On the House by John Boehner is a memoir written by the former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. The book provides insight into Boehner’s life, his political career, and his time as one of the most powerful men in Washington. The book covers a wide range of topics, from his childhood in Ohio to his rise through the ranks of the Republican Party and his time as Speaker.
Chapter Summaries
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Chapter 1: Growing Up Boehner
In this chapter, Boehner talks about his upbringing in Ohio and how his parents instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. He also discusses how his father’s alcoholism and his mother’s illness shaped his worldview and influenced his decision to enter politics.
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Chapter 2: The Road to Congress
Boehner talks about his early political career, including his time as a city councilman and his eventual election to the United States House of Representatives. He also discusses his early impressions of Washington and how he quickly became involved in the inner workings of Congress.
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Chapter 3: Rising Through the Ranks
In this chapter, Boehner talks about his rise through the ranks of the Republican Party, including his time as chairman of the House Republican Conference and his eventual election as Majority Leader. He also discusses the challenges he faced along the way, including internal party politics and disagreements with other members of the Republican leadership.
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Chapter 4: The Speakership
Boehner talks about his time as Speaker of the House, including the challenges he faced in leading a fractious and divided Congress. He also discusses some of the major legislative achievements of his tenure, including the passage of a budget deal and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.
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Chapter 5: The Tea Party and the Shutdown
In this chapter, Boehner talks about the rise of the Tea Party movement and how it affected his leadership of the House. He also discusses the government shutdown of 2013 and the negotiations that led up to it, including his eventual resignation as Speaker.
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Chapter 6: Life After Congress
Boehner talks about his life after leaving Congress, including his decision to write this memoir and his work as a consultant and speaker. He also discusses his ongoing involvement in politics and his thoughts on the current state of the Republican Party.
Conclusion
On the House by John Boehner is a fascinating look at the life of one of the most powerful men in Washington. Throughout the book, Boehner provides insight into his upbringing, his political career, and his time as Speaker of the House. He also discusses the challenges he faced along the way, including the rise of the Tea Party movement and the government shutdown of 2013. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in politics or American history.
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