I Swear

Politics Is Messier than My Minivan

By: Katie Porter

Narrated by: Katie Porter

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “high-octane, no-bullshit” (The New Republic) memoir about re-energizing our politics and standing up to corporate America—while carting three kids around in a minivan.

“Just like her whiteboard schoolings of CEOs, this book showcases Katie’s ability to entertain while making the inner workings of Congress more accessible than ever before.”—Julia Louis-Dreyfus

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 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 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.

©2023 Katie Porter (P)2023 Random House Audio

Yes! Finally a plain spoken politician who realizes that things can’t change until the public understands the way things are!

Katie Porter gives me hope. I have been trying for sometime to understand what’s going on in our country and in politics in general, I had a sense that most elected and elevated individuals were simply trying to project what they thought their people wanted to hear. I have also encountered outrageous behavior by powerful unchecked Corporate entities, and I am so encouraged by her willingness to expose the rotten underbelly of our society. I honestly believe we as a people are better than this. I also believe that we want to be better than this. We are just confused by all the double speak, that is so common in politics, we need hundreds more of people like this. Go girl!

Page Turner!

So well written and honest! She does an amazing job painting picture of broken, painful process of getting elected. More directly when you're 'called' to serve versus self funding a campaign.

Interesting

I knew about her work in Congress but it was interesting to hear about her educational background and family. Great book!

Excellent

I think very highly of Katie Porter. I love hearing her story with all of the trials and tribulations. My only critique of the story is I wish it followed more of a chronological order. Childhood thru to her 2nd term. It was difficult to follow when she jumps around.
I really appreciated the education on donations! Easy listen!

I admire Katie Porter more

having read this book I admire Katie Porter even more than I did before. She is a rarity in politics these days someone who is truly in it for the people! Thank You Katie!

Loved It!

Thank you for this opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of congress- you are such a Bad***!

If only we had 100 more Katie Porters in Congress…

Out with the white-haired, out-of-touch, self-serving, greedy, corporation kiss asses. We need more Katie Porters to effect real change.

Bravo!

Katie is both honest and frank. She explains, teaches and entertains throughout the book! Because I listened while working around the house and there was so much valuable information, I’ll likely listen again!!
Katie Porter gives me hope that America can be respectful again.

Exquisita.

Me encanta la forma de llevar al lector a entender la vida cotidiana de la Congresista vrs la demanda rigurosa de formarce como icono politico, participe politico y fundamentalmente apreciacion del Politico con consciencia.

Cada capitulo fue deliciosamente elaborado, y su intervencion como voz del libro hace de Katie porter una mujer admirable. De hecho cada vez me convence mas que debo ayudarla a distncia para que continue su labor politica con conciencia social que todos deberian tener

Gente comun se identifica en cada linea de su libro, Me encanto.!

So real and honest.

I already love Katie so much. This proves even more why anyone should love her too. The entire book is interesting, engaging, funny, and full of important information. 10/10 highly recommend. Katie if you read this… I’m massagegoddess on Insta.