I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan

(Hardback)

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Anhonest, 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 Congressas a Democrat in historically conservative Orange County, California. Underestimated as a single mom and chided for her progressive values, Katiedefied 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 acoveted guest on cable news and late-night television. I SWEAR- Politics Is Messier 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 doingit-exposing the gaps between politicians' press conferences and real people's lives. Katie reveals how her challenges as an Iowa farmgirldiverted her to the Ivy League and how she came tosee herself as a Californian, teaching law and raising three kids in Orange County. She shareswhy 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 ofdoing 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, showingthatthe way things have always worked, in fact, does not work for a Congresspersonwithout 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 robustoversight. 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 nonsensein her house or in the House of Representatives.

Reviews

This book is Katiefunny, sharp, fearless. I laughed out loud, I teared up, and I got furious.If youve ever thought of having lunch with Katie, but you figure that probably wont work out, read this bookits a close second.Senator Elizabeth Warren

[A] tangy tell-all . . . rollicking . . . [Porter] alternates between the witheringly satirical and the breezily self-deprecating (think Erma Bombeck goes to Capitol Hill). . . . Porters superpower is her credential as a populist everywoman.The Washington Post

High-octane, no-bullshit . . . The whiteboard represents some of Porters greatest political assetssharp intelligence, ability to break down complex ideas into digestible bites, canny political instincts.The New Republic

Just like her whiteboard schoolings of CEOs, this book showcases Katies ability to entertain while making the inner workings of Congress more accessible thanever before. You will really chuckle as Katie recounts her unlikely path to rock stardom in the House of Representatives.Julia Louis-Dreyfus

When Representative Katie Porter speaks, I know she knows what shes talking about and gives it to you straight up. Thats the reason I love her. The fact that this book is helping to explain the mess in politics thrills me no end. If anybody can tell us, its Katie. This is a great read.Whoopi Goldberg

In Congress, Katie has proven herself to be a profound storyteller. In this book, she remains a brilliant narrator of the glories and heartaches of trying to do the peoples business in tumultuous times. I love this book. I love Katies clarity, her passion, and her humor. I love Katie Porter.Jason Alexander

Author Bio

Katie 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.