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Endgame: Inside the Impeachments of Donald J. Trump
An Insider’s Account of the Impeachments of Donald Trump
How do you stop a rogue president? How do you protect a country from a man who lies, who obstructs justice, and who seeks to cheat with foreign powers to get reelected? Our constitution offers one impeachment. On December 18, 2019, President Donald J. Trump became just the third president in US history to be impeached by the House of Representatives. And then, on January 13, 2021, he became the first president to be impeached twice.
In Endgame , Congressman Eric Swalwell offers his personal account of his path to office all the way to House impeachment manager, and how he and his colleagues resisted, investigated, and impeached a corrupt president. Swalwell takes readers inside Congress and through the impeachment process, from Trump’s disgraceful phone call with the Ukrainian president to depositions in the SCIF, and from caucus meetings and conversations with the Speaker to the bombshell public hearings and the historic vote, and then what followed—the 2020 election, the insurrection on January 6, 2021, the second impeachment and second trial. Endgame is fascinating, a gripping read by a unique witness to extraordinary events.
How do you stop a rogue president? How do you protect a country from a man who lies, who obstructs justice, and who seeks to cheat with foreign powers to get reelected? Our constitution offers one impeachment. On December 18, 2019, President Donald J. Trump became just the third president in US history to be impeached by the House of Representatives. And then, on January 13, 2021, he became the first president to be impeached twice.
In Endgame , Congressman Eric Swalwell offers his personal account of his path to office all the way to House impeachment manager, and how he and his colleagues resisted, investigated, and impeached a corrupt president. Swalwell takes readers inside Congress and through the impeachment process, from Trump’s disgraceful phone call with the Ukrainian president to depositions in the SCIF, and from caucus meetings and conversations with the Speaker to the bombshell public hearings and the historic vote, and then what followed—the 2020 election, the insurrection on January 6, 2021, the second impeachment and second trial. Endgame is fascinating, a gripping read by a unique witness to extraordinary events.
368 pages, Paperback
Published July 6, 2021
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December 20, 2022
Review upon second read, 25 November 2021
Swalwell published an updated version of this book earlier this year--fittingly, considering there was a whole second impeachment after a literal insurrection. Without that last section, Swalwell's narrative would feel incomplete.
I have not changed my four-star rating, though I enjoyed this read less than I had upon first read. I found myself annoyed with Swalwell; he comes across cockier than I had recalled. I also find myself somewhat depressed by his constant regard for himself as an example of "generational change", when Swalwell is 41. That might be generational change in the arcane institution that is Congress, but as Gen Z is making waves in the world, Swalwell's early-millennial status means he is a deeply imperfect messenger for generational change.
But I digress.
There is still almost nothing in this book that a regular Trump/Congress-watcher has not heard.
Considering the ways the world has changed in the last year and a half, the initial impeachment story of Donald Trump is almost quaint. The first impeachment was not an issue in the presidential election less than a year later. The story of the second impeachment is, to me, far more disturbing, considering how the January 6th insurrection is still a real factor in our current political climate. But the stretch of time between November 2020 and February 2021 has been covered by other, more comprehensive books, meaning Swalwell's chapter feels almost redundant.
Swalwell gained for more exposure from his roles during the impeachments of Donald Trump than he did in his quixotic presidential campaign. I imagine this is not the last we will hear of him.
Review upon first read, 17 June 2020
(Hi Goodreads! I've only written a couple of reviews on here before and tend to be nervous about posting--sticking my neck out there, especially in written form. So I will likely be continually returning to this to verify I'm clear about my words (and don't have any unfortunate typos!))
Endgame: Inside the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump by Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA): 4 stars
Eric Swalwell is a member of the US House of Representatives, representing California since 2013. Swalwell won his seat by defeating the multi-decade incumbent Pete Stark in 2012. He ran a brief campaign for president in 2019. Probably his most famous moment was his direct attack on Joe Biden at the first primary debate: Swalell used a 1988 quote from Biden about the need to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders. Swalwell dropped out of the presidential race just two weeks after that, and while his attribution largely seems to have been forgotten, certainly the sentiment is still felt by many political observers. (For whatever it's worth, I thought the point was a valid one, but I also thought it could've been tossed at several of Swalwell's competitors that night; heck, Bernie Sanders, also onstage that night, is older than Biden. But that's beside the point, I guess.)
This is Swalwell's first book, and it is a good first outing. It reads smoothly and doesn't have the stilted feel endemic in most political memoirs.
Most political candidates who write books seem to use them as methods of introducing themselves and their ideas to the public before the presidential race. Swalwell didn't have a campaign book, but the first parts of this book absolutely read as something of an introductory political manifesto. Swalwell walks us through several of the main events in his early life and career. We learn about his police chief father, and the lesson of standing up for what's right, even if it's unpopular. We learn about Swalwell's best friend, a Republican who happened to serve as George W. Bush's chief speechwriter. Being a Democrat, Swalwell seems to be a bit of a black sheep among his family and friends; he talks about that, but with his understanding that there can be mutual nonpartisan respect outside of political ideology.
Swalwell started his Congressional career by aiming at his own party: he challenged multi-decade incumbent Representative Pete Stark, and won a surprise victory. In Congress, he talks about his general scorn for the notion that one has to wait their turn. In just a few years, he found himself on both the intelligence and judiciary committees, as well as a part of the party leadership. In these various positions, he finds himself in some interesting binds. One stark and rather depressing example is on a congressional trip to Antarctica. Expecting to learn about climate change, he is frustrated when it seems to be little more than a sight-seeing expedition. He asks a scientist on board for the trip, to discover she has been hiding Scientific American magazines behind tabloid covers, and has also been ordered not to discuss climate change at all on the trip. It's a disturbing story, but honestly not at all surprising.
I have to admit that I got caught up in the fervor of the front-runners for the Democratic presidential nomination and didn't do as much investigating of the non-front-runner candidates as I should have. I wish I had: from these earlier parts of the book, Swalwell presents himself as a thoughtful young legislator, one who was worth keeping around in the nomination fight for his ideas even if he was unlikely to reach the convention.
The vast majority of the book is about Swalwell's role in Congress during the Trump presidency, and what he sees. With his joint positions on both the judiciary and intelligence committees, Swalwell spends a large amount of time handling the many and various scandals that permeate the Trump era.
If you're a politically aware reader, the bulk of this book is a bit of a retread. Swalwell discusses the Russia probe with some depth. He talks about his role in the 2018 elections. He talks about the government shutdown. The litany of these events is practically old news. I have to admit, for me as a reader, this part dragged a bit. I've read lots of books about the politics of the last five years, and I have to admit I've developed a bit of numbness to it all. Swalwell's observations are interesting to read, but they aren't particularly earth-shattering.
The purpose of the book, as stated in the title, is to give an insider's account of the Trump impeachment, and unfortunately the same thing can be said here. Swalwell's description and analysis is certainly competently done: we get a day-by-day account of virtually everything from the whistleblower complaint through the Senate acquittal. Swalwell had a front-row seat to all of this, of course.
Swalwell doesn't disguise his scorn for the actions of his Republican colleagues. His contempt for the most vocal of Trump's defenders is honestly understandable. I mean, when you consider the fact that Matt Gaetz (R-FL) charged into a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF, a room designated for the most classified of materials) with a group of his colleagues demanding "transparency" and violating major national security regulations, I feel for Swalwell and his scorn. (Matt Gaetz has been memorably described the podcast Pod Save America as a "human frat paddle" by Obama aide Tommy Vietor--Swalwell, I think, would agree with that.) On multiple occasions, Swalwell notes with frustration that many, many Republicans either agreed that Trump was out of line or agreed that an investigation was appropriate, but were afraid to speak publicly for fear of reprisal from Trump's Twitter account. (Swalwell seems regard Jeff Van Drew (R-NY) in particular contempt: Van Drew was an anti-impeachment Democrat who frequently asked his own colleagues for thousands of dollars in campaign support; in December 2019, though, he switched to the Republican Party and pledged to Trump his "undying support". Swalwell views this switch as politically expedient in a Republican-leaning district; he also calls it cowardly.)
The biggest failing of the book, through all of this, is honestly not Swalwell's fault: the Trump circus has been so thoroughly covered that there is not much new that Swalwell can provide. So much of what happened was done publicly--from the rough transcript of Trump's phone call with Zelensky (and the much-discussed use of the word "though") that was released to every televised witness testimony. I use the word circus, and I mean it: if you're interested in what's happening it's virtually impossible to look away. The circus seems to even be hampering awareness of this book's publication. It was released the same day as The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump by Mary C. Jordan, only the second book to focus exclusively on the First Lady. The press has been wildly interested in salacious details of Melania's prenup; like many political observers, the press seems to have tired of the impeachment, and coverage of this book's publication seems to be minimal.
I give this book four stars out of five, because I think it's a well-executed political memoir of a particular moment in time. Swalwell notes near the end of the book that he wrote this as a means to preserve a history. To date, he is the only Democratic congressman to write a full firsthand account of the impeachment. He isn't an impartial observer, but he never sets out to be. This is the world as he saw it, and there certainly is value in that.
For me personally, the most significant takeaway from this book has nothing to do with the book itself. Looking back, the whole Trump impeachment saga seems to have something of a hollowness to it. While the Senate was convening the non-trial that acquitted Trump, the world was in the beginning stages of a pandemic that would bring life as we knew it to its knees. Less than three months later, we are also in the throes of of the largest mass risings against racism seen in decades. The hyper-partisanship of the moment has led to largely inadequate responses to both events: the Republicans are largely refusing to acknowledge either the pandemic or systemic racism, and the Democrats seem to be patting themselves on the back for "progressive" responses to both, without having much to show for it. In both events, Americans have not looked to the federal government for leadership: they have looked to governors, to mayors, and to local officials in government, and to non-government activists. The only people looking to Trump are his increasingly-smaller core of true believer loyalists. Everyone else is looking elsewhere.
A lot of folks believe we are witnessing the growing pains of a new world. In that case, perhaps Swalwell's book serves as a witness to an old world in its death throes. I think the jury is still out, though.
Swalwell published an updated version of this book earlier this year--fittingly, considering there was a whole second impeachment after a literal insurrection. Without that last section, Swalwell's narrative would feel incomplete.
I have not changed my four-star rating, though I enjoyed this read less than I had upon first read. I found myself annoyed with Swalwell; he comes across cockier than I had recalled. I also find myself somewhat depressed by his constant regard for himself as an example of "generational change", when Swalwell is 41. That might be generational change in the arcane institution that is Congress, but as Gen Z is making waves in the world, Swalwell's early-millennial status means he is a deeply imperfect messenger for generational change.
But I digress.
There is still almost nothing in this book that a regular Trump/Congress-watcher has not heard.
Considering the ways the world has changed in the last year and a half, the initial impeachment story of Donald Trump is almost quaint. The first impeachment was not an issue in the presidential election less than a year later. The story of the second impeachment is, to me, far more disturbing, considering how the January 6th insurrection is still a real factor in our current political climate. But the stretch of time between November 2020 and February 2021 has been covered by other, more comprehensive books, meaning Swalwell's chapter feels almost redundant.
Swalwell gained for more exposure from his roles during the impeachments of Donald Trump than he did in his quixotic presidential campaign. I imagine this is not the last we will hear of him.
Review upon first read, 17 June 2020
(Hi Goodreads! I've only written a couple of reviews on here before and tend to be nervous about posting--sticking my neck out there, especially in written form. So I will likely be continually returning to this to verify I'm clear about my words (and don't have any unfortunate typos!))
Endgame: Inside the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump by Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA): 4 stars
Eric Swalwell is a member of the US House of Representatives, representing California since 2013. Swalwell won his seat by defeating the multi-decade incumbent Pete Stark in 2012. He ran a brief campaign for president in 2019. Probably his most famous moment was his direct attack on Joe Biden at the first primary debate: Swalell used a 1988 quote from Biden about the need to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders. Swalwell dropped out of the presidential race just two weeks after that, and while his attribution largely seems to have been forgotten, certainly the sentiment is still felt by many political observers. (For whatever it's worth, I thought the point was a valid one, but I also thought it could've been tossed at several of Swalwell's competitors that night; heck, Bernie Sanders, also onstage that night, is older than Biden. But that's beside the point, I guess.)
This is Swalwell's first book, and it is a good first outing. It reads smoothly and doesn't have the stilted feel endemic in most political memoirs.
Most political candidates who write books seem to use them as methods of introducing themselves and their ideas to the public before the presidential race. Swalwell didn't have a campaign book, but the first parts of this book absolutely read as something of an introductory political manifesto. Swalwell walks us through several of the main events in his early life and career. We learn about his police chief father, and the lesson of standing up for what's right, even if it's unpopular. We learn about Swalwell's best friend, a Republican who happened to serve as George W. Bush's chief speechwriter. Being a Democrat, Swalwell seems to be a bit of a black sheep among his family and friends; he talks about that, but with his understanding that there can be mutual nonpartisan respect outside of political ideology.
Swalwell started his Congressional career by aiming at his own party: he challenged multi-decade incumbent Representative Pete Stark, and won a surprise victory. In Congress, he talks about his general scorn for the notion that one has to wait their turn. In just a few years, he found himself on both the intelligence and judiciary committees, as well as a part of the party leadership. In these various positions, he finds himself in some interesting binds. One stark and rather depressing example is on a congressional trip to Antarctica. Expecting to learn about climate change, he is frustrated when it seems to be little more than a sight-seeing expedition. He asks a scientist on board for the trip, to discover she has been hiding Scientific American magazines behind tabloid covers, and has also been ordered not to discuss climate change at all on the trip. It's a disturbing story, but honestly not at all surprising.
I have to admit that I got caught up in the fervor of the front-runners for the Democratic presidential nomination and didn't do as much investigating of the non-front-runner candidates as I should have. I wish I had: from these earlier parts of the book, Swalwell presents himself as a thoughtful young legislator, one who was worth keeping around in the nomination fight for his ideas even if he was unlikely to reach the convention.
The vast majority of the book is about Swalwell's role in Congress during the Trump presidency, and what he sees. With his joint positions on both the judiciary and intelligence committees, Swalwell spends a large amount of time handling the many and various scandals that permeate the Trump era.
If you're a politically aware reader, the bulk of this book is a bit of a retread. Swalwell discusses the Russia probe with some depth. He talks about his role in the 2018 elections. He talks about the government shutdown. The litany of these events is practically old news. I have to admit, for me as a reader, this part dragged a bit. I've read lots of books about the politics of the last five years, and I have to admit I've developed a bit of numbness to it all. Swalwell's observations are interesting to read, but they aren't particularly earth-shattering.
The purpose of the book, as stated in the title, is to give an insider's account of the Trump impeachment, and unfortunately the same thing can be said here. Swalwell's description and analysis is certainly competently done: we get a day-by-day account of virtually everything from the whistleblower complaint through the Senate acquittal. Swalwell had a front-row seat to all of this, of course.
Swalwell doesn't disguise his scorn for the actions of his Republican colleagues. His contempt for the most vocal of Trump's defenders is honestly understandable. I mean, when you consider the fact that Matt Gaetz (R-FL) charged into a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF, a room designated for the most classified of materials) with a group of his colleagues demanding "transparency" and violating major national security regulations, I feel for Swalwell and his scorn. (Matt Gaetz has been memorably described the podcast Pod Save America as a "human frat paddle" by Obama aide Tommy Vietor--Swalwell, I think, would agree with that.) On multiple occasions, Swalwell notes with frustration that many, many Republicans either agreed that Trump was out of line or agreed that an investigation was appropriate, but were afraid to speak publicly for fear of reprisal from Trump's Twitter account. (Swalwell seems regard Jeff Van Drew (R-NY) in particular contempt: Van Drew was an anti-impeachment Democrat who frequently asked his own colleagues for thousands of dollars in campaign support; in December 2019, though, he switched to the Republican Party and pledged to Trump his "undying support". Swalwell views this switch as politically expedient in a Republican-leaning district; he also calls it cowardly.)
The biggest failing of the book, through all of this, is honestly not Swalwell's fault: the Trump circus has been so thoroughly covered that there is not much new that Swalwell can provide. So much of what happened was done publicly--from the rough transcript of Trump's phone call with Zelensky (and the much-discussed use of the word "though") that was released to every televised witness testimony. I use the word circus, and I mean it: if you're interested in what's happening it's virtually impossible to look away. The circus seems to even be hampering awareness of this book's publication. It was released the same day as The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump by Mary C. Jordan, only the second book to focus exclusively on the First Lady. The press has been wildly interested in salacious details of Melania's prenup; like many political observers, the press seems to have tired of the impeachment, and coverage of this book's publication seems to be minimal.
I give this book four stars out of five, because I think it's a well-executed political memoir of a particular moment in time. Swalwell notes near the end of the book that he wrote this as a means to preserve a history. To date, he is the only Democratic congressman to write a full firsthand account of the impeachment. He isn't an impartial observer, but he never sets out to be. This is the world as he saw it, and there certainly is value in that.
For me personally, the most significant takeaway from this book has nothing to do with the book itself. Looking back, the whole Trump impeachment saga seems to have something of a hollowness to it. While the Senate was convening the non-trial that acquitted Trump, the world was in the beginning stages of a pandemic that would bring life as we knew it to its knees. Less than three months later, we are also in the throes of of the largest mass risings against racism seen in decades. The hyper-partisanship of the moment has led to largely inadequate responses to both events: the Republicans are largely refusing to acknowledge either the pandemic or systemic racism, and the Democrats seem to be patting themselves on the back for "progressive" responses to both, without having much to show for it. In both events, Americans have not looked to the federal government for leadership: they have looked to governors, to mayors, and to local officials in government, and to non-government activists. The only people looking to Trump are his increasingly-smaller core of true believer loyalists. Everyone else is looking elsewhere.
A lot of folks believe we are witnessing the growing pains of a new world. In that case, perhaps Swalwell's book serves as a witness to an old world in its death throes. I think the jury is still out, though.
August 10, 2020
Very well written, and accurate compared to my memories of listening to the testimony.
September 4, 2021
A VERY real and detailed account
I want to thank Congressman Swalwell for sharing these detailed accounts of both impeachments of Donald Trump with the world.
Though it may seem like there are very few, there are still politicians that are honest, courageous and have true integrity and that love our country and care about their countrymen and women.
There are those politicians that do take their oath seriously to defend our constitution against ALL enemies foreign and domestic. Thank God for these fine public servants.
I enjoyed learning more about the heroes and heroines of Congress that gave so much and invested their time, skills and passion to show the world how corrupt and dangerous Donald Trump is, and continues to be to our great country and the threat he currently imposes to our democracy.
This book is an excellent walk through BOTH of Donald Trump's impeachment trials.
Though not a humorous subject, Eric Swalwell has sprinkled in enough humor to lighten what history will remember as some of America's darkest days.
If you are interested in or are trying, like I am to understand these past four plus years, this will help you in your quest.
Thank you Congressman Swalwell and thanks to all of your colleagues. History will favor each and every one of you who were brave enough to lay out the evidence......SO much evidence that clearly deserved a verdict of guilty. (BOTH times)
Shame on ALL of those in Congress and the Senate who were (and still are) so afraid of Trump. And shame on those who continue to put themselves and their thirst for power above everything and above every american. History will remember you too, as the cowards you were AND as the cowards you still are.
I want to thank Congressman Swalwell for sharing these detailed accounts of both impeachments of Donald Trump with the world.
Though it may seem like there are very few, there are still politicians that are honest, courageous and have true integrity and that love our country and care about their countrymen and women.
There are those politicians that do take their oath seriously to defend our constitution against ALL enemies foreign and domestic. Thank God for these fine public servants.
I enjoyed learning more about the heroes and heroines of Congress that gave so much and invested their time, skills and passion to show the world how corrupt and dangerous Donald Trump is, and continues to be to our great country and the threat he currently imposes to our democracy.
This book is an excellent walk through BOTH of Donald Trump's impeachment trials.
Though not a humorous subject, Eric Swalwell has sprinkled in enough humor to lighten what history will remember as some of America's darkest days.
If you are interested in or are trying, like I am to understand these past four plus years, this will help you in your quest.
Thank you Congressman Swalwell and thanks to all of your colleagues. History will favor each and every one of you who were brave enough to lay out the evidence......SO much evidence that clearly deserved a verdict of guilty. (BOTH times)
Shame on ALL of those in Congress and the Senate who were (and still are) so afraid of Trump. And shame on those who continue to put themselves and their thirst for power above everything and above every american. History will remember you too, as the cowards you were AND as the cowards you still are.
July 16, 2025
Really incredible. Should be required reading for all voting age Americans
August 1, 2021
This was a book about Trump's impeachment, but it was really a book about Eric Swalwell. So it is a look at Eric's life and his involvement in the impeachment and on the Intelligence Committee. Most of the impeachment part I already knew, and some of Eric's personal life I already knew, but to get this from his perspective I thought was pretty interesting. Eric represents my district, is from my town, so the personal part was interesting to me. When he is home, he is very active in what is going on in the community and seems to have a lot of passion for the causes he believes in. If you didn't follow the impeachment, then it is a good insight as to what went on behind the scenes. If you want to learn more about Eric Swalwell, this book will give you a view of his passion, of wanting to be involved, and his interaction with Republicans in both his family and his friends, which hopefully will help him to stay more balanced.
July 7, 2020
Rep. Eric Swalwell did an incredible job of taking me inside the responsibility he and his caucus members faced
Many of us woke up to the same shocking news in 2016 that Trump was President. From the very beginning events became more questionable,can he actually out family members in the White House? Did he really just eliminate all the policies President Obama out in place? Are all the people who follow him brainwashed,is every republican in Congress and the Senate? He just told a straight out lie. Why isn't anyone doing anything? The picture started to emerge when the people realized Russia had interfered in our election and the Republicans came out swinging. Then the picture got larger as bills passed the House but sat on McConnell desk because appointing Judges was more important. The show of bromance with Putin,while insulting our allies.Finally the Ukraine,can you do me a favor. We watched as you and your brave colleagues defended our Democracy,while being attacked during the procedures,rallies and Twitter. We protested and called our Senators after McConnell said their would be a fast trail. We were angry when he wasn't removed and his actions have not changed. We didn't expect them to. So NOW we have turned out anger into action. Groups of us assembled to flip Senate seats ,district seats, Get the Vote out. We will not be silent. Your courage taught us we have a Republic if we can keep it. Our children will ask, what did you do to save our Democracy. Thank you.
Many of us woke up to the same shocking news in 2016 that Trump was President. From the very beginning events became more questionable,can he actually out family members in the White House? Did he really just eliminate all the policies President Obama out in place? Are all the people who follow him brainwashed,is every republican in Congress and the Senate? He just told a straight out lie. Why isn't anyone doing anything? The picture started to emerge when the people realized Russia had interfered in our election and the Republicans came out swinging. Then the picture got larger as bills passed the House but sat on McConnell desk because appointing Judges was more important. The show of bromance with Putin,while insulting our allies.Finally the Ukraine,can you do me a favor. We watched as you and your brave colleagues defended our Democracy,while being attacked during the procedures,rallies and Twitter. We protested and called our Senators after McConnell said their would be a fast trail. We were angry when he wasn't removed and his actions have not changed. We didn't expect them to. So NOW we have turned out anger into action. Groups of us assembled to flip Senate seats ,district seats, Get the Vote out. We will not be silent. Your courage taught us we have a Republic if we can keep it. Our children will ask, what did you do to save our Democracy. Thank you.
August 2, 2021
bad writing, for one thing
August 4, 2020
Congressman Swalwell eloquently takes us through the recent impeachment process of Donald J. Trump, sharing much from his own perspective. I had watched the hearings and it was beneficial to revisit via this factual representation, along with the author's intensive experiences, keen expertise, wisdom and sense of right vs wrong. I had attended a discussion about the book through a local bookstore. This discussion, the current administration, state of our country, and our country's divisiveness were catalysts to read the book. Valid reasons behind drafting of the articles and accurate depiction of the actual process - and its important players - were so very valuable, actually for every American. I encourage everyone to read it with an open mind. I admire Congressman Swalwell and so many others for their tireless energies during this process .... and their current, ongoing and boundless efforts (especially as we approach November). There were so many vignettes that left me shaking my head, that such events could transpire. But there were also many instances of courage, patriotism and heroism. There are many positive reviews, justly so, for this book and its contents. I am confident that Rep. Swalwell will continue to show great leadership in the future. I took the few negative reviews with a grain of salt. It is my impression that those were likely representing the other side of the aisle and disagreeing with the content (the actual process that took place). This is a reminder to us all that we have a stake in the "endgame". More than that, it is our duty to have such a stake. It is a reminder to get out there and vote, be vocal, make a difference, effect change and preserve our democracy. It is a reminder that right matters. And that truth also matters.
July 1, 2020
Important Book
I thoroughly appreciated this part- political- memoir account of events leading to the 45th president’s impeachment. I followed the process and it fits well with the news accounts. It was interesting to view it through the eyes of someone integral to the relevant hearings. The discussion of the importance of courage of doing what’s right versus what protects one’s political courage was particularly refreshing. The author’s values were shaped by a father who lived his life in accordance with his belief that no one is above the law.
It is heartwarming to know that there are politicians whose honesty, integrity, and values represent my own in Congress. The leadership of Pelosi, Schiff, and others are well documented in this well-written, personal account of only the third impeachment process in the country. All made me proud.
Given the rarity of impeachment, this book will no doubt be cited by many graduate students in writing their theses.
It is clear that some negative reviewers on Amazon belonged to the same “Don’t need to read it” Book Club, but could have agreed to use different language. No particular criticism beyond use of the word “stinks.”
I thoroughly appreciated this part- political- memoir account of events leading to the 45th president’s impeachment. I followed the process and it fits well with the news accounts. It was interesting to view it through the eyes of someone integral to the relevant hearings. The discussion of the importance of courage of doing what’s right versus what protects one’s political courage was particularly refreshing. The author’s values were shaped by a father who lived his life in accordance with his belief that no one is above the law.
It is heartwarming to know that there are politicians whose honesty, integrity, and values represent my own in Congress. The leadership of Pelosi, Schiff, and others are well documented in this well-written, personal account of only the third impeachment process in the country. All made me proud.
Given the rarity of impeachment, this book will no doubt be cited by many graduate students in writing their theses.
It is clear that some negative reviewers on Amazon belonged to the same “Don’t need to read it” Book Club, but could have agreed to use different language. No particular criticism beyond use of the word “stinks.”
June 25, 2020
Excellent reading! An AMAZING up close and personal look at the corruption, greed, and criminal behavior of Donald Trump told by a congressman who helped lead the efforts to impeach him. In his book Eric pulls back the curtain to give reader's a glimpse of what it was like to be part of the historical impeachment of a President and chronicles all of the reasons and inner workings of why it HAD to be done!
Eric takes readers on a journey from his own life (including growing up with a father in law enforcement) all the way to the day Mueller testified before him. Also, Putin link that is always connected to Trump, and the attempted extortion of Ukraine which led to impeachment articles.
Eric gives a clear, concise, and fascinating look at the extent Donald Trump will go to in order to the same the person he cares about most. Himself!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who care about our county, the rule of law, and the future of our democracy. Well done Congressman. You give me hope in our future as a nation!
Eric takes readers on a journey from his own life (including growing up with a father in law enforcement) all the way to the day Mueller testified before him. Also, Putin link that is always connected to Trump, and the attempted extortion of Ukraine which led to impeachment articles.
Eric gives a clear, concise, and fascinating look at the extent Donald Trump will go to in order to the same the person he cares about most. Himself!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who care about our county, the rule of law, and the future of our democracy. Well done Congressman. You give me hope in our future as a nation!
June 18, 2020
Technically I didn't read this book since it was the Audio version, but I still listened to it Tuesday while I worked from home.
This book was a good (albeit bad) reminder of really 2019 and part of 202o as a whole. I remember each of the hearings and talking with coworkers and friends at work about the trainwreck that Trump was each and every day.
This was a great, insider look at the 18 months regarding the Trump investigations, Impeachment and overall mentality of Congress during this time. It was nice to read/hear thoughts and conversations going on during this highly contentious time.
I don't understand how anyone who has read the reports, facts, etc can still believe in our sham of a "President".
This book was a good (albeit bad) reminder of really 2019 and part of 202o as a whole. I remember each of the hearings and talking with coworkers and friends at work about the trainwreck that Trump was each and every day.
This was a great, insider look at the 18 months regarding the Trump investigations, Impeachment and overall mentality of Congress during this time. It was nice to read/hear thoughts and conversations going on during this highly contentious time.
I don't understand how anyone who has read the reports, facts, etc can still believe in our sham of a "President".
July 24, 2020
A real page-turner, Swalwell describes his own journey and experience as an elected official with the Impeachment of Trump and the work that went into this unique historical event. Even though the subject is serious, Swalwell uses a light tone in much of the book, especially his personal life, but is clear on what laws were broken by the current administration. Because he is my congressperson, I found his personal story interesting, but it is a great example of how someone who is not rich or politically connected can be elected to an important office and do crucial work for our democracy.
October 20, 2025
This is fine -- a worthwhile and useful document of its time, not great literature per se. The impeachment-related stuff is historically important; the stuff about Swalwell's own biography is fine, I suppose, but more along the lines of typical politician-book filler.
I read this because I couldn't stop compulsively reading the news back in 2017-2020ish, and it was making me crazy. So I decided to just read books ABOUT the news as a sort of methadone, harm-reduction strategy. Got through quite a few! The best was Mary Trump's.
I read this because I couldn't stop compulsively reading the news back in 2017-2020ish, and it was making me crazy. So I decided to just read books ABOUT the news as a sort of methadone, harm-reduction strategy. Got through quite a few! The best was Mary Trump's.
August 1, 2020
Such a fantastic book! Well written and offers an insight into not only the House Impeachment process, but also into Eric Swalwell's life. It does lean a bit towards Pelosi and her 'bipartisan and try to negotiate with the Republicans (which is imposible in the current climate)' but apart from that, I have a whole lot more respect and admiration for Adam Schiff, Nadler and all the staff and lawyers who worked tirelessly to get to the truth behind Trumps actions.
June 20, 2021
I had to read this book for a book group and I thought I'd really dislike it. Was I ever wrong! The book is engaging and covers the whole process of Trump's impeachment exactly how I remember it. Swalwell also takes us behind the scenes; we see how our government works. I knew little about the author, except for the fact that he ran for President. It turns out, he's a fine man and a very competent legislator.
December 27, 2021
Awful book. The author can't write a compelling sentence to save his life, substituting the number of coffees he drank for drama. The author also constantly contradicts himself, showing he doesn't know what he's talking about. The Congressman is in desperate need of an editor, or a friend who can tell him when his ideas are bad (spoiler: it's often).
I did appreciate that he and his boyfriend went to the Bush Christmas party together.
I did appreciate that he and his boyfriend went to the Bush Christmas party together.
September 1, 2020
A little bit of personal memoir/history....but mainly it truly is an inside look at the impeachment of the man Eric calls “a vindictive little shit.” Eric was in the midst of it all and this is a fascinating story of what was going on behind the scenes, with the other members of Congress along with Eric and Speaker Pelosi. Excellent read!
October 30, 2021
A journal of the days leading up to the first of two impeachments of the 45th President of the United States. Insights into what was learned, when, within the Intelligence and Judicial Committees of the House of Representatives. Interesting notes on how Rep. Swallwell's career and how he came to be elected, some of the shaping moments of his life, and his perspective of what went on.
June 24, 2022
The fact I finished this on the exact day that the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade is not lost on me since Swalwell warns us that Trump would have severe implications. Might need to read something light now to combat the darkness of my emotions but highly reccomend this one.
October 8, 2022
Provides great insight to the impeachment process. As much as I learned about Eric Salwell, it also provided a look into the role of the speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and the strategic approach taken by the Democrats. Post 1/6, one cannot help imagine how different our trajectory would be.
June 30, 2020
Very well written and a real eye opener.
August 11, 2020
Eric is a great storyteller and shines a light inside politics.
August 28, 2020
Concise, personal, relevant, behind the scenes look at the decisions and planning for the impeachment. Highly recommend.
October 31, 2020
Our best is yet to come.
Why did I choose the top rate? I chose it for all the details others have left out. It is a great read.
Why did I choose the top rate? I chose it for all the details others have left out. It is a great read.
December 20, 2022
Very good read...different style from Schiffs book..but both covered the impeachment in very informative ways
July 9, 2021
I've read both the Kindle and the paperback, the paperback which has additional chapters to cover the second impeachment of Donald John Trump. Indeed, this is an inside look how Democratic Party Congresscritters prosecuted Trump
Well was noted that “Impeachment is deterrence” and impeachment is forever. I felt Rep. Swalwell was taking me with him in the good effort to hold Trump accountable for his misdeeds withholding aid from Ukraine to get dirt on Joe Biden and his family.
I agree with Rep Swalwell, “This was about vitality of our system of government. If ever there was a test case of whether a power-mad would-be monarch running amok as U.S. President could be stopped through the constitutionally mandated provision of impeachment, this was it.”
I also read the paperback on 8 July 2021 the additional chapters that really, truly flesh out this first person's draft of history. You are transported to when the Congressman feared he'd never see his wife and kids again, and then the hard work to impeach Donald Trump. There is also a good explanation of why getting witnesses for the second trial fell through.
There are a lot of good insights here. I highly recommend the book.
Well was noted that “Impeachment is deterrence” and impeachment is forever. I felt Rep. Swalwell was taking me with him in the good effort to hold Trump accountable for his misdeeds withholding aid from Ukraine to get dirt on Joe Biden and his family.
I agree with Rep Swalwell, “This was about vitality of our system of government. If ever there was a test case of whether a power-mad would-be monarch running amok as U.S. President could be stopped through the constitutionally mandated provision of impeachment, this was it.”
I also read the paperback on 8 July 2021 the additional chapters that really, truly flesh out this first person's draft of history. You are transported to when the Congressman feared he'd never see his wife and kids again, and then the hard work to impeach Donald Trump. There is also a good explanation of why getting witnesses for the second trial fell through.
There are a lot of good insights here. I highly recommend the book.
June 25, 2020
Super well written. It was fun to get the “inside scoop” of Rep. Swalwell’s experience throughout the whole impeachment. I loved when he wrote about his kids and family.
Thank you, Rep. Swalwell, for standing up for what is right and working to hold Trump accountable for his actions.
Thank you, Rep. Swalwell, for standing up for what is right and working to hold Trump accountable for his actions.
October 17, 2024
Love Eric Swalwell and how he thinks. I'm excited for the time Trump is out of the picture and Eric can update these books with reports of good people representing ALL Americans. We are sick to death of the bs and hateful revenge porn Trump lives and breathes.
July 14, 2021
This audible book is read by the author and has the same white-bread sound that he has in interviews, Somewhat interesting but the sound makes it seem boring.
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