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I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan
An honest, inspiring, and laugh-out-loud funny memoir about re-energizing our politics and standing up to corporate America--while carting three kids around in a minivan.
Never having run for office before, Katie Porter charted a new path in 2018 when she was elected to Congress as a Democrat in historically conservative Orange County, California. Underestimated as a single mom and chided for her progressive values, Katie defied expectations. Then, using her signature whiteboard, she began to take CEOs and corrupt government officials to task in Congressional hearings. The videos went viral, introducing Americans to her no-bullshit style, and making her a coveted guest on cable news and late-night television.
I SWEAR: Politics Is a Bigger Mess Than My Minivan is a witty, down-to-earth exploration of what it's really like to serve in Congress, particularly as a single mom. Katie offers Americans a clear picture of what their elected leaders are doing--and how they're doing it--exposing the gaps between politicians' press conferences and real people's lives.
Katie reveals how her challenges as an Iowa farmgirl diverted her to the Ivy League and how she came to see herself as a Californian, teaching law and raising three kids in Orange County. She shares why she made the jump from academia to politics and how she quickly mastered the art of making CEOs and cabinet members squirm when they bluff and bloviate instead of doing the job for America.
With the same clarity she demonstrates in Congressional hearings, Katie makes the case for consumer protection, corporate accountability, and anti-corruption reforms. She pulls back the curtain on the political messaging machine, campaign fundraising, and Congress' traditions, showing that the way things have always worked, in fact, does not work for a Congressperson without someone at home to do the shopping and take care of the kids. Along the way, she provides whiteboard lessons on where your campaign donations go, how to fight the corporations that cheat you, and how to conduct her trademark robust oversight.
Full of candid and inspiring stories--from how Katie lent Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a pair of sneakers during the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, to her kids' lightly illegal campaign hijinks--this is a book by an exhausted, committed parent who just doesn't have the time for nonsense in her house or in the House of Representatives.
Read by the author.
Never having run for office before, Katie Porter charted a new path in 2018 when she was elected to Congress as a Democrat in historically conservative Orange County, California. Underestimated as a single mom and chided for her progressive values, Katie defied expectations. Then, using her signature whiteboard, she began to take CEOs and corrupt government officials to task in Congressional hearings. The videos went viral, introducing Americans to her no-bullshit style, and making her a coveted guest on cable news and late-night television.
I SWEAR: Politics Is a Bigger Mess Than My Minivan is a witty, down-to-earth exploration of what it's really like to serve in Congress, particularly as a single mom. Katie offers Americans a clear picture of what their elected leaders are doing--and how they're doing it--exposing the gaps between politicians' press conferences and real people's lives.
Katie reveals how her challenges as an Iowa farmgirl diverted her to the Ivy League and how she came to see herself as a Californian, teaching law and raising three kids in Orange County. She shares why she made the jump from academia to politics and how she quickly mastered the art of making CEOs and cabinet members squirm when they bluff and bloviate instead of doing the job for America.
With the same clarity she demonstrates in Congressional hearings, Katie makes the case for consumer protection, corporate accountability, and anti-corruption reforms. She pulls back the curtain on the political messaging machine, campaign fundraising, and Congress' traditions, showing that the way things have always worked, in fact, does not work for a Congressperson without someone at home to do the shopping and take care of the kids. Along the way, she provides whiteboard lessons on where your campaign donations go, how to fight the corporations that cheat you, and how to conduct her trademark robust oversight.
Full of candid and inspiring stories--from how Katie lent Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a pair of sneakers during the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, to her kids' lightly illegal campaign hijinks--this is a book by an exhausted, committed parent who just doesn't have the time for nonsense in her house or in the House of Representatives.
Read by the author.
10 pages, Audiobook
Published April 11, 2023
About the author
Katie Porter
1 book134 followersKatie Porter represents Orange County, California, in Congress. Prior to being elected in 2018, she was a law professor and consumer finance expert. Katie lives with her three school-aged kids in Irvine, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 607 reviews
April 15, 2023
Let me tell you about Katie Porter... A few months ago, I had the opportunity to hear her speak at a professional event for booksellers. She had a forthcoming book to promote. After she spoke, I approached her. She was extremely warm and said, "I've been to your bookstore." And I was like, "I don't think so." And she named an event that made it immediately clear that she had indeed been to our little neighborhood store hundreds of miles from her Southern California district more than a decade prior. People, this woman has a mind like a steel trap! And she's very nice, too!
So, the cat is out of the bag... I'm a Katie Porter fan, and have been since the first time she whipped out her white board. Another reviewer expressed a certain reluctance to read this book for fear that her good impression of the Congresswoman would be ruined. I can relate to that! I can never unread Cori Bush's memoir. If I lived in her district, it would have lost her my vote. (What was she thinking?!). Fortunately, all of my positive feelings about Congresswoman Porter were reinforced --and I'll have the chance to cast a vote for her to represent me in the Senate soon. 🤞
This is not the typical political memoir. Or, perhaps it is, and Katie Porter is not the typical politician. Upon reflection, I think both statements are true. What's different about her memoir is how candid it is. She calls out other politicians and names names. She talks about how politicians on both sides of the aisle lie in their fundraising efforts. She talks about money in politics --not just the fundraising part, but also how many of our elected officials are obscenely wealthy and have little understanding of ordinary lives. She shares how it felt to be praised for running a "body positive" campaign--something she was unaware she was doing--and what it feels like for strangers to comment on her weight, often with far less kind intent. She speaks frankly about how her political career has impacted her kids, and what it's like to be the first single mother of young children in Congress. Among many, many other things.
One way this memoir was similar to every other political memoir of the past couple of years is that she shares her experience of January 6th. I generally find these first person accounts pretty interesting. (This is the stuff of future history books.). But Congresswoman Porter's account was interesting for another reason... AOC was holed up in her office with her, and she was rightly scared. I don't think I knew they were together, and it was just interesting.
It was also funny. I mean, you wouldn't think an account of one of the darkest days in our history would be a time for levity, and you'd have a point, but Katie Porter is a naturally funny lady. Her humor comes through throughout the book. Clearly she knows there's a time and place, but her humor is very humanizing. Though I don't really think she needs help there.
Congresswoman Porter is well aware that her political persona is basically as an everywoman. She struggles the way so many of her constituents do, with finances, with childcare, with fear about the direction of our country. But the difference is, she's out there, using that whip-smart mind of hers, and trying to make a difference.
This is how my interaction with Congresswoman Porter concluded that day I met her... I said, "THANK YOU for the work you do! I'm a"little guy," and I feel SEEN." It was an emotional moment for me, and I'm so glad I got to say it to her face. She could not have been kinder or more gracious. In conclusion: Go, Katie, go! All the way to the Senate... and beyond?
So, the cat is out of the bag... I'm a Katie Porter fan, and have been since the first time she whipped out her white board. Another reviewer expressed a certain reluctance to read this book for fear that her good impression of the Congresswoman would be ruined. I can relate to that! I can never unread Cori Bush's memoir. If I lived in her district, it would have lost her my vote. (What was she thinking?!). Fortunately, all of my positive feelings about Congresswoman Porter were reinforced --and I'll have the chance to cast a vote for her to represent me in the Senate soon. 🤞
This is not the typical political memoir. Or, perhaps it is, and Katie Porter is not the typical politician. Upon reflection, I think both statements are true. What's different about her memoir is how candid it is. She calls out other politicians and names names. She talks about how politicians on both sides of the aisle lie in their fundraising efforts. She talks about money in politics --not just the fundraising part, but also how many of our elected officials are obscenely wealthy and have little understanding of ordinary lives. She shares how it felt to be praised for running a "body positive" campaign--something she was unaware she was doing--and what it feels like for strangers to comment on her weight, often with far less kind intent. She speaks frankly about how her political career has impacted her kids, and what it's like to be the first single mother of young children in Congress. Among many, many other things.
One way this memoir was similar to every other political memoir of the past couple of years is that she shares her experience of January 6th. I generally find these first person accounts pretty interesting. (This is the stuff of future history books.). But Congresswoman Porter's account was interesting for another reason... AOC was holed up in her office with her, and she was rightly scared. I don't think I knew they were together, and it was just interesting.
It was also funny. I mean, you wouldn't think an account of one of the darkest days in our history would be a time for levity, and you'd have a point, but Katie Porter is a naturally funny lady. Her humor comes through throughout the book. Clearly she knows there's a time and place, but her humor is very humanizing. Though I don't really think she needs help there.
Congresswoman Porter is well aware that her political persona is basically as an everywoman. She struggles the way so many of her constituents do, with finances, with childcare, with fear about the direction of our country. But the difference is, she's out there, using that whip-smart mind of hers, and trying to make a difference.
This is how my interaction with Congresswoman Porter concluded that day I met her... I said, "THANK YOU for the work you do! I'm a"little guy," and I feel SEEN." It was an emotional moment for me, and I'm so glad I got to say it to her face. She could not have been kinder or more gracious. In conclusion: Go, Katie, go! All the way to the Senate... and beyond?
June 14, 2023
4 solid stars for Congresswoman Katie Porter’s autobiography! I’ve long been in awe of her & her “whiteboard” schooling lots of CEO’s & officials, but I really liked this look at her background (Iowa farm) & previous career (law school student & prof, working for Sen. E. Warren & V.P. Harris). I’m torn between wanting her to get Feinstein’s seat or staying where she is so very effective.
February 8, 2023
I Swear: Politics is Messier than My Minivan is a memoir from U.S. representative Katie Porter. If you follow American politics, you may recognize Porter from viral clips of her taking corporate officers to task during congressional hearings or breaking out her trusty whiteboard to help break down issues. Prior to her current position in Congress serving residents in a portion of southern Orange County, California, Porter was a consumer protection lawyer and university professor. In her book, Porter talks about growing up in the rural Midwest; excelling in school; specializing in bankruptcy and corporate misconduct by financial institutions in her academic and legal career; and running for and working in Congress.
Before I go into my thoughts about I Swear, I feel the need to disclose three things:
1. I live near Katie Porter’s district but she is not my congressional representative. I wasn’t able to and did not vote in her previous elections.
2. I lean liberal and align with many of her values and her positions on public issues.
3. I enjoy reading memoirs, but haven’t read many political ones.
With that said, I must express I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I do respect and value Porter’s work. I believe she is an incredibly intelligent, hard-working, and dedicated individual who has devoted much of her adult life to helping people as a lawyer, teacher, and now a legislator. I also think I Swear offers a well-written, fascinating behind-the-scenes look at American politics and addresses important issues like hypocrisies in the corporate world and in the Capitol, the grossness of campaign fundraising, and the often unspoken class divide within Congress itself. I appreciated getting insight about what it’s like being a U.S. representative who is a single parent and who isn’t independently wealthy, two things that are actually uncommon in the political sphere.
However.
The tone of the book is… odd. Porter frequently positions herself as a middle-class, down-to-earth working parent. A “real person” for “real people,” if you will. But often because of the kinds of anecdotes she shares and the “humorous” asides she makes—sometimes about people in her own political party and even her own staff—she comes across as condescending or snide. She talks a lot about her personal accomplishments, occasionally to the point of puffery. And she misses some opportunities to talk about significant events with emotional and self awareness—the emotional detachment I sensed while reading some of her descriptions was surprising to me (the chapter about January 6th stands out to me in particular). Again, I’m not a regular reader of political memoirs, so perhaps trying to present oneself as relatable but also as important, celebrated, and tough is par for the course. It’s also possible that aspects of her personality and sense of humor failed to translate well on paper. Regardless, several passages left a bad taste in mouth.
It’s disappointing to me because the memoir started off strong. The first chapter—in which she describes hesitating running for re-election due to personal
struggles—displayed a lot of vulnerability I feel like is a hallmark of a great memoir. But I suppose if you’re running for Senate, there’s a delicate balance you have to strike between vulnerability and confidence. Unfortunately, for me, this memoir doesn’t dance the line between the two particularly well.
I’m incredibly conflicted about I Swear. It is a very interesting and thought-provoking book but, at the same time, somewhat bewildering.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Before I go into my thoughts about I Swear, I feel the need to disclose three things:
1. I live near Katie Porter’s district but she is not my congressional representative. I wasn’t able to and did not vote in her previous elections.
2. I lean liberal and align with many of her values and her positions on public issues.
3. I enjoy reading memoirs, but haven’t read many political ones.
With that said, I must express I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I do respect and value Porter’s work. I believe she is an incredibly intelligent, hard-working, and dedicated individual who has devoted much of her adult life to helping people as a lawyer, teacher, and now a legislator. I also think I Swear offers a well-written, fascinating behind-the-scenes look at American politics and addresses important issues like hypocrisies in the corporate world and in the Capitol, the grossness of campaign fundraising, and the often unspoken class divide within Congress itself. I appreciated getting insight about what it’s like being a U.S. representative who is a single parent and who isn’t independently wealthy, two things that are actually uncommon in the political sphere.
However.
The tone of the book is… odd. Porter frequently positions herself as a middle-class, down-to-earth working parent. A “real person” for “real people,” if you will. But often because of the kinds of anecdotes she shares and the “humorous” asides she makes—sometimes about people in her own political party and even her own staff—she comes across as condescending or snide. She talks a lot about her personal accomplishments, occasionally to the point of puffery. And she misses some opportunities to talk about significant events with emotional and self awareness—the emotional detachment I sensed while reading some of her descriptions was surprising to me (the chapter about January 6th stands out to me in particular). Again, I’m not a regular reader of political memoirs, so perhaps trying to present oneself as relatable but also as important, celebrated, and tough is par for the course. It’s also possible that aspects of her personality and sense of humor failed to translate well on paper. Regardless, several passages left a bad taste in mouth.
It’s disappointing to me because the memoir started off strong. The first chapter—in which she describes hesitating running for re-election due to personal
struggles—displayed a lot of vulnerability I feel like is a hallmark of a great memoir. But I suppose if you’re running for Senate, there’s a delicate balance you have to strike between vulnerability and confidence. Unfortunately, for me, this memoir doesn’t dance the line between the two particularly well.
I’m incredibly conflicted about I Swear. It is a very interesting and thought-provoking book but, at the same time, somewhat bewildering.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2023
I was a tiny bit apprehensive as I began reading Congresswoman Katie Porter’s book I Swear (subtitled Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan) because I really like and admire her, and didn’t want to be disabused of my positive view. She represents the place where I grew up, which has been referred to as being “behind the Orange Curtain”).
In my memories of my early years in OC, a few things stand out. My first history professor in college was John Schmitz, who was known for a few things: he was a rabid member of the John Birch Society, he was disgraced after it came out about his extramarital affair (including two children); one of his seven children, teacher Mary Kay Letourneau, became famous (notorious?) following her conviction on charges of second degree rape of a child after her relationship with a twelve-year-old, one of her sixth-grade students, became known; and weirdest of all? Schmitz was such an exteme right-winger that the freaking Birch Society expelled him because of his extremist views.). I worked at various fundraisers for Republican candidates, seeing up close and personal the drunken and disgusting behavior of attendees including John Wayne, the whole Reagan clan, Barbara Stanwyck, and others. And to be hired for those gigs I had to answer questions such as “have you been saved?” and assist with the gathering of weapons (because the Communists were surely about to land at Newport Beach). You get the idea.
Until recently, Orange County, CA has been super conservative, and the idea of an outspoken woman with progressive views unseating a Republican in that area was unthinkable. Katie had most recently been teaching Law at U.C. Irvine, following her academic honors and work for her Harvard Law mentor Elizabeth Warren. In 2018, after some years in academia teaching law, she made the decision to run for office, and has been a fixture on various news shows, podcasts, and talk shows for nearly five years.
She has become well known for whipping out her whiteboard in hearings, and challenging various CEOs and government officials to task in a number of settings, including Congressional hearings. People appreciated her no-bullshit style,
I really appreciate her no-BS style and wit. I hadn’t realized that she was the ONLY single mother in Congress, and it was somewhat shocking to read about her treatment as she struggled to “do it all.” FFS, when she tried to get minor accommodations in order to be there for her kids, she was asked “what did you expect?”
Reading about the realities of campaign fundraising, committee assignments, etc. was fascinating. The story about January 6 and how Katie hid Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in her office for hours, behind barricaded doors (as the Trump-inspired insurrection took place just outside) was gripping. I loved the part about her loaning AOC a pair of sneakers, as they needed to be able to run, something hard to do in heels. There are also anecdotes about her kids’ “lightly illegal” campaign hijinks, and the challenges the entire family faced as Katie worked relentlessly to advocate for her key issues including consumer protection and governmental oversight.
I love Katie Porter, and I admire her for many things, now including her honesty and forthrightness. Following redistricting, her district was changed so she had to essentially start over and win over new voters, many of them uber-wealthy Newport Beach types. She is now running for Senate to replace (the hopefully soon-to-retire) Senator Dianne Feinstein. Whatever happens in that race, I hope she continues her work for everyday Americans. The max is five stars, but if I could give I Promise and Katie herself more, I would. I stayed up reading until I finished the book, and I was glued to the Kindle screen the whole time. Great read for anyone interested in politics or anyone who likes to read about strong women. Thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy of Katie’s bookin exchange for my honest review. Enjoy!!!
In my memories of my early years in OC, a few things stand out. My first history professor in college was John Schmitz, who was known for a few things: he was a rabid member of the John Birch Society, he was disgraced after it came out about his extramarital affair (including two children); one of his seven children, teacher Mary Kay Letourneau, became famous (notorious?) following her conviction on charges of second degree rape of a child after her relationship with a twelve-year-old, one of her sixth-grade students, became known; and weirdest of all? Schmitz was such an exteme right-winger that the freaking Birch Society expelled him because of his extremist views.). I worked at various fundraisers for Republican candidates, seeing up close and personal the drunken and disgusting behavior of attendees including John Wayne, the whole Reagan clan, Barbara Stanwyck, and others. And to be hired for those gigs I had to answer questions such as “have you been saved?” and assist with the gathering of weapons (because the Communists were surely about to land at Newport Beach). You get the idea.
Until recently, Orange County, CA has been super conservative, and the idea of an outspoken woman with progressive views unseating a Republican in that area was unthinkable. Katie had most recently been teaching Law at U.C. Irvine, following her academic honors and work for her Harvard Law mentor Elizabeth Warren. In 2018, after some years in academia teaching law, she made the decision to run for office, and has been a fixture on various news shows, podcasts, and talk shows for nearly five years.
She has become well known for whipping out her whiteboard in hearings, and challenging various CEOs and government officials to task in a number of settings, including Congressional hearings. People appreciated her no-bullshit style,
I really appreciate her no-BS style and wit. I hadn’t realized that she was the ONLY single mother in Congress, and it was somewhat shocking to read about her treatment as she struggled to “do it all.” FFS, when she tried to get minor accommodations in order to be there for her kids, she was asked “what did you expect?”
Reading about the realities of campaign fundraising, committee assignments, etc. was fascinating. The story about January 6 and how Katie hid Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in her office for hours, behind barricaded doors (as the Trump-inspired insurrection took place just outside) was gripping. I loved the part about her loaning AOC a pair of sneakers, as they needed to be able to run, something hard to do in heels. There are also anecdotes about her kids’ “lightly illegal” campaign hijinks, and the challenges the entire family faced as Katie worked relentlessly to advocate for her key issues including consumer protection and governmental oversight.
I love Katie Porter, and I admire her for many things, now including her honesty and forthrightness. Following redistricting, her district was changed so she had to essentially start over and win over new voters, many of them uber-wealthy Newport Beach types. She is now running for Senate to replace (the hopefully soon-to-retire) Senator Dianne Feinstein. Whatever happens in that race, I hope she continues her work for everyday Americans. The max is five stars, but if I could give I Promise and Katie herself more, I would. I stayed up reading until I finished the book, and I was glued to the Kindle screen the whole time. Great read for anyone interested in politics or anyone who likes to read about strong women. Thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy of Katie’s bookin exchange for my honest review. Enjoy!!!
August 7, 2023
Extremely candid and frank, with approachable prose and well narrated by Porter herself. It's a quick book, so it skims time and topics, but still provides solid explanations of her credentials, work in law and finance, how congress works at street level with what costs members have to manage, etc...Didn't realize she survived domestic violence, too. A well written, sensible and relatable book
February 23, 2023
4.5 stars. First off, I don't live in Katie Porter's district, but my son does, so I know who she is. I know she is also planning to run for the US Senate for California, so I wanted to know more about her. This memoir is great-some parts are funny, some parts are frustrating (hearing about many leaders who don't know anything about their jobs), and some are so refreshing. She's honest and sometimes, a bit braggish-but I'm sure that is needed to be successful in our government. The chapters skip around in her life and I do wish the chapters had years included so we could see the time jump, that was the only thing that was sometimes jarring. I loved this and I loved getting to know Katie Porter. I hope to see much more of her in the future! She's someone who is in politics for the right reasons!
June 9, 2023
I love Katie Porter. I want to be her when I grow up. I have loved watching her dismantle shady CEOs during committee meetings. Her whiteboard is legendary. Long live the whiteboard.
But, despite her hearing questioning being the highlight of many of my days, I didn't know anything at all about her. I didn't know about her extensive educational background, or her work with Elizabeth Warren or Kamala Harris PRIOR to being elected to the House of Representatives. I didn't know that she was an expert on consumer law, and literally wrote the book on it, or that she had been critical in holding mortgage banks accountable and helping to get close to $9 billion in mortgage settlements for Californian homeowners.
She's a badass. And she's personable, and relatable, and funny, and I wish I could vote for her. But alas, I'm too far away. Maybe I could move. *ponders*
In all seriousness though, I really enjoyed listening to this book. I like her style, her intelligence, her honesty and compassion, and her drive to Get Shit Done and actually do something for the people who elected her, rather than just enough to get re-elected. Oddly enough, that's been a winning strategy TO get her re-elected. Whodathunkit.
If I had one complaint about this book, it would be that it jumped all over the place, and it was a little hard to track the timeline. One chapter, we would be hearing about her time post-election, pre-term, and her anxiety over housing and childcare and travel logistics and so on, and then the next chapter, we're hearing about her childhood on the farm, or maybe her 4H activities, or maybe college, or grad school, or her divorce... It was all over the place. I recognized that it was more THEME based structuring - a lesson from the previous chapter would be relevant or carried through to the next, even if the timeline was wonky - but it still made for a slightly hard to track listen.
Anyway, I still absolutely recommend this book, and I'm rooting for her to win her Senate seat next year. :D
But, despite her hearing questioning being the highlight of many of my days, I didn't know anything at all about her. I didn't know about her extensive educational background, or her work with Elizabeth Warren or Kamala Harris PRIOR to being elected to the House of Representatives. I didn't know that she was an expert on consumer law, and literally wrote the book on it, or that she had been critical in holding mortgage banks accountable and helping to get close to $9 billion in mortgage settlements for Californian homeowners.
She's a badass. And she's personable, and relatable, and funny, and I wish I could vote for her. But alas, I'm too far away. Maybe I could move. *ponders*
In all seriousness though, I really enjoyed listening to this book. I like her style, her intelligence, her honesty and compassion, and her drive to Get Shit Done and actually do something for the people who elected her, rather than just enough to get re-elected. Oddly enough, that's been a winning strategy TO get her re-elected. Whodathunkit.
If I had one complaint about this book, it would be that it jumped all over the place, and it was a little hard to track the timeline. One chapter, we would be hearing about her time post-election, pre-term, and her anxiety over housing and childcare and travel logistics and so on, and then the next chapter, we're hearing about her childhood on the farm, or maybe her 4H activities, or maybe college, or grad school, or her divorce... It was all over the place. I recognized that it was more THEME based structuring - a lesson from the previous chapter would be relevant or carried through to the next, even if the timeline was wonky - but it still made for a slightly hard to track listen.
Anyway, I still absolutely recommend this book, and I'm rooting for her to win her Senate seat next year. :D
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645808644i/7494844._UX200_CR0,6,200,200_.jpg)
June 1, 2023
Okay, so I have loved Katie Porter ever since I saw that first white board meme, and with this memoir I love her even more.
While there was a lot of repetition within the book, I nevertheless am in awe of how committed she is to holding government and corporations accountable to the people of the United States, and just how hard she works.
Also, the way she holds up and admires her staff, and recognizes how these literal kids are working their asses off and writing policy and analyzing all kinds of shit...it's both terrifying and cool? But mostly terrifying, to know that so many policy papers and analysis is done by recent college graduates with little life experience.
I also appreciate how Porter spells out how Congress is so heavily stacked to be only doable by rich white dudes—because $174k/year is really not feasible for someone who comes from no wealth to manage all the personal expenses that come with the position.
While there was a lot of repetition within the book, I nevertheless am in awe of how committed she is to holding government and corporations accountable to the people of the United States, and just how hard she works.
Also, the way she holds up and admires her staff, and recognizes how these literal kids are working their asses off and writing policy and analyzing all kinds of shit...it's both terrifying and cool? But mostly terrifying, to know that so many policy papers and analysis is done by recent college graduates with little life experience.
I also appreciate how Porter spells out how Congress is so heavily stacked to be only doable by rich white dudes—because $174k/year is really not feasible for someone who comes from no wealth to manage all the personal expenses that come with the position.
May 24, 2023
First let me say, I am a Katie Porter fan. I think she is great at her job and have found her to be knowledgeable and likeable in interviews. This book though... The tone is incredibly off-putting. Porter comes off as egotistical, unlikeable, and sometimes downright mean. Beyond that there some organizational issues that made it even more difficult to read. I really struggled to finish the book, but I am well aware that I'm in the minority here.
May 21, 2023
Very enjoyable.... high recommended. Told from the heart.
July 17, 2023
An honest politician...
There's a kind of a tradition in the USA, according to which a politician publishes a book-like thing before an important election, laying out his/her positions. I say "kind of" because this is by no means a rigid rule that all politicians follow. But it is fairly common. I have read a fair number of these book-shaped objects, more from a sense of duty than any real interest. They are almost uniformly dreadful -- typically ghost-written boilerplate.
Katie Porter, currently the representative from Orange County, California, is running for US Senate, to fill the seat being vacated by Diane Feinstein. Thus I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan looks like one of these campaign books. But it is certainly the most amusing one I have ever read, even beating Obama's books in that regard. (Notice that I didn't claim I Swear is "better", merely "more amusing". I intend to keep Mum on the "better" question.)
Porter, a former law school professor and single mother of no great wealth, sees it as part of her job as a Congressmom (this is the title her children have conferred on her) to educate the American public. In pursuit of that goal she tells us a great deal about how Congress (more specifically, the House of Representatives) actually works. This she does with verve, humor, insight, and a good deal of profanity. (When she titles her book I Swear, she is telling the literal truth.)
She is great at anecdotes. I will quote only one brief one here, from her days monitoring banks for compliance with mortgage lending regulations
Of course she mostly tells stories that make her look good, but not exclusively. In particular, Chapter 18 "Correct the Rumors" is a huge mea culpa, and not easy to read. She is also bluntly honest in a way that few politicians are. For instance,
Blog review.
There's a kind of a tradition in the USA, according to which a politician publishes a book-like thing before an important election, laying out his/her positions. I say "kind of" because this is by no means a rigid rule that all politicians follow. But it is fairly common. I have read a fair number of these book-shaped objects, more from a sense of duty than any real interest. They are almost uniformly dreadful -- typically ghost-written boilerplate.
Katie Porter, currently the representative from Orange County, California, is running for US Senate, to fill the seat being vacated by Diane Feinstein. Thus I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan looks like one of these campaign books. But it is certainly the most amusing one I have ever read, even beating Obama's books in that regard. (Notice that I didn't claim I Swear is "better", merely "more amusing". I intend to keep Mum on the "better" question.)
Porter, a former law school professor and single mother of no great wealth, sees it as part of her job as a Congressmom (this is the title her children have conferred on her) to educate the American public. In pursuit of that goal she tells us a great deal about how Congress (more specifically, the House of Representatives) actually works. This she does with verve, humor, insight, and a good deal of profanity. (When she titles her book I Swear, she is telling the literal truth.)
She is great at anecdotes. I will quote only one brief one here, from her days monitoring banks for compliance with mortgage lending regulations
As I reached out to set up introductory meetings in 2012, I was on the better end of a typical professional slipup: the reply chain with unintended content. I was exchanging pleasantries with David Moskowitz, a top lawyer at Wells Fargo, and down at the bottom of an email was an accidentally forwarded message to his assistant, Debbie: “Keep an eye on this one. She’s sharp and dangerous.”She is! Smart as a whip, Katie Porter is, and dangerous as dynamite, as she proved, for instance, by getting a Wells Fargo CEO fired.
Of course she mostly tells stories that make her look good, but not exclusively. In particular, Chapter 18 "Correct the Rumors" is a huge mea culpa, and not easy to read. She is also bluntly honest in a way that few politicians are. For instance,
I decided to run for Congress to get power.If you must read a politician's campaign book, you can't do much better than this. Even if you are just looking for a fun nonfiction book, I recommend it.
That is the naked truth about why everyone decides to run for Congress: They want power. The question we should be asking every candidate, every day, is what they will do with the power.
Blog review.
January 24, 2024
I SWEAR
Katie Poter
Well, this started and I almost DNF it. I got exhausted from all of what I considered whining about how much better men have it and how they get everything. I was listening and almost ended it because I am tired of all the name-calling and just crap-slinging in politics today. She just came off as a man-hater, and then I realized that she just didn't seem to like herself. At any rate, after she got over all the whining and the first year, she straightened out and the book was entertaining.
I certainly understand her frustration with everyone in Congress, I am right there with her. The people we elect and send to make a great deal of money and gain amazing benefits never seem to keep focused on the middle-class needs.
I did feel for her being there, but she finally seemed to stand up and figure out what she wanted to do.
4 stars for a rough start
Happy Reading!
Katie Poter
Well, this started and I almost DNF it. I got exhausted from all of what I considered whining about how much better men have it and how they get everything. I was listening and almost ended it because I am tired of all the name-calling and just crap-slinging in politics today. She just came off as a man-hater, and then I realized that she just didn't seem to like herself. At any rate, after she got over all the whining and the first year, she straightened out and the book was entertaining.
I certainly understand her frustration with everyone in Congress, I am right there with her. The people we elect and send to make a great deal of money and gain amazing benefits never seem to keep focused on the middle-class needs.
I did feel for her being there, but she finally seemed to stand up and figure out what she wanted to do.
4 stars for a rough start
Happy Reading!
May 2, 2023
I've liked Katie Porter from the first time I saw her interviewed. She is the most real person. Her book is the same. It's not all rosey but it gives a good background on her campaign and first term in Congress.
July 9, 2024
I admire Katie Porter and what I've seen her do in Congress. This book is part memoir and part education about the way our legislative branch actually works (or doesn't). She definitely calls 'em as she sees 'em.
If only we had more Katie Porters in both houses and both parties, they might actually get something done.
If only we had more Katie Porters in both houses and both parties, they might actually get something done.
May 18, 2023
More of a 3.5 that I’m rounding up.
It was a fine listen as an audiobook but I also didn’t go in with any expectations. Also have no energy to write a detailed review.
It was a fine listen as an audiobook but I also didn’t go in with any expectations. Also have no energy to write a detailed review.
October 25, 2023
Great perspective and insight on what goes on behind the scenes as a congress member. Her chapter on being an Orange County family had me laughing so hard 😂 but so relatable.
June 25, 2023
“If you’re full of bullshit, I’m coming for ya, I just don’t have time. I’m a single mom. The dinner’s burning. I’m late to something. I have 4,000 emails. My hair is frizzy. I haven’t shaved my legs in a week. No bullshit.” Katie Porter
It's no secret that most politicians are full of bullshit. They say what they need to say to get elected, and take dark money from the rich and powerful once in office to influence policies. This applies to politicians of both parties, though there are several notable exceptions in Congress at any one time. Katie Porter of California is one such exception, and her new book, I Swear: Politics is Messier Than My Minivan is her debut book. Generally I shy away from autobiographies, especially by politicians, executives, or celebrities, because they tend to be self-serving and cherry-picked. Porter is one of the most appealing politicians to come along in many years, and from this book she appears to be the real deal.
Porter was elected to congress as a Democrat in 2018 in a wave election in an Orange County, California district that had long been dominated by Republicans. Out of the hundreds of people elected that year, she has stood out for her tough questioning in congressional hearings. Few people have the stomach for these hearings as they tend to be dull affairs punctuated by preening politicians and evasive witnesses. Porter became a national figure thanks to her dogged preparation and smart, tough questions. A consummate teacher and educator, she makes frequent use of a whiteboard to add details to her presentation.
Katie Porter was born in Iowa and grew up in a small farming community. With very limited resources she managed to get herself scholarships to three of the most prestigious schools in the country- Phillips Academy, Yale, and Harvard Law School. She is both hard-working and bright, a great combination that we all want in leaders, especially when it's combined with a belief in public service and not private enrichment. She worked closely with Elizabeth Warren when she was a Harvard professor, and learned much about the bank industry and bankruptcy law from her experiences there.
I Swear is a fascinating story of the formative moments in her life. She worked closely with Kamala Harris in California dealing with the aftermath of the mortgage crisis in 2012, and her disdain for banking executives is understandable. She blames them for deceptive contracts, exploiting poor homeowners, crashing the economy, and being out of touch with the working conditions for their own bank employees. Her greatest moments on You Tube include tough questions that honest people would have no problem with. Watching executives squirm under her questioning makes me wonder why more of our representatives, (who are supposed to be there protecting our needs), don't follow suit and hold liars and crooks to account.
A few of the tidbits I got from this book:
- Congress in not a welcoming place for people of limited means. Most of the people there are already wealthy and are more in it for the rush of power and influence than for the $174,000 salaries. Porter, who had limited personal resources, struggled to keep up with the financial side of working in Washington.
- Washington is also not a welcoming place for single parents. Porter, a divorced mother of three, had to juggle parenting duties with her work life. Most other congresspeople have grown children or are have spouses to pick up the slack.
- Porter spent January 6th hiding in a nearby office with AOC while congress was being invaded by protestors. She helped AOC change her appearance in fear that she'd be a main target if found.
- Representatives depend on their staffs more than we realize. These are the people who make most of the things happen behind the scenes.
- Members of congress are advised to stick to prepared talking points and suck up to the voters and interviewers, with the result that we feel like we're being talked down to.
Working in congress is a lousy job, according to Porter, with little room for advancement, long commutes, and ridiculous amounts of time spent on fund-raising. But she still appears to love it because of the good that she can do with powerful legislation or tough committee hearings. So much so that she's planning on running for US Senate in 2024 and I wouldn't be surprised to see her rise further in the years ahead. I only hope that more power and influence doesn't ruin her strong sense of ethics and accountability, both of which are in short supply in Washington and everywhere else.
Here are some other quotes about Ms. Porter from her hearing videos on You Tube:
"Can you imagine if every member of Congress was as intelligent and honorable as Katie Porter? Think how strong America would be. America needs more like her. 🇺🇸"
"This woman is a legend. She does her homework. And she's really there to do the job she supposed to be doing. Rare and beautiful."
"Holy moly! She’s good at getting down to reality! If she were my life coach i would be balling my eyes out after every session. But for the betterment of myself."
"Ms. Porter fascinates me, I could watch her on a loop 27/7. She goes for the jugular and doesn't break a sweat. The best part, she doesn't do it for show, she truly cares about the people she represents and the rest of us are fortunate enough to be along for the ride. "
I listened to the audio-book, narrated by Katie Porter, and it was an enjoyable education on the inner workings of both banking and Washington
It's no secret that most politicians are full of bullshit. They say what they need to say to get elected, and take dark money from the rich and powerful once in office to influence policies. This applies to politicians of both parties, though there are several notable exceptions in Congress at any one time. Katie Porter of California is one such exception, and her new book, I Swear: Politics is Messier Than My Minivan is her debut book. Generally I shy away from autobiographies, especially by politicians, executives, or celebrities, because they tend to be self-serving and cherry-picked. Porter is one of the most appealing politicians to come along in many years, and from this book she appears to be the real deal.
Porter was elected to congress as a Democrat in 2018 in a wave election in an Orange County, California district that had long been dominated by Republicans. Out of the hundreds of people elected that year, she has stood out for her tough questioning in congressional hearings. Few people have the stomach for these hearings as they tend to be dull affairs punctuated by preening politicians and evasive witnesses. Porter became a national figure thanks to her dogged preparation and smart, tough questions. A consummate teacher and educator, she makes frequent use of a whiteboard to add details to her presentation.
Katie Porter was born in Iowa and grew up in a small farming community. With very limited resources she managed to get herself scholarships to three of the most prestigious schools in the country- Phillips Academy, Yale, and Harvard Law School. She is both hard-working and bright, a great combination that we all want in leaders, especially when it's combined with a belief in public service and not private enrichment. She worked closely with Elizabeth Warren when she was a Harvard professor, and learned much about the bank industry and bankruptcy law from her experiences there.
I Swear is a fascinating story of the formative moments in her life. She worked closely with Kamala Harris in California dealing with the aftermath of the mortgage crisis in 2012, and her disdain for banking executives is understandable. She blames them for deceptive contracts, exploiting poor homeowners, crashing the economy, and being out of touch with the working conditions for their own bank employees. Her greatest moments on You Tube include tough questions that honest people would have no problem with. Watching executives squirm under her questioning makes me wonder why more of our representatives, (who are supposed to be there protecting our needs), don't follow suit and hold liars and crooks to account.
A few of the tidbits I got from this book:
- Congress in not a welcoming place for people of limited means. Most of the people there are already wealthy and are more in it for the rush of power and influence than for the $174,000 salaries. Porter, who had limited personal resources, struggled to keep up with the financial side of working in Washington.
- Washington is also not a welcoming place for single parents. Porter, a divorced mother of three, had to juggle parenting duties with her work life. Most other congresspeople have grown children or are have spouses to pick up the slack.
- Porter spent January 6th hiding in a nearby office with AOC while congress was being invaded by protestors. She helped AOC change her appearance in fear that she'd be a main target if found.
- Representatives depend on their staffs more than we realize. These are the people who make most of the things happen behind the scenes.
- Members of congress are advised to stick to prepared talking points and suck up to the voters and interviewers, with the result that we feel like we're being talked down to.
Working in congress is a lousy job, according to Porter, with little room for advancement, long commutes, and ridiculous amounts of time spent on fund-raising. But she still appears to love it because of the good that she can do with powerful legislation or tough committee hearings. So much so that she's planning on running for US Senate in 2024 and I wouldn't be surprised to see her rise further in the years ahead. I only hope that more power and influence doesn't ruin her strong sense of ethics and accountability, both of which are in short supply in Washington and everywhere else.
Here are some other quotes about Ms. Porter from her hearing videos on You Tube:
"Can you imagine if every member of Congress was as intelligent and honorable as Katie Porter? Think how strong America would be. America needs more like her. 🇺🇸"
"This woman is a legend. She does her homework. And she's really there to do the job she supposed to be doing. Rare and beautiful."
"Holy moly! She’s good at getting down to reality! If she were my life coach i would be balling my eyes out after every session. But for the betterment of myself."
"Ms. Porter fascinates me, I could watch her on a loop 27/7. She goes for the jugular and doesn't break a sweat. The best part, she doesn't do it for show, she truly cares about the people she represents and the rest of us are fortunate enough to be along for the ride. "
I listened to the audio-book, narrated by Katie Porter, and it was an enjoyable education on the inner workings of both banking and Washington
May 23, 2023
DNF 37% I was intrigued to hear about Katie Porter's life because I was fascinated by a single mom who brought rich, powerful, deceitful CEOs to their knees. But what I was hoping was a memoir (that was also "funny" according to the praise on the back), was actually a jumble of out-of-sequence autobiographical stories. I really wanted to finish the book but I simply could not motivate myself to continue picking up this bland book that I had had such hopes for.
July 3, 2023
Bravo Katie Porter! 👏👏👏👏.
Katie Porter for Senate 2024
Katie Porter for Senate 2024
August 1, 2023
Full disclosure here - I work in politics and have my entire 20+ year career. I've worked in Orange County politics for the majority of those years. So I've had the opportunity to meet and engage with Congresswoman Porter and her (wonderful!) staff both in her DC and Irvine offices. While I don't live in her district, I'm in the adjacent one. I'm also not a registered democrat.
So now that I've gotten that out of the way ... what about the book? I'm glad I read it. I feel like I know and understand her a lot more. The book itself felt a little ... all over the place. It's not laid out in a linear fashion, so some chapters are more current, then we learn a little about her childhood, then we're on Jan 6, then her work in bankruptcy law. Maybe not necessarily in that order, but it felt like it jumped around oddly. One thing that surprised me at the start of the book, was how much she struggled in her new role in DC, and balancing that with being a single mom with school age children at home. ANY TIME a mom (single or not) considers a new job, you think about your children, the hours you'll be working, and childcare. Ms. Porter is extraordinarily bright. I don't believe she didn't consider this, yet she was upset that there was no help available to her. Yes, I 100% agree with her that serving in Congress (or Sacramento) favors men with help (a spouse!) at home, or men and women who are older, financially secure, and whose children are grown. Is that fair? Nope. Is it representative of the population? Nope. Sadly, it's reality and I don't see any way to fight it. Chastised for pushing for changes to make it possible for a single mother to serve in Congress, I was met again and again with the same sentiment: What did you expect? For real! What did you expect? There's a lot of travel. DC is far from Orange County and the travel suuucks! I did not, however, know that members of Congress do not receive a per diem while working in DC and are expected to use their own money to pay for two residences. THAT is not sustainable. In Sacramento, legislators receive a per diem for housing and food when away from home. I think that's a fair start for Congress.
The thing I appreciated the most about this book was Ms. Porter's frank and unflinching honesty. From the comments on social media about her appearance (she was surprised to find herself as a body positive role model for some, and fat shamed by others), her children's embarrassment about her campaign, (and a sweet, but funny story about one of her son's swiping a campaign sign and having to put it back), to her personal feelings (not good!) about Matt Gaetz, getting lost inside the building, why people actually run for office (spoiler alert, it's power!), all the times she cried - she lays it all out there. If you're a fan (and she has a lot of fans outside of OC), you'll enjoy this.
So now that I've gotten that out of the way ... what about the book? I'm glad I read it. I feel like I know and understand her a lot more. The book itself felt a little ... all over the place. It's not laid out in a linear fashion, so some chapters are more current, then we learn a little about her childhood, then we're on Jan 6, then her work in bankruptcy law. Maybe not necessarily in that order, but it felt like it jumped around oddly. One thing that surprised me at the start of the book, was how much she struggled in her new role in DC, and balancing that with being a single mom with school age children at home. ANY TIME a mom (single or not) considers a new job, you think about your children, the hours you'll be working, and childcare. Ms. Porter is extraordinarily bright. I don't believe she didn't consider this, yet she was upset that there was no help available to her. Yes, I 100% agree with her that serving in Congress (or Sacramento) favors men with help (a spouse!) at home, or men and women who are older, financially secure, and whose children are grown. Is that fair? Nope. Is it representative of the population? Nope. Sadly, it's reality and I don't see any way to fight it. Chastised for pushing for changes to make it possible for a single mother to serve in Congress, I was met again and again with the same sentiment: What did you expect? For real! What did you expect? There's a lot of travel. DC is far from Orange County and the travel suuucks! I did not, however, know that members of Congress do not receive a per diem while working in DC and are expected to use their own money to pay for two residences. THAT is not sustainable. In Sacramento, legislators receive a per diem for housing and food when away from home. I think that's a fair start for Congress.
The thing I appreciated the most about this book was Ms. Porter's frank and unflinching honesty. From the comments on social media about her appearance (she was surprised to find herself as a body positive role model for some, and fat shamed by others), her children's embarrassment about her campaign, (and a sweet, but funny story about one of her son's swiping a campaign sign and having to put it back), to her personal feelings (not good!) about Matt Gaetz, getting lost inside the building, why people actually run for office (spoiler alert, it's power!), all the times she cried - she lays it all out there. If you're a fan (and she has a lot of fans outside of OC), you'll enjoy this.
July 8, 2024
This was a great read/listen. I am very grateful my library had a copy. I admit, I did not know who Katie Porter was. I do not live in California. I live in Virginia (and yes, I did take some offense to her critique of Virginia, though the crack about potholes and speed bumps was hysterical!. Should have come to me on where to live in VA - I could have given you a great scoop on where to live and how you could have had an easy commute to the district.😉 Not sure who you gave you advice on where to live, but they steered you wrong, sorry.)
This was very enlightening. Living in Virginia, and working in DC (pass by the Capital every day on my way to work), I was very, very interested in learning more about life in the Capital. The current state of this country is scary, and Katie does not mince words. I welcome more common-sense leaders in Congress and hope she continues to run (and win) for the good of this country.
Highly recommend, if you are interested in politics, this will be a good book for you.
Now for a critique: I did not care for how this book was organized. It did not play out in a linear timeline and that is frustrating. This isn't really a biography, so I get it. That didn't make it any easier to follow along at times. I would have much preferred this started out chronologically, all leading up to her time in Congress. Instead it goes back and forth and in between - past childhood/college/early adulthood, to the more recent past of her running for office the first time, to basically present day.
Aside from that, I enjoyed this and learned a lot. Big Kudos Katie!
This was very enlightening. Living in Virginia, and working in DC (pass by the Capital every day on my way to work), I was very, very interested in learning more about life in the Capital. The current state of this country is scary, and Katie does not mince words. I welcome more common-sense leaders in Congress and hope she continues to run (and win) for the good of this country.
Highly recommend, if you are interested in politics, this will be a good book for you.
Now for a critique: I did not care for how this book was organized. It did not play out in a linear timeline and that is frustrating. This isn't really a biography, so I get it. That didn't make it any easier to follow along at times. I would have much preferred this started out chronologically, all leading up to her time in Congress. Instead it goes back and forth and in between - past childhood/college/early adulthood, to the more recent past of her running for office the first time, to basically present day.
Aside from that, I enjoyed this and learned a lot. Big Kudos Katie!
July 26, 2023
Katie Porter is the U.S. representative from Orange County, CA, who questions business executives & government officials using a whiteboard. She is very intelligent and a single mother of three children. She may be the only single parent of young children in Congress which gives her a unique perspective.
I have heard her speak and as of today she is my candidate for the Senate. Having said all of that I was somewhat disappointed in her book. I found parts of it educational, parts of it made me laugh, and other parts just left me puzzled. It is not written in chronological order and that may have been my main problem. I encourage you to read it if you might vote for her. I believe she is very capable and committed to making our democracy work.
I have heard her speak and as of today she is my candidate for the Senate. Having said all of that I was somewhat disappointed in her book. I found parts of it educational, parts of it made me laugh, and other parts just left me puzzled. It is not written in chronological order and that may have been my main problem. I encourage you to read it if you might vote for her. I believe she is very capable and committed to making our democracy work.
May 23, 2023
This book definitely met and exceeded my expectations of Rep. Porter. The book highlights the Congresswoman's wit and sense of humor, and she doesn't shy away from naming names, telling it like it is, and also discussing her personal life and professional aspirations. It's refreshing to read about a politician who is real and down to earth and understands challenges most people face, while also caring about the public she serves!
July 27, 2023
This was excellent! Porter writes the way she talks: without wasting time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be voting for her as senator from California! Her stories are amusing and thoughtful. I got this book from her campaign and will be contributing to her campaign again! If you only read my review and not the book (why skip her book? It’s well written and a fast read!) then please vote for her as Senator in CA if you live in CA!
August 5, 2023
I wish Katie Porter was my representative! Quick wit, intelligence, and not in politics to strengthen her financial portfolio. A good memoir about her campaign and first years in office, balancing being a single mom and an elected official. I didn't know much about her, not being from California, but I like memoirs and politics so this caught my eye.
March 24, 2024
Katie Porter is a politician that you can truly appreciate. As a middle-class single mother of 3, she had a lot to overcome to have her voice heard in Washington, D.C.. I appreciate her no-bullshit approach her role. Rep. Porter discloses her ups and downs in the role and throws a comedic spin on things throughout the book.
Read
May 26, 2023She’s awesome.
April 8, 2024
4.5 stars. It's unfortunate that she lost her recent election. We could use more people like her in Congress.
August 15, 2023
She’s a fucking badass.
July 3, 2023
I couldn’t put it down. Highly engaging, extremely informative and inspirational.
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