Hello.

How are you this evening?

Over the years, we have discussed a number of books on this program relating to American history, politicians, presidents, leadership and topics of current interest.

For example, see our shows on Sandy Hook by Elizabeth Williamson and These Truths by Dr. Jill Lepore.

I submit that tonight's book is also extremely topical and extremely importan in this election year of 2024.

That book is Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney.

Please join me as we go inside the cover.

A self-described specialist in U.S. national security and foreign policy, Cheney earned her BA from Colorado College, where her senior thesis was entitled The Evolution of Presidential War Powers.

She received her juris doctorat from the University of Chicago Law School in 1996.

While at the University of Chicago, She also took courses in Middle Eastern history at the Oriental Institute.

As of March 2023 she is a Professor of Practice at the Universit of Virginia Center for Politics.

Cheney previously served as a deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs, and she had a position with the United States Agenc for International Development.

She practiced law at White and Case LLP, a global law firm based in New York and at the International Finance Corporation.

Cheney represented Wyoming in the US House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023.

She was chair of the House Republican Conference, the third ranking position in House Republican leadership from 2019 to 2021.

And from 2021 to 2023, she also served as vice chair of the Select Committee to investigate the attack on the United States Capitol.

Her experiences in Washington and in Congress serv as the Foundation for her book, which is subtitled A Memoir and a Warning.

Much of the focus of her writing deals with the period from the election of November of 2020 through the events of January 6, 2021.

I appreciated Cheney's writing and her candor in sharing her experiences, thoughts and concerns.

She appears to pull no punches and seems to be speaking from her heart.

The book is filled with pertinent quotations from text, email and social media communications.

Cheney also offers behind the scenes stories involving her fellow members of Congress, congressional staffers, people from the executive branch and Washington insiders.

As I referenced earlier, I found Cheney's comments on the events of January 6, 2021 to be particularly compelling.

“Suddenly, people were running in the aisle at the back of the chamber.

The mob was batterin the doors to the chamber itself, attempting to invade.

Members of Congress and plainclothes Capitol Police officers were rushing to find whatever they could, benches, desks, chairs, to barricade the door and defend the chambe of the House of Representatives.

The rioters had shattere the glass panels of the chamber doors, perhaps with flagpoles topped with spears.

Police officers drew their guns.” July 4 1776.

April 12 through 14, 1861.

December 7, 1941.

November 23, 1963.

September 11, 2001.

January 6, 2021.

All Watershed days in American history.

As we begin an election year, I encourage no, I beg you to read Oath and Honor and then give careful thought and consideration to what you have read.

Talk with family and friends about what you have read.

Ask questions.

Learn more.

I suggest you will be doing yourselves and our nation a favor.

That's our show.

Goodnight and see you next time.