Do What You Said You Would Do: Fighting for Freedom in the Swamp

by Jim Jordan

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.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2021

Reviews

[John Monaghan]

I purchased Jordan’s book in order to understand his conservative ideas. What I came away with was Jordan believes that only conservatives are true Americans. He thinks he is just a “boy from the farm” and liberal democrats want to destroy America. I thought his writing was one sided. He appears to want to be former President Trump’s running mate in 2024 if he runs. The book was not worth the money I paid for it.

[Lorie White]

Informative

Truly inspirational. Reminding Americans to never give up, never be afraid to fight the good fight. Stand up for what you believe.

[Manny]

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.

[Shary]

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.

[Greg Kopstein]

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.

[JUDITH ROSE]

Great patriot...great book

Jim Jordan explains the whys and why nots of life in congress and the reasons for decisions made ,better than anyone I have ever read. I came away from reading this book with a better understanding of the difficulty of being a Republican congressman and with respect for those who fight daily for "We the People".

[Richard Gehring]

This book should be in the fiction section. It is full of alternate facts and opinions presented as truths. I thought the title for chapter 7 was ironic and prescient, “When Is Someone Going To Jail” in light of the revelations of the J6 hearings and Jordan’s involvement in the attempted coup.

[Bobby Daugherty]

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.

[Christopher]

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.

[LAMONT D]

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.

[Laura D Blackmon]

Wonderful book!

Thank you Jim Jordan for this interesting and informative book.....you have done so much good representing America. I'm so glad we have a born again believer in Congress speaking for us. Please know that I am praying for you regularly. Mrs. Laura Blackmon in Florence, SC.

[Kevin Keating]

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.

[Alicia]

We need more politicians like Representative Jim Jordan. I appreciate his enthusiasm, dedication, love of freedom and country, and honesty. This book was an interesting look at his life as a congressman.

Quotes:
“Freedom coupled with hard work is what allows people to reach their goals and dreams.”

“This book is the story of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC)- the events that led to its formation, the people who made it happen, and the way we have strived to make a difference for the countless Americans who feel Washington doesn’t represent them.”

As for “public financing of campaigns: The very people who created the mess in Washington now want you to pay for them to stay there. They want your tax dollars to run their campaigns so they can stay in office to raise your taxes. Such a deal!”

“Finally, to add insult to injury, some Democrat officials praised the protesters, called for more unrest, and raised bail money for them. And the COVID rules never seemed to apply to these protestors. The guy who opens his business gets in more trouble than the guy who burns it down.”

“We see the biggest threat to America not coming from outside, but from within; from the radical left who wants an ever-expanding federal government. A government that uses identity politics to define Americans by groups, and by doing so, divides our country and limits our freedom.”

[Micki]

A real account of what goes on at the Capitol. Congressman Jordan discusses major events dating back to the Obama administration and gives straight facts. Jim Jordan is the real deal and fights hard for what Americans deserve. It doesn’t really matter what side of the political aisle one falls, if a common ground could be found, we can all get along. He also encourages us to continue fighting the good fight.

Thank you Congressman Jordan for everything you do for hardworking Americans!

[Ethnea Ferguson]

I really like Jim Jordan - He's one of the few honest people in Congress. It's not a well written book, - the book read like he was pouring out his disappointment in many of his fellow Congress members. Well, I think he's a very good Congressman - but not a great writer, but he got his points across.

[Peggy Jenkins]

Excellent insight into what has gone on in Congress

Rep. Jordan does a great job in simple terms describing events and processes in dealing with those events while exposing the trouble our nation is in. Yet he shares his hope with humility that we average Americans can save this country from the assault it is taking from within.

[Dawn Oswald]

I was excited to read this one but found that it was just a retelling of Mr. Jordan's career battles in the House of Representatives. If he were up for re-election and a person wanted to know more about him or what he has fought for, this would be a helpful book. Since I am familiar with Mr. Jordan, I already knew much about the topics he championed in the chapters he discussed.

[Tom Withers]

I'm a big fan of Jimbo's fire, and this book was pretty good. A little too much Congressional procedure to make it a page turner, though. I'd like it if he captured more of the sizzle in these pages that is on display when he's questioning someone brought before the House.

[Luke]

This book aged like warm milk now in 2026... the guy keeps his promises... like not setting up foreign wars?
Just couldn't get through the first part of the book. Unless you are studying detached from reality historic books, not much worth a read.

[Maureta Bohon]

I liked the book, Congressman Jordan is clear and concise in his writing. This is another wake-up call to elect officials and hold their feet to the fire if they don’t do what they promise to do.

[Sherrie]

Excellent book. When will the Democrats be held accountable for all the hoaxes, frauds,lies, power grabbing and lives they have destroyed? Americans need to take our rights back.

[suzanne pajonas]

Love this man

[Jacquie Stricklind]

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!

[Cory Wallace]

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.

[Gene Ruppe]

Enjoyed this book. I appreciate what Jim Jordan does in DC.