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Do What You Said You Would Do: Fighting for Freedom in the Swamp
Get an inside look at the detailed investigations of the United States Congress, the groundwork for Donald Trump’s win in 2016, and the events that occurred during his successful four years as president.
When I woke up on October 2, 2020, I figured it would be like most Fridays in DC. Congress would finish up the week with a few votes on the House Floor and then members would rush to Reagan National Airport to catch a flight home. Polly and I had a mid-afternoon flight; however, we weren’t headed home. We were going to Wisconsin to help a colleague raise funds and to attend the President’s rally in Green Bay…. As I started to put on my workout gear before heading to the House gym, I took a look at my phone. I noticed I had several text messages and missed phone calls from Russell Dye, the top media staffer for our personal office and for Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee. Some of the calls and messages were from after midnight…. I called him right away.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
He responded, “Sir, the president has the virus!”
I turned on the TV. It was the only story.… I had traveled to Cleveland with the president three days earlier—I knew I’d have to quarantine until I got tested. I’d been tested before the flight to Cleveland, but that wouldn’t matter now. I’d have to get a new test. No workout this morning, no flight to Wisconsin this afternoon…. First things first. I was scheduled for a Fox and Friends interview that morning in the eight o’clock hour. I grabbed a quick shower and then headed to the office to prep for the interview. We were supposed to discuss the election and how the president was doing in Ohio. But we knew the only topic would be the president contracting the virus…. An hour later I got tested in the House physician’s office.… On that drive home Polly and I talked about all that had transpired that morning. We talked about the president and first lady, and like millions of other Americans, we prayed for their health and for our country. Over the weekend I thought about that day—that one day—Friday, October 2, 2020: it was really a picture of the entire year. 2020 was about the virus and the presidential election. 2020 was all about politics.
When I woke up on October 2, 2020, I figured it would be like most Fridays in DC. Congress would finish up the week with a few votes on the House Floor and then members would rush to Reagan National Airport to catch a flight home. Polly and I had a mid-afternoon flight; however, we weren’t headed home. We were going to Wisconsin to help a colleague raise funds and to attend the President’s rally in Green Bay…. As I started to put on my workout gear before heading to the House gym, I took a look at my phone. I noticed I had several text messages and missed phone calls from Russell Dye, the top media staffer for our personal office and for Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee. Some of the calls and messages were from after midnight…. I called him right away.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
He responded, “Sir, the president has the virus!”
I turned on the TV. It was the only story.… I had traveled to Cleveland with the president three days earlier—I knew I’d have to quarantine until I got tested. I’d been tested before the flight to Cleveland, but that wouldn’t matter now. I’d have to get a new test. No workout this morning, no flight to Wisconsin this afternoon…. First things first. I was scheduled for a Fox and Friends interview that morning in the eight o’clock hour. I grabbed a quick shower and then headed to the office to prep for the interview. We were supposed to discuss the election and how the president was doing in Ohio. But we knew the only topic would be the president contracting the virus…. An hour later I got tested in the House physician’s office.… On that drive home Polly and I talked about all that had transpired that morning. We talked about the president and first lady, and like millions of other Americans, we prayed for their health and for our country. Over the weekend I thought about that day—that one day—Friday, October 2, 2020: it was really a picture of the entire year. 2020 was about the virus and the presidential election. 2020 was all about politics.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published November 23, 2021
2 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 14, 2021
Great book. Jordan, member of the HFC (House Freedom Caucus) talks about the inception of the caucus, and his experiences in the House. It is great to see how the inner workings of DC. I have a special place in my heart for politicians that call out their own “sides” when needed. People like Tulsi Gabbard, Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Ron Paul, Joe Manchin, Dennis Kucinich to name a few. It shows integrity which is sadly missing in DC.
History will be harsh on the Democrats for the hoax impeachment against Trump. It will be well deserved and earned. Jordan was pivotal in defending Trump. This book delved into many issues we saw play out on the media with some great insight from the inside.
Read it. Worth the time.
History will be harsh on the Democrats for the hoax impeachment against Trump. It will be well deserved and earned. Jordan was pivotal in defending Trump. This book delved into many issues we saw play out on the media with some great insight from the inside.
Read it. Worth the time.
June 30, 2023
This is probably the clearest explanation of why the Republicans objected to certifying electors in 5 states in the 2020 election. It also clearly lays out that it is largely due to Republicans not doing what they said they would due that gave rise to Donald Trump. Jordan is as hard on Republicans who don't do what they said they would do as he is on the Democrats. He points out hypocrisies on both sides and appreciates those who can discuss policy without resorting to personal attacks.
Lots of inside baseball, clearly written. I've had an interest in "inside baseball" since I was a Page in the Iowa House of Representatives. Although I quickly understood why there's an oft-quoted adage (attributed to several different people), that "the making of neither policy, nor sausages, should be watched." I disagree. Government is supposed to work for us and sunlight is important.
I have family members who support Jim Jordan and those who won't even allow a discussion of what he's done in Congress. Whatever you think of his policies, he's smart, hardworking, knows that he's working for the people in his district, and does his best to do what he said he was going to do. I wish all our representatives did that.
Lots of inside baseball, clearly written. I've had an interest in "inside baseball" since I was a Page in the Iowa House of Representatives. Although I quickly understood why there's an oft-quoted adage (attributed to several different people), that "the making of neither policy, nor sausages, should be watched." I disagree. Government is supposed to work for us and sunlight is important.
I have family members who support Jim Jordan and those who won't even allow a discussion of what he's done in Congress. Whatever you think of his policies, he's smart, hardworking, knows that he's working for the people in his district, and does his best to do what he said he was going to do. I wish all our representatives did that.
June 10, 2025
Typical politician's book, part autobiography part policy. I don't agree with him about George Floyd, but I accept that he can not condemn a trash junky for overdosing and expect his book to get published.
November 29, 2021
I chose this book because I’ve read Gaetz’s and Crenshaw’s - both good in their own way. I read stuff from both parties and chose this primarily because Jordan is charismatic and passionate.
It was a good book in that it’s his voice, his ideas, and a description of his actions. In that way, it was authentic and not much BS. It was not a political manifesto, but… I’m not sure what it was. And that’s why I gave it three stars. It was disorganized and rambled sometimes, never quite getting to a point. And that’s a shame. More meat (substance) and less rhetoric is needed here. Much like Congress itself.
It was a good book in that it’s his voice, his ideas, and a description of his actions. In that way, it was authentic and not much BS. It was not a political manifesto, but… I’m not sure what it was. And that’s why I gave it three stars. It was disorganized and rambled sometimes, never quite getting to a point. And that’s a shame. More meat (substance) and less rhetoric is needed here. Much like Congress itself.
May 21, 2022
I liked this recap of the era from 2010-2020. Didn't know much about House Freedom Caucus and now I kinda do. Good perspective on Paul Ryan and John Boehner and the Swamp. Well written. Revitalizes you to try to GET THINGS DONE and not just talk about em.
December 31, 2021
I'm going to give this five stars. I debated four, as the timeline is kind of all over the place, but that in the end was pretty easy to sort out. I'm always apprehensive reading books about politicians written by said politicians because everyone sees themselves as the heroes of their own story. Keeping that in mind, but trusting my gut, I really feel this book was fair and a good way to see behind the curtain of government and the shallow veil of corporate media by going direct to a source within. I actually learned a lot that about government procedure and policy that I honestly hadn't learned anywhere else in this book. The sentences weren't overly drawn out, making for some easy reading, and I felt the uses of Bible verses were appropriate not over zealous, and surprisingly limited for a conservative politician.
As an aside and disclaimer, I did not grow up in Jordan's district, but in a neighboring one. I have always been relationally aware of him in a 'six degrees of Kevin Bacon' sort of way. I'd hear about personal interactions with him and opinions about him at family gatherings. Some good. Some bad. But myself, having no direct connection have never had a problem with him and actually appreciated his performance in congressional hearings, some of which he recounted in this book.
Over all, what drew me in was the title of the book, which has always been a personal motto of mine. Do what you said you would do, and if you don't plan on doing it, just say so.
As an aside and disclaimer, I did not grow up in Jordan's district, but in a neighboring one. I have always been relationally aware of him in a 'six degrees of Kevin Bacon' sort of way. I'd hear about personal interactions with him and opinions about him at family gatherings. Some good. Some bad. But myself, having no direct connection have never had a problem with him and actually appreciated his performance in congressional hearings, some of which he recounted in this book.
Over all, what drew me in was the title of the book, which has always been a personal motto of mine. Do what you said you would do, and if you don't plan on doing it, just say so.
December 27, 2021
The best political book, I have ever read! Easy to read and Jim Jordan is so down to earth! He explained everything in real simple language. I wish he was my congress representative here in Indiana. I really hope with all my heart people will read this book and wake up to what is happening to our country! People do not have to riot, loot, and be mean to people to get their views heard, and even when Mr. Jordan didn't agree with even his own colleagues, he didn't bash them in the media. Just a good book that tell it like it is!
November 30, 2024
If you want the scoop behind the House Freedom Caucus members and one of its most vocal members, this is the book for you. I am not a political junky by any means, so I learned a few things and saw names of Congressmen I did not recognize. I was certainly no fan of Speakers of the House Boehner or Ryan, and this book solidifies those feelings. Certainly, the controversial topics are explored in this book and why the left is destroying America. But they are not the only culprits as many Republications in leadership are just to blame for their lack of fortitude and principle.
January 27, 2022
Maybe I am biased being from the great state of Ohio. This was a great read and our country became a place of freedom. Nothing is perfect yet having served in the military, I know this is the best country. This book illustrates that point well.
August 2, 2022
Enjoyed this book. I appreciate what Jim Jordan does in DC.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews