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Enough
Cassidy Hutchinson’s desk was mere steps from the most controversial president in recent American history. Now, she provides a riveting account of her extraordinary experiences as an idealistic young woman thrust into the middle of a national crisis, where she risked everything to tell the truth about some of the most powerful people in Washington.
Ever since a childhood visit to Washington, DC, Cassidy Hutchinson aspired to serve her country in government. Raised in a working-class family with a military background, she was the first in her immediate family to graduate from college. Despite having no ties to Washington, Hutchinson landed a vital position at the center of the Trump White House.
Her life took a dramatic turn on January 6, 2021, when, at twenty-four, she found herself in one of the most extraordinary and unprecedented calamities in modern political history.
Hutchinson was faced with a choice between loyalty to the Trump administration or loyalty to the country by revealing what she saw and heard in the attempt to overthrow a democratic election. She bravely came forward to become the pivotal witness in the House January 6 investigations, as her testimony transfixed and stunned the nation. In her memoir, Hutchinson reveals the struggle between the pressures she confronted to toe the party line and the demands of the oath she swore to defend American democracy.
Enough reaches far beyond the typical insider political account. It’s the saga of a woman whose fierce determination helped her overcome childhood challenges to get her dream job, only to face a crisis of conscience that more senior White House aides tried to evade and, in the process, find her voice and herself. This is a portrait of how the courage of one person can change the course of history.
Ever since a childhood visit to Washington, DC, Cassidy Hutchinson aspired to serve her country in government. Raised in a working-class family with a military background, she was the first in her immediate family to graduate from college. Despite having no ties to Washington, Hutchinson landed a vital position at the center of the Trump White House.
Her life took a dramatic turn on January 6, 2021, when, at twenty-four, she found herself in one of the most extraordinary and unprecedented calamities in modern political history.
Hutchinson was faced with a choice between loyalty to the Trump administration or loyalty to the country by revealing what she saw and heard in the attempt to overthrow a democratic election. She bravely came forward to become the pivotal witness in the House January 6 investigations, as her testimony transfixed and stunned the nation. In her memoir, Hutchinson reveals the struggle between the pressures she confronted to toe the party line and the demands of the oath she swore to defend American democracy.
Enough reaches far beyond the typical insider political account. It’s the saga of a woman whose fierce determination helped her overcome childhood challenges to get her dream job, only to face a crisis of conscience that more senior White House aides tried to evade and, in the process, find her voice and herself. This is a portrait of how the courage of one person can change the course of history.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2023
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October 11, 2023
There is something creepy about the world that Cassidy Hutchinson describes. There is a fantasy world around her and she sees appearances as reality while never realizing that she was enabling the fascism and never questioning the nature of her own reality until the very end well after the January 6 riots. Her cultish devotion to her party and deluded leader led to her calling the unpatriotic American Trump supporting traitor rioters ‘antifa� and never fully recognizing that there is no such thing as antifa except on the extreme edges of reality.
She routinely would write about watching Fox News (sic) to keep abreast of the world. She also claimed that she entered politics because she was a ‘patriot.� Her world was one of illusion perpetrated by the fascist MAGA magician deluded Trump himself who gets his power from his adoring fans and they in return get their sense of meaning from his delusions. Trump is delusional, his followers love him even more, and until the very end of this book Cassidy Hutchinson was part of the problem.
She even tells the story that Trump was really offended, feelings hurt and could not tolerate that somebody had said Trump did not support wounded soldiers and thought soldiers, sailors, and airmen were wasting their life. Coincidentally, last week (10/1/2023), Major General John Kelly went on the record and said that the story was true. Cassidy Hutchinson defended Trump’s false statements about his feelings as if they were reflective of reality. Cassidy Hutchinson enabled the fascism and buried reality for the sake of Fox News fictional fantasies because she believed them and thought they were ‘patriots.�
The author clearly didn’t intend this book as a mea maxima culpa, she defends herself and her actions throughout the book never quite understanding how much she was a part of the delusion herself (she watches Fox News, believed Trump’s lies in real time, thinks the patriotic party should support the overthrow of free and fair elections, denied science, and wanted a job in the post-Trump presidency more than justice). There’s no reason to sugar coat fascist supporters who tried to enable a delusional authoritarian to stay in power. False worlds become real when one confuses patriotism with supporting fascism. Democracy will not survive if we don’t call fascist out for the Cretans which they are, Trump yesterday said ‘immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country,� where did I hear that from before, oh, yeah, Hitler.
I’ve only observed the madness from afar and I was never close to the reality denying soulless narcissistic fascist MAGA morons, but I have seen Trump for what he was from the beginning and know Fox News and their ilk are for those who want to remain denying reality.
She routinely would write about watching Fox News (sic) to keep abreast of the world. She also claimed that she entered politics because she was a ‘patriot.� Her world was one of illusion perpetrated by the fascist MAGA magician deluded Trump himself who gets his power from his adoring fans and they in return get their sense of meaning from his delusions. Trump is delusional, his followers love him even more, and until the very end of this book Cassidy Hutchinson was part of the problem.
She even tells the story that Trump was really offended, feelings hurt and could not tolerate that somebody had said Trump did not support wounded soldiers and thought soldiers, sailors, and airmen were wasting their life. Coincidentally, last week (10/1/2023), Major General John Kelly went on the record and said that the story was true. Cassidy Hutchinson defended Trump’s false statements about his feelings as if they were reflective of reality. Cassidy Hutchinson enabled the fascism and buried reality for the sake of Fox News fictional fantasies because she believed them and thought they were ‘patriots.�
The author clearly didn’t intend this book as a mea maxima culpa, she defends herself and her actions throughout the book never quite understanding how much she was a part of the delusion herself (she watches Fox News, believed Trump’s lies in real time, thinks the patriotic party should support the overthrow of free and fair elections, denied science, and wanted a job in the post-Trump presidency more than justice). There’s no reason to sugar coat fascist supporters who tried to enable a delusional authoritarian to stay in power. False worlds become real when one confuses patriotism with supporting fascism. Democracy will not survive if we don’t call fascist out for the Cretans which they are, Trump yesterday said ‘immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country,� where did I hear that from before, oh, yeah, Hitler.
I’ve only observed the madness from afar and I was never close to the reality denying soulless narcissistic fascist MAGA morons, but I have seen Trump for what he was from the beginning and know Fox News and their ilk are for those who want to remain denying reality.
September 26, 2023
I preordered this book knowing it would be a great addition to what we all saw during her testimony before the January 6 committee. Now I will be the first to admit I think Cassidy Hutchinson is a courageous woman. It takes a lot of guts to stand up against “Trump World� for what you know in your heart is not right. Although I disagree with her political stance, I will never discredit her testimony as it very eerily matches all timelines. I encourage everyone to read this book and hope more media coverage will talk about it as she speaks about the character of a few of our current congressmen & women. She explains and goes into somewhat upsetting details about how Trump and his minions tried to stop the peaceful transition of power, in order to stay in office.
My only negative reactions are It breaks my heart how naive she often was. I don’t understand how she allowed such misogynistic, disgusting comments and behavior roll on around her for so long. I understand she had a duty and job to uphold, I just wish she wouldn’t have died her hair or told Matt Gaetz herself to go kick rocks!
My only negative reactions are It breaks my heart how naive she often was. I don’t understand how she allowed such misogynistic, disgusting comments and behavior roll on around her for so long. I understand she had a duty and job to uphold, I just wish she wouldn’t have died her hair or told Matt Gaetz herself to go kick rocks!
September 27, 2023
Highly recommend
Perfectly told. Patriotic. The message is important- Trump can not get near the White House again. To the author: best to you on the next chapter of your life.
Perfectly told. Patriotic. The message is important- Trump can not get near the White House again. To the author: best to you on the next chapter of your life.
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January 25, 2024
2.5 Stars ^ 3.0 Stars - "It was a little better than OK"
Cassidy Hutchinson and her co-writer Mark Salter, have produced a book, Enough, that was variously tedious, interesting, annoying, illuminating, and eventually, disappointing.
There is no doubt that Hutchinson was an excellent eye-witness to the events leading up to the January 6 riots on Capitol Hill. She was also very smart when she eventually made her decision to reveal to the Jan 6 Committee what she really knew about the depth of deceit, the misconduct and the nefarious activities carried out in a chaotic White House, by senior executives, including her immediate boss and ultimately the President.
Only 23 years old and ruthlessly ambitious, Hutchinson was selected by the White House Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, to be his 'chief of staff', in a cynical move to establish a gullible, devoted scapegoat to act as a cover for Meadow's own disgraceful shortcomings. Hutchinson was inexperienced and ill-prepared for the position, and if what she tells us is true, she was given far too much responsibility, resulting in her trying to exercise authority over senior white House staff and even a number of politicians.
Furthermore, Hutchinson appeared to be full of her own importance, to have a conceited opinion of her skills and abilities, and to be prone to blowing her own trumpet at any opportunity - or so it sounded from her own written and spoken words. These were not attributes that endeared her to this reviewer.
Only her gullibility and political naiveté can provide a rationale for her failure to acquit herself honestly during her first dealings with the January 6 Committee. When faced with little or no alternative due to not being able to obtain pro-bono legal representation, Hutchinson agreed to accept representation provided by a lawyer from "Trump World". This attorney hardly had her best interests in mind, insisting that she respond with multiple "I do not recall" types of answers in order to limit negative exposure for Trump.
In the end, Hutchinson was able to find pro-bono attorneys with help from Committee member, Republican Liz Cheney. Hutchinson was subpoenaed to appear in person before the Committee, and it was then that she finally decided to provide candid and fully truthful answers in her testimony.
I do give Hutchinson credit for eventually recognising that she needed to cross the line from the anti-democratic actions of Trump and his minions, of which she was one, and to oppose and censure him for his outrageous threat to the democratic governing of her country.
I didn't like Cassidy Hutchinson and I certainly do not think she is a hero, although I think I understand why so many reviewers applaud her loudly and support what she wrote in her book and stated in her personal, televised appearances before the January 6 Committee.
I thought a comment from one reviewer (Dan) was most pertinent: "Hutchinson became famous for having such a strong a moral compass that she had to tell the truth to the committee. But where was her moral compass before then?".
Another reviewer (Lindsay) said: "She talks too much about patriotism for someone who didn't tell the truth until she was forced to."
A further quote from Dan is interesting and rather sad: "As a political staffer, part of her job was to cater to older authority figures. It doesn't take a Ph.D. in psychology to speculate that this was an attempt to compensate for the many deficiencies she found in her father."
I have listened to at least 2,000 audiobooks over the past 24 years and I have written a number of times of my antipathy towards authors who choose to read their own work, instead of using an experienced, professional narrator. While I readily acknowledge that there are some outstanding examples of an author successfully narrating their own audiobook, more often than not the result is, for me, unsatisfactory. Cassidy Hutchinson's narration was definitely in the latter category.
I chose to listen to Enough because of my continuing interest in US politics, which started around sixty years ago. Coverage of the US by Australian newspapers and television was fairly limited, so in about 1961 I purchased a mail subscription to TIME magazine for the special price of 20 cents a copy (about A$3.50 today) per week. These days, my subscription to the New York Times is my go-to source for news and information on what is happening in the USA.
Cassidy Hutchinson and her co-writer Mark Salter, have produced a book, Enough, that was variously tedious, interesting, annoying, illuminating, and eventually, disappointing.
There is no doubt that Hutchinson was an excellent eye-witness to the events leading up to the January 6 riots on Capitol Hill. She was also very smart when she eventually made her decision to reveal to the Jan 6 Committee what she really knew about the depth of deceit, the misconduct and the nefarious activities carried out in a chaotic White House, by senior executives, including her immediate boss and ultimately the President.
Only 23 years old and ruthlessly ambitious, Hutchinson was selected by the White House Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, to be his 'chief of staff', in a cynical move to establish a gullible, devoted scapegoat to act as a cover for Meadow's own disgraceful shortcomings. Hutchinson was inexperienced and ill-prepared for the position, and if what she tells us is true, she was given far too much responsibility, resulting in her trying to exercise authority over senior white House staff and even a number of politicians.
Furthermore, Hutchinson appeared to be full of her own importance, to have a conceited opinion of her skills and abilities, and to be prone to blowing her own trumpet at any opportunity - or so it sounded from her own written and spoken words. These were not attributes that endeared her to this reviewer.
Only her gullibility and political naiveté can provide a rationale for her failure to acquit herself honestly during her first dealings with the January 6 Committee. When faced with little or no alternative due to not being able to obtain pro-bono legal representation, Hutchinson agreed to accept representation provided by a lawyer from "Trump World". This attorney hardly had her best interests in mind, insisting that she respond with multiple "I do not recall" types of answers in order to limit negative exposure for Trump.
In the end, Hutchinson was able to find pro-bono attorneys with help from Committee member, Republican Liz Cheney. Hutchinson was subpoenaed to appear in person before the Committee, and it was then that she finally decided to provide candid and fully truthful answers in her testimony.
I do give Hutchinson credit for eventually recognising that she needed to cross the line from the anti-democratic actions of Trump and his minions, of which she was one, and to oppose and censure him for his outrageous threat to the democratic governing of her country.
I didn't like Cassidy Hutchinson and I certainly do not think she is a hero, although I think I understand why so many reviewers applaud her loudly and support what she wrote in her book and stated in her personal, televised appearances before the January 6 Committee.
I thought a comment from one reviewer (Dan) was most pertinent: "Hutchinson became famous for having such a strong a moral compass that she had to tell the truth to the committee. But where was her moral compass before then?".
Another reviewer (Lindsay) said: "She talks too much about patriotism for someone who didn't tell the truth until she was forced to."
A further quote from Dan is interesting and rather sad: "As a political staffer, part of her job was to cater to older authority figures. It doesn't take a Ph.D. in psychology to speculate that this was an attempt to compensate for the many deficiencies she found in her father."
I have listened to at least 2,000 audiobooks over the past 24 years and I have written a number of times of my antipathy towards authors who choose to read their own work, instead of using an experienced, professional narrator. While I readily acknowledge that there are some outstanding examples of an author successfully narrating their own audiobook, more often than not the result is, for me, unsatisfactory. Cassidy Hutchinson's narration was definitely in the latter category.
I chose to listen to Enough because of my continuing interest in US politics, which started around sixty years ago. Coverage of the US by Australian newspapers and television was fairly limited, so in about 1961 I purchased a mail subscription to TIME magazine for the special price of 20 cents a copy (about A$3.50 today) per week. These days, my subscription to the New York Times is my go-to source for news and information on what is happening in the USA.
Read
September 28, 20233 stars for the book,
5 stars for the courage it took to break from her secure spot in the Trump White House and to testify on live television about the wrongdoing taking place, especially during the “stop the steal� criminal activities after Trump’s 2020 election loss.
The book suffers as a memoir that includes moments in her personal life before getting to the meat of the matter of her time in the White House. I wasn’t interested in her home birth in New Jersey, her parents� divorce, or any of the other details of her childhood. She could have easily begun with her college interests in Political Science that led to her seeking employment in Washington D.C. upon graduation. The first half of the book felt like filler and the rest was a pretty interesting account of her roles in the Trump White House and the threats to her safety after her testimony.
5 stars for the courage it took to break from her secure spot in the Trump White House and to testify on live television about the wrongdoing taking place, especially during the “stop the steal� criminal activities after Trump’s 2020 election loss.
The book suffers as a memoir that includes moments in her personal life before getting to the meat of the matter of her time in the White House. I wasn’t interested in her home birth in New Jersey, her parents� divorce, or any of the other details of her childhood. She could have easily begun with her college interests in Political Science that led to her seeking employment in Washington D.C. upon graduation. The first half of the book felt like filler and the rest was a pretty interesting account of her roles in the Trump White House and the threats to her safety after her testimony.
December 18, 2024
12/18/2024 addendum: And, in case you forgot: Ms. Hutchinson received numerous death threats from Trumpers for speaking the truth...
I am---perhaps unhealthily---obsessed with the events of January 6, 2021. Like many Americans, I was shocked, apalled, disgusted, and terrified by the images of Americans breaking into the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. with the sole intent of disrupting and overturning the (normally) peaceful transfer of power. That the President, himself, was the one who instigated and fuelled the insurrection that day made it all the more terrifying, with frightening implications for the health of our democracy.
I tried watching the subsequent televised hearings, but, like most Americans, I had a job which prevented me from doing so. Probably for the best. I did manage to catch occasional highlights.
One of the brightest spots of the hearings was the testimony of a young woman named Cassidy Hutchinson, a Trump aide who, by virtue of the fact that she was literally in the room where a lot of shit went down, felt the need to shed light on what Trump and his sycophantic lackeys were doing (or not doing) during the entire insurrection, an event which took the lives of nine people and resulted in roughly three million dollars in property damage.
Hutchinson exhibited a poise and deportment far beyond her age and experience. (She is currently 28.) She also helped to fill in the blanks of that infamous day with accounts that were, to say the least, unflattering of the men that were her superiors and whom she called "boss" for several years. Needless to say, she was not well-liked by Trumpers and some of her former co-workers. Receiving numerous death threats, Hutchinson has had to live a life of relative solitude since then.
In her much-anticipated memoir "Enough", Hutchinson writes about a life devoted to the ideal of public service, one that she has aspired to since she was in elementary school. She also writes about how she was attracted to the conservatism of the Republican party, a party that she felt---until the Trump administration--- was home.
Like many Republicans, she ignored some of the early warning signs of Trumpism, or she simply wrote them off as "Trump being Trump". But in the weeks following November 5, 2020, she could no longer simply dismiss the dumpster fire that was the Trump White House. She began to recognize---something her colleagues wouldn't or couldn't---that Trump's actions were dangerous.
Torn between being branded disloyal by her friends and colleagues and doing what she felt in her heart was the right thing, Hutchinson thankfully chose the right thing.
"Enough" isn't just about her decision to give her testimony to the January 6 Commission, though. The book is also a subtle examination of her evolution from a timid woman who is constantly mistreated by narcissistic, sexist men (starting with her own father; being leered at by pervo Matt Gaetz; and being groped by assholes like John Boehner and Rudy Giuliani) to a woman who can finally say, "I deserve better than this".
I am---perhaps unhealthily---obsessed with the events of January 6, 2021. Like many Americans, I was shocked, apalled, disgusted, and terrified by the images of Americans breaking into the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. with the sole intent of disrupting and overturning the (normally) peaceful transfer of power. That the President, himself, was the one who instigated and fuelled the insurrection that day made it all the more terrifying, with frightening implications for the health of our democracy.
I tried watching the subsequent televised hearings, but, like most Americans, I had a job which prevented me from doing so. Probably for the best. I did manage to catch occasional highlights.
One of the brightest spots of the hearings was the testimony of a young woman named Cassidy Hutchinson, a Trump aide who, by virtue of the fact that she was literally in the room where a lot of shit went down, felt the need to shed light on what Trump and his sycophantic lackeys were doing (or not doing) during the entire insurrection, an event which took the lives of nine people and resulted in roughly three million dollars in property damage.
Hutchinson exhibited a poise and deportment far beyond her age and experience. (She is currently 28.) She also helped to fill in the blanks of that infamous day with accounts that were, to say the least, unflattering of the men that were her superiors and whom she called "boss" for several years. Needless to say, she was not well-liked by Trumpers and some of her former co-workers. Receiving numerous death threats, Hutchinson has had to live a life of relative solitude since then.
In her much-anticipated memoir "Enough", Hutchinson writes about a life devoted to the ideal of public service, one that she has aspired to since she was in elementary school. She also writes about how she was attracted to the conservatism of the Republican party, a party that she felt---until the Trump administration--- was home.
Like many Republicans, she ignored some of the early warning signs of Trumpism, or she simply wrote them off as "Trump being Trump". But in the weeks following November 5, 2020, she could no longer simply dismiss the dumpster fire that was the Trump White House. She began to recognize---something her colleagues wouldn't or couldn't---that Trump's actions were dangerous.
Torn between being branded disloyal by her friends and colleagues and doing what she felt in her heart was the right thing, Hutchinson thankfully chose the right thing.
"Enough" isn't just about her decision to give her testimony to the January 6 Commission, though. The book is also a subtle examination of her evolution from a timid woman who is constantly mistreated by narcissistic, sexist men (starting with her own father; being leered at by pervo Matt Gaetz; and being groped by assholes like John Boehner and Rudy Giuliani) to a woman who can finally say, "I deserve better than this".
September 28, 2023
Enough
I wish I could've rated the book higher because of the trough life that will be hers, perhaps hoping that book sales will help her financially.
But Ms. Hutchinson is still a Republican and seems not to be able to see that Trump is the logical evolution of the Republican party. What she thinks he became, he always was and always will be.
I wish her well, but Trump is still a menace and his character was sketched in his entire life and clearly defined during his presidency.
It's impossible to believe that what was so clear to everyone else was invisible to her.
I wish I could've rated the book higher because of the trough life that will be hers, perhaps hoping that book sales will help her financially.
But Ms. Hutchinson is still a Republican and seems not to be able to see that Trump is the logical evolution of the Republican party. What she thinks he became, he always was and always will be.
I wish her well, but Trump is still a menace and his character was sketched in his entire life and clearly defined during his presidency.
It's impossible to believe that what was so clear to everyone else was invisible to her.
September 27, 2023
"Enough" by Cassidy Hutchinson offers an incisive look into the chaotic inner workings of the Trump White House. Hutchinson's first hand knowledge, meticulous research and nuanced storytelling provide a compelling portrait of an administration rife with internal strife, power struggles, and a constant battle for the President's favor.
The book serves as more than just a chronicle of events; it acts as an allegory for the broader political and social climate, capturing the essence of an era marked by division and incredulity. The characters, many of whom are public figures the author observed in their natural habitat daily, are portrayed with a depth that transcends the headlines, offering readers a glimpse into the motivations and fears that drive the actions of those in the highest echelons of power.
"Enough" is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the complexities and contradictions of the Trump administration. It combines rigorous reporting with narrative flair, making it both informative and engaging.
This book is a must-read for those seeking an in-depth, intellectually rigorous examination of one of the most tumultuous periods in American political history.
The book serves as more than just a chronicle of events; it acts as an allegory for the broader political and social climate, capturing the essence of an era marked by division and incredulity. The characters, many of whom are public figures the author observed in their natural habitat daily, are portrayed with a depth that transcends the headlines, offering readers a glimpse into the motivations and fears that drive the actions of those in the highest echelons of power.
"Enough" is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the complexities and contradictions of the Trump administration. It combines rigorous reporting with narrative flair, making it both informative and engaging.
This book is a must-read for those seeking an in-depth, intellectually rigorous examination of one of the most tumultuous periods in American political history.
October 5, 2023
I have to say, I don't know what I expected with this one. Insight, perhaps? Knowing the players (well - most of them) I knew it wouldn't be a pleasant story to read. But it left me feeling quite deflated.
Ms. Hutchinson is now hailed as a hero in the United States. While I do agree that it took a lot of courage and soul-searching for her to testify on international television, I still can't shake that she was one of the 'enablers' that allowed the country to get into the predicament that it is in now. For that, I have a difficult time forgiving her.
From her recounting of her early childhood throughout her teens and into young adulthood, she labels herself a 'patriot' who loves her country and the rule of law. Yet, she was a first-hand witness to the dark under-layers of the administration that injured so many Americans. It was only when the damage was done and her back was against the wall that she experienced enough remorse to 'do the right thing.'
I think of all the lives that were lost due to false information (such as COVID protocol, etc.,) and it turns my stomach sour. Even when the new administration took over the White House it was mentioned how masking was not only requested, but required. One could just feel her disapproval of that practice from her words. Learning that TFG knew that he was sick and was too vain to do the right thing makes me angry and resentful of all of those who tiptoed around him. Allowing the tantrums and normalizing the spoiled behavior (such as when a motorcade had to be taken because the plane needed repair, and he flew into a rage) just showed me what I had suspected for the last many years - the danger the country was in due to the whims of this selfish, horrible person.
It all comes down to power at any cost. They want to rule over the ashes of the country they burned to the ground. And yes - she was a player and one of the pieces of the puzzle that felt and acted the same. She was more worried about looking 'disloyal' than doing the right thing for the time she served in the White House. It reminds me of the thief that wasn't sorry he stole; just that he got caught.
If she and her counterparts had come forward earlier, perhaps those who lost their lives on or due to January 6th, as well as those who unnecessarily died due to misinformation regarding a worldwide pandemic would not have been lost. At least many of them.
I am sorry that by reading the book it supported her in any way. I know that sounds harsh, but I feel ALL should be accountable who are responsible. These are not stupid people. They knew exactly what was happening and were part of it. "It takes a village . . . "
Ms. Hutchinson is now hailed as a hero in the United States. While I do agree that it took a lot of courage and soul-searching for her to testify on international television, I still can't shake that she was one of the 'enablers' that allowed the country to get into the predicament that it is in now. For that, I have a difficult time forgiving her.
From her recounting of her early childhood throughout her teens and into young adulthood, she labels herself a 'patriot' who loves her country and the rule of law. Yet, she was a first-hand witness to the dark under-layers of the administration that injured so many Americans. It was only when the damage was done and her back was against the wall that she experienced enough remorse to 'do the right thing.'
I think of all the lives that were lost due to false information (such as COVID protocol, etc.,) and it turns my stomach sour. Even when the new administration took over the White House it was mentioned how masking was not only requested, but required. One could just feel her disapproval of that practice from her words. Learning that TFG knew that he was sick and was too vain to do the right thing makes me angry and resentful of all of those who tiptoed around him. Allowing the tantrums and normalizing the spoiled behavior (such as when a motorcade had to be taken because the plane needed repair, and he flew into a rage) just showed me what I had suspected for the last many years - the danger the country was in due to the whims of this selfish, horrible person.
It all comes down to power at any cost. They want to rule over the ashes of the country they burned to the ground. And yes - she was a player and one of the pieces of the puzzle that felt and acted the same. She was more worried about looking 'disloyal' than doing the right thing for the time she served in the White House. It reminds me of the thief that wasn't sorry he stole; just that he got caught.
If she and her counterparts had come forward earlier, perhaps those who lost their lives on or due to January 6th, as well as those who unnecessarily died due to misinformation regarding a worldwide pandemic would not have been lost. At least many of them.
I am sorry that by reading the book it supported her in any way. I know that sounds harsh, but I feel ALL should be accountable who are responsible. These are not stupid people. They knew exactly what was happening and were part of it. "It takes a village . . . "
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2023
Remember folks:
if someone publishes a work of nonfiction, built entirely on the premise that they’ve had an earth-shaking personal awakening�
…after they spent entire years of their lives assisting in upending democracy�
…yet their cornerstone revelation is that they were, in fact, also victims (with Stockholm Syndrome, naturally)�
..it is likely that they are still nefarious. It’s supervillain antics, just in new andexciting increasingly profitable shrinkwrap packaging.
I am no skeptic in the ability of people to undergo drastic personal change, however. Neither is it my personal conviction that those same people must grovel their way back to the good graces of society. It’s just a tad mentally taxing to witness the confetti and streamers come out for people who have done nothing to actually evidence change. Is it the attention economy whittling down our critical analyses? Are we just tired?
Cassidy Hutchinson might very well have upended her most fundamental politics, but those “changes� are riding on the wings of a bangin� book deal. They’re catalyzed by Hutchinson’s own interests being maligned. Should we take what she writes with any less than a handful of salt?
For example, when she implies that she didn’t even realize that she was instrumental in forming a cult of theocracy until she felt personally threatened, what is she really saying? Abject horror is easier to digest from a healthy distance, after all. Privilege, social power, and innumerable pats on the back for “not sucking anymore� serve as sugar for the pill, I guess.
Personal anger notwithstanding, outside of providing further context behind some of the worst “hall of shame� moments we’ve seen from the previous administration, this book seems pretty morally bankrupt. Hutchinson must toe the line between implicating the President and absolving herself, which is quite the high-wire act. Greater still is the audacity to reframe moral failure as inspirational adversity. Therefore, the pertinent questions remain:
1.) If Hutchinson—granted all the experiences she had next to someone she watched lie to the masses, extort the country, and cause unspeakable damage to marginalized communities—experienced her first “lightbulb moment� only when she felt danger; do we grant her moral statements any more credence than we would a Deux Moi blind item?
2.) If the first thing she thought to do with her brand new, shiny moral compass was commodify it (by leveraging this pertinent info in a tell-all), what does it say about us if she’s rewarded for it?
if someone publishes a work of nonfiction, built entirely on the premise that they’ve had an earth-shaking personal awakening�
…after they spent entire years of their lives assisting in upending democracy�
…yet their cornerstone revelation is that they were, in fact, also victims (with Stockholm Syndrome, naturally)�
..it is likely that they are still nefarious. It’s supervillain antics, just in new and
I am no skeptic in the ability of people to undergo drastic personal change, however. Neither is it my personal conviction that those same people must grovel their way back to the good graces of society. It’s just a tad mentally taxing to witness the confetti and streamers come out for people who have done nothing to actually evidence change. Is it the attention economy whittling down our critical analyses? Are we just tired?
Cassidy Hutchinson might very well have upended her most fundamental politics, but those “changes� are riding on the wings of a bangin� book deal. They’re catalyzed by Hutchinson’s own interests being maligned. Should we take what she writes with any less than a handful of salt?
For example, when she implies that she didn’t even realize that she was instrumental in forming a cult of theocracy until she felt personally threatened, what is she really saying? Abject horror is easier to digest from a healthy distance, after all. Privilege, social power, and innumerable pats on the back for “not sucking anymore� serve as sugar for the pill, I guess.
Personal anger notwithstanding, outside of providing further context behind some of the worst “hall of shame� moments we’ve seen from the previous administration, this book seems pretty morally bankrupt. Hutchinson must toe the line between implicating the President and absolving herself, which is quite the high-wire act. Greater still is the audacity to reframe moral failure as inspirational adversity. Therefore, the pertinent questions remain:
1.) If Hutchinson—granted all the experiences she had next to someone she watched lie to the masses, extort the country, and cause unspeakable damage to marginalized communities—experienced her first “lightbulb moment� only when she felt danger; do we grant her moral statements any more credence than we would a Deux Moi blind item?
2.) If the first thing she thought to do with her brand new, shiny moral compass was commodify it (by leveraging this pertinent info in a tell-all), what does it say about us if she’s rewarded for it?
October 19, 2023
This is Cassidy Hutchinson's political memoir. It encompasses information about her family, education and time spent working both in Congress and the Trump White House. She came to national attention with her stunning testimony to the January 6th committee of the House of Representatives.
Reading the book gave me a better understanding of her. Cassidy was only 23 years old when she was selected by Mark Meadows (Trump's Chief of Staff) to be his assistant. She spent 5 months in the White House working for him, leading up to the end of Trump's presidency. Cassidy was a dedicated Republican who truly believed in Trump. As Meadow's assistant, Cassidy was given huge responsibilities and had access to our country's most powerful leaders. It was a heady job for such a young woman.
In an interview, Cassidy said that she tried to convey her exact feelings and thoughts towards events as they occurred at the time. It seemed to me that she was fully ensconced in Trump World (as she called it) and was fully loyal to both Meadows and Trump for a long time. Even after January 6th happened, Cassidy was still planning to work for Trump at Mar-a-Lago. How Cassidy changed her outlook is a remarkable part of the memoir.
Cassidy agonized over her testimony to the January 6th committee. She wanted to be truthful. She was inspired by Alex Butterfield - someone who held a similar job to hers fifty years ago in the Nixon administration. He had testified in the Watergate hearings and had shared information about how everything was tape recorded at the White House. Cassidy learned about Alex through reading Boob Woodward's book about him (The Last of the President's Men).
Eventually, Alex inscribed a copy of the book for Cassidy. Here is what he wrote:
Hi Cassidy -
I'm probably broaching some kind of literary protocol by signing a book I didn't write...
but for you, pretty lady, I'll take my chances. You did the right thing... and doing the right thing is the very definition of integrity. - Alex
Additional: I want to remember the people who went out of their way to help Cassidy, when others had turned away. They included Alyssa Farah Griffin, Liz Cheney and her two wonderful attorneys, Jody Hunt and Bill Jordon.
Reading the book gave me a better understanding of her. Cassidy was only 23 years old when she was selected by Mark Meadows (Trump's Chief of Staff) to be his assistant. She spent 5 months in the White House working for him, leading up to the end of Trump's presidency. Cassidy was a dedicated Republican who truly believed in Trump. As Meadow's assistant, Cassidy was given huge responsibilities and had access to our country's most powerful leaders. It was a heady job for such a young woman.
In an interview, Cassidy said that she tried to convey her exact feelings and thoughts towards events as they occurred at the time. It seemed to me that she was fully ensconced in Trump World (as she called it) and was fully loyal to both Meadows and Trump for a long time. Even after January 6th happened, Cassidy was still planning to work for Trump at Mar-a-Lago. How Cassidy changed her outlook is a remarkable part of the memoir.
Cassidy agonized over her testimony to the January 6th committee. She wanted to be truthful. She was inspired by Alex Butterfield - someone who held a similar job to hers fifty years ago in the Nixon administration. He had testified in the Watergate hearings and had shared information about how everything was tape recorded at the White House. Cassidy learned about Alex through reading Boob Woodward's book about him (The Last of the President's Men).
Eventually, Alex inscribed a copy of the book for Cassidy. Here is what he wrote:
Hi Cassidy -
I'm probably broaching some kind of literary protocol by signing a book I didn't write...
but for you, pretty lady, I'll take my chances. You did the right thing... and doing the right thing is the very definition of integrity. - Alex
Additional: I want to remember the people who went out of their way to help Cassidy, when others had turned away. They included Alyssa Farah Griffin, Liz Cheney and her two wonderful attorneys, Jody Hunt and Bill Jordon.
September 28, 2023
I read this eagerly thinking she would be someone unbiased and more patriotic to our country as a whole and maybe a bit naive finding herself in a position where she wasn’t ready for.
I gave it three stars because I purchased this hoping for a believable honest narrative of someone who has a moral backbone that didn’t want to have to compromise her own integrity to stoop to the crookedness of a group of politicians.
She knew exactly what was going on at all times, and her ties and loyalty was mainly to Mark or “the Chief.�
Clearly, from the beginning of the book she was critical of all involved. She didn’t say anything she was concerned or critical about out-loud the whole time so more people shared with her details about the 6th. They confided in her. She didn’t want to be there that day and she didn’t have to go. Her mom begged her not to. Everyone knew it was happening, everyone knew it was going to “be bad…� and they talked about it to her yet no one said anything beyond that? No one alerted FBI, bodyguards, riot police, Secret Police or other law enforcement? And if they did, it didn’t go anywhere or just fell on deaf ears? And the president knew!? Yet, the way it’s presented it is like the whole administration knew what was about to go down and every single one of them thought this was okay... Everyone was starstruck with Trump and thought this was all okay EXCEPT THE AUTHOR.
This girl was star struck. She got “in”and suddenly she was thrust into the world of games and mirrors. She was smarter than she presented herself at times with her narrative, and she knew fully what was going on.
What is the rub for me personally with this story? I don’t hear a moral conflict here with the author. I feel her accusations and finger pointing are just that. Finger pointing. No naive intern that was gob-smacked with what happened on the 6th and rubbing shoulders with secret but really corrupt politicians. She KNEW they were corrupt throughout the whole story. She also was critical of how everyone handled COVID and a few other newsworthy situations leading up to the election.
I felt like I just read a story about a planted mole and a spy that is giving the final report to her employer.
On the other side, I do feel the public is owed knowing what went on behind the scenes. We were given so many narratives on the different views of “exactly what went down� that fateful day in history and this book is no different. It’s one persons view. Her loyalty was NOT for a political party and their stances on issues as a conservative. She has sexual harassment in here, she has some male dominance themes and a bit of nepotism. Her loyalty was getting in with higher ups, working her way up the ladder and once reaching it, lip service to the political elite not challenging their decisions necessarily, not voicing her concerns to anyone but her mom really. She puts on her best face and strong voice to defend her chief, and she has fire when it suits her. Well. Good job selling your book. You hooked me. But your integrity and honesty is in deep need of redemption because this reader thinks morally you should have put your big girl pants on a LONG time BEFORE January 6th. And you didn’t.
Is it a good read?
Yeah.
But read it (or listen) with a discerning eye (ear).
I gave it three stars because I purchased this hoping for a believable honest narrative of someone who has a moral backbone that didn’t want to have to compromise her own integrity to stoop to the crookedness of a group of politicians.
She knew exactly what was going on at all times, and her ties and loyalty was mainly to Mark or “the Chief.�
Clearly, from the beginning of the book she was critical of all involved. She didn’t say anything she was concerned or critical about out-loud the whole time so more people shared with her details about the 6th. They confided in her. She didn’t want to be there that day and she didn’t have to go. Her mom begged her not to. Everyone knew it was happening, everyone knew it was going to “be bad…� and they talked about it to her yet no one said anything beyond that? No one alerted FBI, bodyguards, riot police, Secret Police or other law enforcement? And if they did, it didn’t go anywhere or just fell on deaf ears? And the president knew!? Yet, the way it’s presented it is like the whole administration knew what was about to go down and every single one of them thought this was okay... Everyone was starstruck with Trump and thought this was all okay EXCEPT THE AUTHOR.
This girl was star struck. She got “in”and suddenly she was thrust into the world of games and mirrors. She was smarter than she presented herself at times with her narrative, and she knew fully what was going on.
What is the rub for me personally with this story? I don’t hear a moral conflict here with the author. I feel her accusations and finger pointing are just that. Finger pointing. No naive intern that was gob-smacked with what happened on the 6th and rubbing shoulders with secret but really corrupt politicians. She KNEW they were corrupt throughout the whole story. She also was critical of how everyone handled COVID and a few other newsworthy situations leading up to the election.
I felt like I just read a story about a planted mole and a spy that is giving the final report to her employer.
On the other side, I do feel the public is owed knowing what went on behind the scenes. We were given so many narratives on the different views of “exactly what went down� that fateful day in history and this book is no different. It’s one persons view. Her loyalty was NOT for a political party and their stances on issues as a conservative. She has sexual harassment in here, she has some male dominance themes and a bit of nepotism. Her loyalty was getting in with higher ups, working her way up the ladder and once reaching it, lip service to the political elite not challenging their decisions necessarily, not voicing her concerns to anyone but her mom really. She puts on her best face and strong voice to defend her chief, and she has fire when it suits her. Well. Good job selling your book. You hooked me. But your integrity and honesty is in deep need of redemption because this reader thinks morally you should have put your big girl pants on a LONG time BEFORE January 6th. And you didn’t.
Is it a good read?
Yeah.
But read it (or listen) with a discerning eye (ear).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2023
3.5
I'd love to hear what this young woman has to say in 20 or 30 years about her experiences. I will be curious about what she does next. As a book, this was written well enough and was interesting enough to keep me engaged (I listened to the audio, which was read by Ms. Hutchinson, which made it feel more "personal", like reading her diary or having a deep conversation over coffee).
We follow her path from idealism to disillusionment to reluctant "betrayer", as she became embroiled in events that spun in unexpected ways. It's easy to see how rubbing elbows with the powerful can be both intoxicating and dangerous to one's barely formed sense of self. It's easy to see that holding others in high regard can blind us to day-to-day truths and realities until the dominoes in our head start to topple. It's easy to see what we want to see until we no longer can because the the rats are scurrying out from all the dark corners.
I'm grateful that this young person could muster the courage to stand up to power. I'm grateful fear didn't keep her from speaking her truth. I'm grateful that others came to stand beside her, giving her the strength needed to "do the right thing" so she could live in peace with her own conscience. And I'm a little appalled that a person of 23 would be given so much proximity, power and responsibility in the political world she described at the White House. If she truly had that much sway over how things ran and what she had access to, I'm astounded. Because who among us, at age 23, is prepared for that kind of environment, those kinds of decisions and relationships? More than anything, this book made me want to investigate the role of interns in our political system, especially those serving at the highest level of our government. Not to dis on young people....I know many who are bright and capable...it's the lack of "real world" experience I wonder about, and the lack of solid personal foundation they haven't had the opportunity to develop before jumping into the deep end of shark-infested waters. Heaven help us!
I wish Ms. Hutchinson well. She's paid an undeserved price for her decisions. Time will tell how the dust will settle around her, and what she will feel drawn to in the future. I hope she ultimately feels it has been worth it, for her pivotal moment in history.
I'd love to hear what this young woman has to say in 20 or 30 years about her experiences. I will be curious about what she does next. As a book, this was written well enough and was interesting enough to keep me engaged (I listened to the audio, which was read by Ms. Hutchinson, which made it feel more "personal", like reading her diary or having a deep conversation over coffee).
We follow her path from idealism to disillusionment to reluctant "betrayer", as she became embroiled in events that spun in unexpected ways. It's easy to see how rubbing elbows with the powerful can be both intoxicating and dangerous to one's barely formed sense of self. It's easy to see that holding others in high regard can blind us to day-to-day truths and realities until the dominoes in our head start to topple. It's easy to see what we want to see until we no longer can because the the rats are scurrying out from all the dark corners.
I'm grateful that this young person could muster the courage to stand up to power. I'm grateful fear didn't keep her from speaking her truth. I'm grateful that others came to stand beside her, giving her the strength needed to "do the right thing" so she could live in peace with her own conscience. And I'm a little appalled that a person of 23 would be given so much proximity, power and responsibility in the political world she described at the White House. If she truly had that much sway over how things ran and what she had access to, I'm astounded. Because who among us, at age 23, is prepared for that kind of environment, those kinds of decisions and relationships? More than anything, this book made me want to investigate the role of interns in our political system, especially those serving at the highest level of our government. Not to dis on young people....I know many who are bright and capable...it's the lack of "real world" experience I wonder about, and the lack of solid personal foundation they haven't had the opportunity to develop before jumping into the deep end of shark-infested waters. Heaven help us!
I wish Ms. Hutchinson well. She's paid an undeserved price for her decisions. Time will tell how the dust will settle around her, and what she will feel drawn to in the future. I hope she ultimately feels it has been worth it, for her pivotal moment in history.
October 31, 2023
Not well written. Very choppy storytelling. Events, references, and people were thrown together in haphazard and confusing ways. I felt the story she told about her family, especially her relationship with her father, was the most compelling part of the book.
I was very disappointed in this book and in what it revealed to me about Cassidy Hutchinson as a worker in the White House and a witness to the corrupt and self-serving people who ran the show. I'm also disappointed about what it revealed in me. Like many, I was enthralled by her and her testimony to the January 6th Committee. I still believe she has courage, and ultimately made the right decision. I am also struck by how drastically her life changed as a result of her testimony. I'm not sure I see it as sacrifice for her country, though. Perhaps her life changed and she lost so much as payment for her silence and complicity in the face of clear incompetence, dereliction of duty, and criminal behavior on the part of the men she worked for. She believed she served the people, and swore to uphold the Constitution. Ultimately she served the men and let herself be duped into thinking she had more responsibility, authority, and importance than she actually did or ever should have. In the end she was just a 25 year old young woman from a difficult and troubled past who was raised by a man who was reckless, irresponsible and undependable. Her time at the White House put her in the company of such men once again, and she tried to save them at her own expense. She had no business being in the position she held, and she was placed there to ultimately take the fall when they needed a scapegoat. She had to become a witness to save herself, and who can blame her? Cassidy Hutchinson isn’t noble, she's not a hero. She made mistakes, took actions that helped to endanger our democracy, and did the right thing when it was in her best interest to do so.
I was very disappointed in this book and in what it revealed to me about Cassidy Hutchinson as a worker in the White House and a witness to the corrupt and self-serving people who ran the show. I'm also disappointed about what it revealed in me. Like many, I was enthralled by her and her testimony to the January 6th Committee. I still believe she has courage, and ultimately made the right decision. I am also struck by how drastically her life changed as a result of her testimony. I'm not sure I see it as sacrifice for her country, though. Perhaps her life changed and she lost so much as payment for her silence and complicity in the face of clear incompetence, dereliction of duty, and criminal behavior on the part of the men she worked for. She believed she served the people, and swore to uphold the Constitution. Ultimately she served the men and let herself be duped into thinking she had more responsibility, authority, and importance than she actually did or ever should have. In the end she was just a 25 year old young woman from a difficult and troubled past who was raised by a man who was reckless, irresponsible and undependable. Her time at the White House put her in the company of such men once again, and she tried to save them at her own expense. She had no business being in the position she held, and she was placed there to ultimately take the fall when they needed a scapegoat. She had to become a witness to save herself, and who can blame her? Cassidy Hutchinson isn’t noble, she's not a hero. She made mistakes, took actions that helped to endanger our democracy, and did the right thing when it was in her best interest to do so.
January 21, 2024
This book is both a memoir and an indictment of the former president’s administration. Two quotes stood out for me:
“an unhinged chief executive, willing to overturn the will of the people and plunge the country into chaos and violence on the advice of crazy people�.for what? To avoid the embarrassment of conceding an election he knew he had lost�
“When the president I had served wholeheartedly persuaded his supporters to reject the legitimacy of a free and fair election, I knew he was leading a dangerous assault on our political ideals and governing institutions for no other purpose than to soothe his injured pride�
I felt discouraged, concerned, alarmed, and infuriated to read about the unlawful behavior and deception exhibited by high level staff, assistants and advisors. This book provides an account, given by someone who held a prominent position, of the days and months leading up to the January 6 insurrection.
I commend Ms. Hutchinson for her courage to tell the truth when many people were not courageous enough to speak up.
It’s a real eye opener and regardless of your political views, it’s a must read.
“an unhinged chief executive, willing to overturn the will of the people and plunge the country into chaos and violence on the advice of crazy people�.for what? To avoid the embarrassment of conceding an election he knew he had lost�
“When the president I had served wholeheartedly persuaded his supporters to reject the legitimacy of a free and fair election, I knew he was leading a dangerous assault on our political ideals and governing institutions for no other purpose than to soothe his injured pride�
I felt discouraged, concerned, alarmed, and infuriated to read about the unlawful behavior and deception exhibited by high level staff, assistants and advisors. This book provides an account, given by someone who held a prominent position, of the days and months leading up to the January 6 insurrection.
I commend Ms. Hutchinson for her courage to tell the truth when many people were not courageous enough to speak up.
It’s a real eye opener and regardless of your political views, it’s a must read.
October 10, 2023
2 1/2 stars. Earnestly written account of a naive and gullible young woman's experience as an assistant to President Trump. She has the demeanor of an eager grade school student trying to please her teacher. Even so, I have no doubt she meant to do right by her actions supporting him almost to the end. And she eventually redeems herself, finally, with actually being truthful with herself and the country. But one wonders how she could have had such visual and mental blinders on for so long. Indeed, it seems that had it not been for the January 6th insurrection, she'd still support him. But, hadn't she had at least a little curiosity to explore why Trump had been accused of such of variety of improprieties for so many years? They were all out there in the public domain for her to see. That is the real mystery to me.
July 13, 2024
The most bold and blatant propaganda piece I've ever read. A complete fallacy in every single respect.
Here are the facts:
The 81-page House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight report charges that lawmakers on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th "Attack" on the United States Capitol “were laser-focused on their effort to promote their pre-determined narrative."
The report also claims that the Jan 6 committee cherry-picked evidence, including failing to release full transcripts from key witnesses that disprove the sensational claims made by Hutchinson.
The oversight subcommittee, headed by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, found that unreleased testimony by four White House employees present for Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021, speech at the Ellipse “directly contradicts claims made by Cassidy Hutchinson and the House panel."
None of the White House employees corroborated Hutchinson’s sensational story about President Trump "lunging for the steering wheel of the beast,� the report states, referring to the president’s heavily-armored limousine.
Loudermilk’s report notes that Hutchinson’s testimony was “directly refuted� by White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Anthony Ornato � the man who according to Hutchinson, told her the anecdote � and the Secret Service agent driving the SUV.
Ornato testified that the first time he had ever heard the story Hutchinson claims Ornato told her on January 6, was during Hutchinson’s public testimony, the oversight subcommittee report states.
Hutchinson’s testimony was also contradicted by the Secret Service agent who was with President Trump on January 6, the subcommittee found, which notes that “Hutchinson’s accusation came up only after the Secret Service agent’s attorney proactively brought up the subject� to select committee investigators.
The driver testified that he specifically refuted the version of events as recounted by Hutchinson, according to the report. The driver of the SUV testified that "President Trump never grabbed the steering wheel. I didn’t see him lunge to try to get into the front seat at all.’�
The select committee hid the driver’s full testimony and only favorably mentioned his testimony in its Final Report, it did not release the full transcript, Loudermilk’s committee determined.
Here are the facts:
The 81-page House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight report charges that lawmakers on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th "Attack" on the United States Capitol “were laser-focused on their effort to promote their pre-determined narrative."
The report also claims that the Jan 6 committee cherry-picked evidence, including failing to release full transcripts from key witnesses that disprove the sensational claims made by Hutchinson.
The oversight subcommittee, headed by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, found that unreleased testimony by four White House employees present for Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021, speech at the Ellipse “directly contradicts claims made by Cassidy Hutchinson and the House panel."
None of the White House employees corroborated Hutchinson’s sensational story about President Trump "lunging for the steering wheel of the beast,� the report states, referring to the president’s heavily-armored limousine.
Loudermilk’s report notes that Hutchinson’s testimony was “directly refuted� by White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Anthony Ornato � the man who according to Hutchinson, told her the anecdote � and the Secret Service agent driving the SUV.
Ornato testified that the first time he had ever heard the story Hutchinson claims Ornato told her on January 6, was during Hutchinson’s public testimony, the oversight subcommittee report states.
Hutchinson’s testimony was also contradicted by the Secret Service agent who was with President Trump on January 6, the subcommittee found, which notes that “Hutchinson’s accusation came up only after the Secret Service agent’s attorney proactively brought up the subject� to select committee investigators.
The driver testified that he specifically refuted the version of events as recounted by Hutchinson, according to the report. The driver of the SUV testified that "President Trump never grabbed the steering wheel. I didn’t see him lunge to try to get into the front seat at all.’�
The select committee hid the driver’s full testimony and only favorably mentioned his testimony in its Final Report, it did not release the full transcript, Loudermilk’s committee determined.
October 17, 2023
I was NOT looking for this book to bring any Trump revelations but I was looking for it to bring depth to Cassidy’s life, experience and her Republican beliefs & policies, it does non of that.
We learn little about her youth other then she supposedly has a memory for detailed & profound adult advice given to her about the world when she approx 5-9 years old.
While working for years at the Capitol, she tells us over & over of people complimenting her on her people & organization skills. With hardly a mention or exchange of meaningful substance of what she did or accomplished for the American people.
Cassidy loves & craves her fathers love !!!
Biggest and glaring revelation is her father’s need for control and privacy! His manipulation of her mother & her for love loyalty is pathological. When he didn’t get it he was cruel. Yet Cassidy makes NO parallel to her father & Trump of whom she follows with a fervor. Towards the end she finally speaks of the great republican policies of Regan but again never acknowledges that Trump was/ is none of those. So we are again left not knowing WHY she, & others, follow him. again giving us only the shallowest of reasons for her devotion.
Though she does periodically disagrees with Trump & Meadows while working for them it is only after she testifies to the January 6th committee that she realizes how she & others were complicit in TrumpWorld & how it was wrong.
I was glad to read the last 3rd of the book, the only portion worth reading, glad she realized what a nightmare Trump was but I can’t give this more then a 2 star rating as it was only interesting when she actually opened up & told us about her experiences.
( we knew most of them from her testimony)
but she elaborated on her fear, the manipulation of the Trump Lawyers, losing of friends, family ect.
Biggest disappointment/ hope: that she will come to understand the manipulation of her father & Trump & Meadows were the same narcissistic & emotionally abusive relationships and free herself !!!!
We learn little about her youth other then she supposedly has a memory for detailed & profound adult advice given to her about the world when she approx 5-9 years old.
While working for years at the Capitol, she tells us over & over of people complimenting her on her people & organization skills. With hardly a mention or exchange of meaningful substance of what she did or accomplished for the American people.
Cassidy loves & craves her fathers love !!!
Biggest and glaring revelation is her father’s need for control and privacy! His manipulation of her mother & her for love loyalty is pathological. When he didn’t get it he was cruel. Yet Cassidy makes NO parallel to her father & Trump of whom she follows with a fervor. Towards the end she finally speaks of the great republican policies of Regan but again never acknowledges that Trump was/ is none of those. So we are again left not knowing WHY she, & others, follow him. again giving us only the shallowest of reasons for her devotion.
Though she does periodically disagrees with Trump & Meadows while working for them it is only after she testifies to the January 6th committee that she realizes how she & others were complicit in TrumpWorld & how it was wrong.
I was glad to read the last 3rd of the book, the only portion worth reading, glad she realized what a nightmare Trump was but I can’t give this more then a 2 star rating as it was only interesting when she actually opened up & told us about her experiences.
( we knew most of them from her testimony)
but she elaborated on her fear, the manipulation of the Trump Lawyers, losing of friends, family ect.
Biggest disappointment/ hope: that she will come to understand the manipulation of her father & Trump & Meadows were the same narcissistic & emotionally abusive relationships and free herself !!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
Although there are some interesting information and stories in this book it is tiresome listening to someone who helped facilitate Trumps worst action, did nothing about it but now is saving America with her testimony.
Where was she during the four years of constant unethical and despicable behaviour by Trump? She was helping facilities behaviour.
If she (and others) had called out truth earlier my w January 6 might not have happened. I hope she doesn’t feel her testimony make up for all the facilitating and support she gave trump .
Where was she during the four years of constant unethical and despicable behaviour by Trump? She was helping facilities behaviour.
If she (and others) had called out truth earlier my w January 6 might not have happened. I hope she doesn’t feel her testimony make up for all the facilitating and support she gave trump .
October 25, 2023
I felt so many different emotions reading this book. Hate, disgust, sad, confusion, proud, and intrigued. I have to say, if you have any animal and/or pet triggers, avoid Part One. Seriously. To say I think Cassidy's bio dad is a POS is putting it lightly.
Second, the amateur therapist in me wonders if the relationship with her dad is why she is so drawn to powerful, manipulative, and controlling men - as are some that she worked with.
Third, the girl is brave without a doubt. To speak the truth in front of millions, the J6 Committee, on TV, knowing damn well she'd be putting her life at risk BECAUSE IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. is beyond impressive.
She comes across as naive (but so was I at that age) and it's amazing how much power she had so early in her career. I'm sorry for the lecherous crap she had to deal with from some of the men as well. Should not still be happening in this day and age.
If nothing else, I greatly admire her for putting country (and the Constitution) before party. Something all of us should be doing (in my opinion).
Second, the amateur therapist in me wonders if the relationship with her dad is why she is so drawn to powerful, manipulative, and controlling men - as are some that she worked with.
Third, the girl is brave without a doubt. To speak the truth in front of millions, the J6 Committee, on TV, knowing damn well she'd be putting her life at risk BECAUSE IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. is beyond impressive.
She comes across as naive (but so was I at that age) and it's amazing how much power she had so early in her career. I'm sorry for the lecherous crap she had to deal with from some of the men as well. Should not still be happening in this day and age.
If nothing else, I greatly admire her for putting country (and the Constitution) before party. Something all of us should be doing (in my opinion).
September 27, 2023
I anticipated reading this over at least a week, but couldn’t sleep last night, so read all night!
What a read, and what an inspirational young woman. It’s heartbreaking to see what she went through, but in the same breath fascinating and insightful to see the way she came through with such character and strength of conviction.
I’m not an American, but have been fascinated by the way politics have played out over the past decade. This will be yet another resource for historians to pour over in future, and gain insight into the chaos the GOP appears to be cascading into.
Thoroughly recommend this as a read for anyone looking to vote in 2024 and for any young women making their way in corporate or government careers today.
What a read, and what an inspirational young woman. It’s heartbreaking to see what she went through, but in the same breath fascinating and insightful to see the way she came through with such character and strength of conviction.
I’m not an American, but have been fascinated by the way politics have played out over the past decade. This will be yet another resource for historians to pour over in future, and gain insight into the chaos the GOP appears to be cascading into.
Thoroughly recommend this as a read for anyone looking to vote in 2024 and for any young women making their way in corporate or government careers today.
September 28, 2023
I have many differences of opinions about politics and society from those held by someone willing to work for Trump. But Ms. Hutchinson has had enough integrity to tell the truth and put country first. It requires more bravery than was offered by majority of those working around her in the White House. Doing the right thing doesn’t make you a hero but it is deserving of our thanks. Like Liz Cheney, she put country before party, and at no small personal cost.
November 14, 2023
DNF. I had to stop listening to this audiobook because it felt like I was eavesdropping on an immature starry-eyed self-aggrandizing teenager patting herself on the back at a slumber party. I had a clue it was going to be a slog when she described her father showing her how to be a “warrior� by killing a defenseless turtle! She writes like she was the Secretary of State traveling on Air Force One with movers and shakers. Oh, she also dressed down Ted Cruz. Yeah, sure. I gave up on learning if she ever saw Trump read a book or heard him say something intelligent.I’m happy for the country that she testified before the J6 Committee but otherwise wish she’d just go off into the sunset after all the trials are over.
October 28, 2023
A really disappointing and disheartening read. It comes across as though Hutchinson’s only motivator is the approval of the most dysfunctional and toxic men she comes across and I didn’t pick up on much internal conflict. A lot of time was spent on recounting the most mundane of compliments people would give her for things like being on time or making a spreadsheet. Even during her testimony her biggest concern behind the scenes seemed to be if Trump was mad at her. I don’t know how she got to be an American hero but I’m less impressed with her story after reading her memoir than I was before.
October 17, 2023
Since I watched Cassidy testify at the Jan 6 committee hearing, I found the book fascinating.
Cassidy’s home life was very upsetting to read, for her father’s parenting was abominable. Yet, she managed to survive and keep him in mind until the very end of the book.
Her record and insights of everything after Trump’s 2020 loss will color how I view the progress of all the trials that are coming up soon.
There is one thing I found disconcerting. She claimed her identity as a Republican. She was proud of her work in the White House. She admired her friendship with Kevin McCarthy. There is no indication that she was prejudiced against the President.
Cassidy’s home life was very upsetting to read, for her father’s parenting was abominable. Yet, she managed to survive and keep him in mind until the very end of the book.
Her record and insights of everything after Trump’s 2020 loss will color how I view the progress of all the trials that are coming up soon.
There is one thing I found disconcerting. She claimed her identity as a Republican. She was proud of her work in the White House. She admired her friendship with Kevin McCarthy. There is no indication that she was prejudiced against the President.
November 29, 2023
She definitely is 23
September 28, 2023
This is a fascinating read. Even as a non-American, I could not put it down.
It is well- written and offers the reader powerful and credible insights into the operation of the highest echelons of the White House during a turbulent time in American history.
The author comes across as authentic, smart, detailed, ambitious and observant. Butt most of all Hutchinson reveals she is decent, honest, if at time conflicted, but ultimately courageous.
We will hear more from and about her, I suspect, when, and if, America is able to rid itself of the Trump plague.
It is well- written and offers the reader powerful and credible insights into the operation of the highest echelons of the White House during a turbulent time in American history.
The author comes across as authentic, smart, detailed, ambitious and observant. Butt most of all Hutchinson reveals she is decent, honest, if at time conflicted, but ultimately courageous.
We will hear more from and about her, I suspect, when, and if, America is able to rid itself of the Trump plague.
November 6, 2023
She talks too much about patriotism for someone who didn't tell the truth until she was forced to.
October 22, 2023
Over the ages, since homo sapiens started roaming planet earth there have been as many brave and courageous, brilliant and talented women as men. Cassidy Hutchinson, along with Liz Cheney, stand so prominently out because since the War of 1812 never has one political party, predominantly made up of men, exhibited such cowardly, subservient behavior as they bow down before a four time draft dodger, rapist, liar, tax cheat, insurrectionist, bully, illiterate, traitor, etc, as the former president and current leader of the Republican Party.
I was a little hesitant about reading Ms. Hutchinson's memoir, "Enough," simply because I thought I knew all I needed to know about this young lady, but I was totally wrong, which is not unusual.
If one does choose to read her memoir, which I highly recommend, I think it is important to remember that this young lady, at the tender age of 23, was an eyewitness...in the center... of the political malfeasance known as the Trump years. She was in all practical terms, the assistant Chief of Staff, to the subservient, deeply religious Chief of Staff Mark Meadows who never so much as had an alcoholic drink in his whole life.
Mr. Meadows, like many heroic figures throughout American history, decided on the day American democracy was at its most fragile, and innocent Capitol police officers were being hammered with the American flag, to do "Nothing," he was in such fear and awe of the President of the United States. In all honesty, he was not the only one. There were plenty of others who could have prevented the insurrection on Jan 6, 2021 or at least put a stop to it but like, Mr. Meadow's, did nothing. (In a side note: In Dante's masterpiece "The Divine Comedy," he places at the very bottom of hell, next to Lucifer, those that could have made a difference but did "NOTHING.)
But this is all old news, but what is not old news is how a 23 year old young lady, who in many cases put her blind trust in Mr. Meadows and President Trump, became the unlikely hero in this tragic story. Instead of prayers and denial of all alcoholic beverages, she possessed that most uncommon of traits in politicians, "morals."
That is not to say she didn't have her doubts and wasn't scared shit, but in the end she looked into the mirror and decided she could not live with herself if she did not tell the unabridged truth about what she witnessed and heard previous to Jan. 6, on Jan. 6., and after.
"Enough," gives us a full picture of Ms. Hutchinson from the time she was a little girl growing up in New Jersey, to her full out desire to succeed in Washington, D.C., to a realization and enlightenment that far too many republicans still have not accepted about Mr. Trump and his cronies.
I highly recommend Ms. Hutchison's memoir.
I was a little hesitant about reading Ms. Hutchinson's memoir, "Enough," simply because I thought I knew all I needed to know about this young lady, but I was totally wrong, which is not unusual.
If one does choose to read her memoir, which I highly recommend, I think it is important to remember that this young lady, at the tender age of 23, was an eyewitness...in the center... of the political malfeasance known as the Trump years. She was in all practical terms, the assistant Chief of Staff, to the subservient, deeply religious Chief of Staff Mark Meadows who never so much as had an alcoholic drink in his whole life.
Mr. Meadows, like many heroic figures throughout American history, decided on the day American democracy was at its most fragile, and innocent Capitol police officers were being hammered with the American flag, to do "Nothing," he was in such fear and awe of the President of the United States. In all honesty, he was not the only one. There were plenty of others who could have prevented the insurrection on Jan 6, 2021 or at least put a stop to it but like, Mr. Meadow's, did nothing. (In a side note: In Dante's masterpiece "The Divine Comedy," he places at the very bottom of hell, next to Lucifer, those that could have made a difference but did "NOTHING.)
But this is all old news, but what is not old news is how a 23 year old young lady, who in many cases put her blind trust in Mr. Meadows and President Trump, became the unlikely hero in this tragic story. Instead of prayers and denial of all alcoholic beverages, she possessed that most uncommon of traits in politicians, "morals."
That is not to say she didn't have her doubts and wasn't scared shit, but in the end she looked into the mirror and decided she could not live with herself if she did not tell the unabridged truth about what she witnessed and heard previous to Jan. 6, on Jan. 6., and after.
"Enough," gives us a full picture of Ms. Hutchinson from the time she was a little girl growing up in New Jersey, to her full out desire to succeed in Washington, D.C., to a realization and enlightenment that far too many republicans still have not accepted about Mr. Trump and his cronies.
I highly recommend Ms. Hutchison's memoir.
September 30, 2023
After watching several of Cassidy Hutchinson's interviews leading up to the release of her book, I was genuinely intrigued, prompting me to delve into its contents. Like many others, I found her testimony before the January 6 committee to be exceptionally gracious. Her unwavering courage in opposing the MAGA movement, driven by her conviction that it was the right course of action, was truly extraordinary. Despite potential differences in our political perspectives, I hold her testimony in high regard, as it closely aligns with the chronological sequence of events.
I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to read this book, and I sincerely hope it garners more media attention, particularly for its valuable insights into the character of some of our current congressmen and congresswomen. Until recently, I was unaware of the youthfulness of many of the aides working in the Trump White House, which raises questions about whether their inexperience may have contributed to the administration's dysfunction. However, it was the brave young individuals who spoke out against the wrongs of the Trump White House that ultimately made a difference.
Additionally, I was deeply struck by Mark Meadows' apparent reluctance to challenge Trump, a factor that significantly contributed to Trump's erratic behavior, especially after the election. Meadows' tenure as Chief of Staff was marked by failure, as he became little more than a Yes Man for Trump. It is disheartening to witness the continued attachment of the MAGA cult to Hutchinson and her bravery.
Nevertheless, I can't help but find it somewhat unusual that Cassidy Hutchinson still appears to retain an element of naivety. There are points in the book where she seems to praise Trump despite all the harm he has caused to this country. I understand that she had a duty and a job to fulfill, which undoubtedly placed her in a difficult position. It saddens me to contemplate how she endured misogynistic and reprehensible comments and behavior over an extended period. I was equally angered by her father’s sick obsession with Trump and his seemingly unwillingness to help his daughter.
I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to read this book, and I sincerely hope it garners more media attention, particularly for its valuable insights into the character of some of our current congressmen and congresswomen. Until recently, I was unaware of the youthfulness of many of the aides working in the Trump White House, which raises questions about whether their inexperience may have contributed to the administration's dysfunction. However, it was the brave young individuals who spoke out against the wrongs of the Trump White House that ultimately made a difference.
Additionally, I was deeply struck by Mark Meadows' apparent reluctance to challenge Trump, a factor that significantly contributed to Trump's erratic behavior, especially after the election. Meadows' tenure as Chief of Staff was marked by failure, as he became little more than a Yes Man for Trump. It is disheartening to witness the continued attachment of the MAGA cult to Hutchinson and her bravery.
Nevertheless, I can't help but find it somewhat unusual that Cassidy Hutchinson still appears to retain an element of naivety. There are points in the book where she seems to praise Trump despite all the harm he has caused to this country. I understand that she had a duty and a job to fulfill, which undoubtedly placed her in a difficult position. It saddens me to contemplate how she endured misogynistic and reprehensible comments and behavior over an extended period. I was equally angered by her father’s sick obsession with Trump and his seemingly unwillingness to help his daughter.
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