Here, Right Matters audiobook cover - An American Story

Here, Right Matters

An American Story

Alexander Vindman

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PoliticsSociety & CultureBiography & Memoir

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Here, Right Matters
Immigrant Origins & Values+
Military Leadership & Expertise+
The Infamous Phone Call+
Testifying for Truth+
A New Civilian Chapter+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
Why did Alexander Vindman's father decide to move his family from the Soviet Union to America?
  • A. He was recruited by the US military for his engineering expertise.
  • B. He wanted to escape anti-Semitic oppression and seek dignity.
  • C. He was fleeing political persecution after leading a labor strike.
  • D. He wanted his sons to have access to top-tier American universities.
Question 2 of 7
What was the significance of Vindman's deployment to South Korea early in his military career?
  • A. It was where he first learned to speak fluent Russian and Ukrainian.
  • B. It resulted in a severe injury that earned him a Purple Heart.
  • C. It taught him how to adapt, think independently, and become a solid platoon leader.
  • D. It was his first experience working directly with the National Security Council.
Question 3 of 7
What specific action during the July 2019 phone call alarmed Vindman enough to report it to his superiors?
  • A. President Trump threatened to withdraw US troops from the European border.
  • B. President Trump appeared to leverage military aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into his political rivals.
  • C. President Zelensky refused to accept US military aid unless Trump visited Kyiv.
  • D. Rudy Giuliani interrupted the call to demand a private meeting with Ukrainian officials.
Question 4 of 7
How did Vindman's father react to the prospect of Alexander testifying in the impeachment inquiry?
  • A. He encouraged him to testify to uphold the family's honor.
  • B. He begged him not to testify, fearing Soviet-style political reprisal and ruin.
  • C. He offered to testify alongside him to share their immigrant story.
  • D. He advised him to resign immediately rather than get involved in a partisan dispute.
Question 5 of 7
What crucial insight did Vindman gain during his time as a Foreign Area Officer living in Russia?
  • A. He realized that Russia's military was severely underfunded and posed little threat to Eastern Europe.
  • B. He observed firsthand Russia's use of hybrid warfare, blending military action with disinformation.
  • C. He discovered a secret financial alliance between Russian oligarchs and US politicians.
  • D. He learned that the Russian public was overwhelmingly supportive of democratic reforms.
Question 6 of 7
Why did Vindman ultimately decide to retire from the military in July 2020?
  • A. He was officially dishonorably discharged by the Department of Defense.
  • B. He wanted to run for political office as a member of Congress.
  • C. His pending promotion was being blocked by the president, which was consequently holding up the promotions of other officers.
  • D. He received a lucrative offer to become a private military contractor in Eastern Europe.
Question 7 of 7
Which piece of advice from his father became a guiding philosophy for Vindman throughout his life and career transitions?
  • A. "Never trust the government, no matter where you live."
  • B. "Keep your head down and do your job quietly."
  • C. "Don't just start over, continuously start over."
  • D. "Always prioritize family safety over duty to your country."

Here, Right Matters — Full Chapter Overview

Here, Right Matters Summary & Overview

Here, Right Matters (2021) is an inspirational memoir from the man who served as the key witness in Donald Trump’s first impeachment hearings. It tells the story of an immigrant family who believed deeply in America’s democratic values and the price the author had to pay in staying true to those ideals. 

Who Should Listen to Here, Right Matters?

  • Fans of memoirs and personal stories of resilience
  • Civically engaged people
  • Students and scholars of political science or public policy

About the Author: Alexander Vindman

Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, foreign policy expert, and former Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council. Born in Soviet Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, he devoted over two decades to military service, including a combat tour in Iraq. He has since become a writer and lecturer on the Russian-Ukraine war, and a senior fellow at the Kettering Foundation.

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