the weeks leading up to January 6, tension mounted as Trump falsely claimed election fraud and demanded supporters fight, in his words, to save their country. He summoned them to Washington for a major rally on the day Congress certified results, teasing them that it would be wild.

The Save America Rally kicked off early morning on the 6th at Ellipse Park. A sea of thousands gathered as speakers like Donald Trump Jr., Rudy Giuliani, and Mo Brooks riled up the crowd with more stolen election lies and calls for action. Donald Trump Jr. declared the crowd to be Donald Trump's Republican Party, while Giuliani demanded the election be decided in a trial by combat.

The aftermath

In the wake of the unprecedented attack, the Capitol building lay in devastation. Windows were smashed, furniture overturned, offices ransacked and vandalized. Threatening graffiti stained the walls, and even feces were left in the halls by the mob. Police recovered stashes of explosives and Molotov cocktails rioters had smuggled in.

Over 140 officers suffered injuries, and some were hospitalized with severe wounds. Officers gave disturbing accounts of brutal beatings by the violent mob. One Capitol police officer, Brian Sicknick, died the next day from his injuries after defending the West Front entrance of the Capitol building.

Seeking accountability

In the months following the attack, multiple investigations were launched to uncover the truth behind the Capitol insurrection. A Senate report detailed security failures that left law enforcement unprepared when overwhelmed by the mob.

The FBI pursued charges against hundreds of people involved in the rioting. Prosecutors secured convictions for seditious conspiracy against members of far-right groups like the Oath Keepers.

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What is Oath and Honor about?

Oath and Honor (2023) is an insider account of the events leading up to the riots at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and the long investigation that followed. In it, Cheney exposes this coordinated assault on American democracy and sounds a dire warning about safeguarding the nation's future from ongoing threats.

Oath and Honor Review

Oath and Honor (2021) by Liz Cheney offers an insightful examination of the state of American politics and the importance of upholding democratic values. Here's why this book is worth your time:

With deep political understanding and personal experience, Cheney provides a valuable perspective on the current political landscape.
She courageously discusses the importance of truth and integrity in leadership, reminding readers of the fundamental principles that should guide our society.
Cheney's fearless approach in addressing controversial topics and holding individuals accountable keeps the book gripping and ensures it won't put you to sleep.

Who should read Oath and Honor?

American history buffs and political enthusiasts looking for insight into pivotal recent events
Memoir lovers wanting an inside look into events behind the news
Anyone curious about contemporary American politics, and the personalities that are reshaping democracy

About the Author

Liz Cheney is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Wyoming from 2017 to 2023. As House Republican Conference Chair from 2019 to 2021, she played a prominent role in investigating the January 6 Capitol insurrection through Congressional hearings. She has also coauthored books with her father, Dick Cheney, including In My Time, and Exceptional.

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