Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

“This is the story of the moment when American democracy began to unravel. It is the story of the men and women who fought to save it, and of the enablers and collaborators whose actions ensured the threat would grow and metastasize. It is the story of the most dangerous man ever to inhabit the Oval Office, and of the many steps he took to subvert our Constitution.”

This quote establishes a dramatic and foreboding tone, indicating a pivotal moment in American history. It sets up a narrative of conflict between those attempting to preserve democracy and those contributing to its destabilization. The reference to a “most dangerous man” and the steps to subvert the Constitution demonstrates Cheney’s view of Trump’s leadership and its impact on democratic values.

“‘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.