Today’s Newsmakers at Noon welcomed back Solomon Yue and Kerry McQuisten for a heartfelt and engaging conversation about Solomon’s new book, Counterscript: A Personal and Political Memoir. While deeply personal, the memoir is also a reflection on freedom, faith, perseverance, and the enduring promise of the American Dream.
Solomon shared powerful memories of growing up under the Chinese Communist Party, the hardships his family endured during the Cultural Revolution, and how those experiences shaped his appreciation for liberty after legally immigrating to the United States. He reflected on the freedoms Americans often take for granted and why his firsthand experience under authoritarian rule continues to influence his perspective today.
The conversation also explored Solomon’s decades-long involvement in Oregon politics, the state’s transformation over the years, and his partnership with co-author Kerry McQuisten. Kerry talked about what it was like spending more than a year working side-by-side with Solomon to bring his story to life. They both laughed that writing a deeply personal memoir together tested their patience at times—but ultimately proved they have a relationship strong enough to weather the challenges. That’s fitting, because they’ll be getting married soon, making the completion of this project an especially meaningful milestone in their journey together.
Listeners also got a glimpse into Solomon’s remarkable relationships on the national political stage. Drawing on decades of involvement with the Republican National Committee and friendships with influential conservative leaders, Solomon shared stories of the extraordinary people he’s met and the unique opportunities those relationships have opened. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at American politics that few people ever experience—and just one of the many reasons the book is such a compelling read.
One entertaining moment came when Solomon recounted a story from the book involving Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s visit to Oregon for a political fundraiser. Denise admitted she was surprised to discover she appears in the memoir after accompanying Sheriff Arpaio—along with two other women who happened to be “packing heat”—through a crowd of increasingly hostile protesters before helping usher him to safety as tensions escalated. The story provided plenty of laughter while recalling an unforgettable chapter of Oregon political history.
Throughout the hour, Solomon reminded listeners that although his story begins in Communist China, it is ultimately an American story—one about choosing freedom over fear, gratitude over entitlement, and hope over cynicism. He closed by encouraging the next generation never to take liberty for granted and to remain actively engaged in preserving it.
And that’s only a small sample of what’s inside Counterscript. The book is packed with behind-the-scenes stories from Oregon and national politics, fascinating encounters with influential leaders, and personal experiences that simply couldn’t fit into a one-hour interview. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, this is a must-read.
