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This Is The Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy
From one of the most successful Democratic strategists of the last decade, a revelatory account of what you—yes, you—can do to defeat Trumpism.
This Is the Plan is a hope-unleashing answer for anyone who has looked at the wreckage of American politics and How the hell do we get out of this mess? Ben Wikler, hailed as the “preeminent state party chair” by Nancy Pelosi, led Wisconsin Democrats through a series of hold-your-breath fights against right-wing extremists that resulted, against the odds, in the unrigging of the political system of the most divided—and, until recently, most gerrymandered—state in the nation. Now, he draws on decades of experience in everything from school-board races to presidential elections to bring readers inside the hidden web of power that shapes our lives. At every step, he shows what individuals and small groups can do to help build a future where democracy thrives and our country works for everyone. With verve, infectious humor, and a rallying-cry energy that has inspired tens of thousands of volunteers, This Is the Plan is the book so many Americans have been waiting An idealistic-yet-practical guide to turning the present crisis into a better future.
This Is the Plan is a hope-unleashing answer for anyone who has looked at the wreckage of American politics and How the hell do we get out of this mess? Ben Wikler, hailed as the “preeminent state party chair” by Nancy Pelosi, led Wisconsin Democrats through a series of hold-your-breath fights against right-wing extremists that resulted, against the odds, in the unrigging of the political system of the most divided—and, until recently, most gerrymandered—state in the nation. Now, he draws on decades of experience in everything from school-board races to presidential elections to bring readers inside the hidden web of power that shapes our lives. At every step, he shows what individuals and small groups can do to help build a future where democracy thrives and our country works for everyone. With verve, infectious humor, and a rallying-cry energy that has inspired tens of thousands of volunteers, This Is the Plan is the book so many Americans have been waiting An idealistic-yet-practical guide to turning the present crisis into a better future.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 18, 2026
Things look bleak in America these days. Rising prices, a lower quality of life, and corruption at the top: I could cry for all that we've lost since 45 first came to power. But there is a bright spot on the horizon. Author and political organizer Ben Wikler recounts the steps taken in Wisconsin that brought it back from the red. He then outlines how the same focus can be deployed across the country (especially in battleground states) to ensure democracy survives. And if you're not convinced, he describes in detail what's at stake for the 2026 midterms and in 2028. Issues like ending the filibuster and enforcing term limits for SCOTUS are discussed. After listening to the audiobook, breathlessly narrated by the author, I am inspired to redouble my efforts to get more involved, especially at the local level.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't believe that small changes can make a big difference, or who thinks that their one vote doesn't matter, because all is not lost...yet. This is a timely and encouraging book, an invitation to act, and as the title suggests, The Plan to save Democracy in America. It should be required reading for anyone who hasn't voted, doesn't vote, or isn't sure why they should vote. For such an important and serious topic, the book is also funny at times, which makes the hard truth more palateable.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @Kalorama, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ThisisthePlan for review purposes. Publication date: 21 July 2026.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't believe that small changes can make a big difference, or who thinks that their one vote doesn't matter, because all is not lost...yet. This is a timely and encouraging book, an invitation to act, and as the title suggests, The Plan to save Democracy in America. It should be required reading for anyone who hasn't voted, doesn't vote, or isn't sure why they should vote. For such an important and serious topic, the book is also funny at times, which makes the hard truth more palateable.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @Kalorama, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ThisisthePlan for review purposes. Publication date: 21 July 2026.
July 28, 2026
Read this. Vote. Now.
August 3, 2026
I was totally surprised by this book for a variety of reasons, in the best way possible.
Let me first commend Ben Wikler for his approach to write this book with much humor woven in. As a non-history lover, I tend to struggle with non-fiction and educational books, but read them "for my own good". Most are fact and stat heavy, and tend to be quite dry. What Wikler has done is a breath of fresh air. This book felt like having a discussion with my friend - plenty of puns, jokes, and quick-witted humor - with lots of deep thoughts and facts. The book was much more engaging and interesting, without sacrificing any of the important takeaways. Why are more nonfiction books not written like this? I finished reading and actually felt ENERGIZED!
With most books of this nature, I don't typically agree with every point made, but appreciate hearing the thought and reasoning behind the points. That makes for a better, well rounded mind. I did really find a lot of Wikler's points to be innovative, however. I really loved the emphasis on local communities - it seems that often in these larger elections, local races get overlooked. I learned SO much about Wisconsin's political history which I found fascinating! Overall, this was a very well researched and organized book that actually made me feel inspired to get involved in the upcoming elections. I can't say that is a common outcome of prior books I've read on similar topics.
I really enjoyed the audiobook! It's always a personal preference of mine to listen to the author narrating their own book. Ben Wikler's passion and humor really came through on the audiobook! Loved listening and would highly recommend that version.
Let me first commend Ben Wikler for his approach to write this book with much humor woven in. As a non-history lover, I tend to struggle with non-fiction and educational books, but read them "for my own good". Most are fact and stat heavy, and tend to be quite dry. What Wikler has done is a breath of fresh air. This book felt like having a discussion with my friend - plenty of puns, jokes, and quick-witted humor - with lots of deep thoughts and facts. The book was much more engaging and interesting, without sacrificing any of the important takeaways. Why are more nonfiction books not written like this? I finished reading and actually felt ENERGIZED!
With most books of this nature, I don't typically agree with every point made, but appreciate hearing the thought and reasoning behind the points. That makes for a better, well rounded mind. I did really find a lot of Wikler's points to be innovative, however. I really loved the emphasis on local communities - it seems that often in these larger elections, local races get overlooked. I learned SO much about Wisconsin's political history which I found fascinating! Overall, this was a very well researched and organized book that actually made me feel inspired to get involved in the upcoming elections. I can't say that is a common outcome of prior books I've read on similar topics.
I really enjoyed the audiobook! It's always a personal preference of mine to listen to the author narrating their own book. Ben Wikler's passion and humor really came through on the audiobook! Loved listening and would highly recommend that version.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got an advance copy of the book and finished within 48 hours. It's terrific.
Wikler makes obscure history and politics feel lively and interesting, and it's very awarely pitched to a reader who deeply cares about politics and is mad/despairing that others don't. (I.e., me and most of my circles.) And it's genuinely funny.
The book is action oriented towards getting people interested in ongoing organizing ("a permanent campaign" is his language) and the small actions that are effective. This is a huge improvement over so many armchair pundit political books that are long on diagnoses and short on solutions, especially short on solutions that the reader can meaningfully work towards. The book has compelling, accessible presentations of the structural, pro-small-d-democracy change that we need, from breaking up Republican state-level trifectas and winning state Supreme Courts to un-gerrymander state legislatures, all the way up to ending the filibuster and reforming SCOTUS. Does a good job of showing how it all works together in a way that feels like now I understand the project before us better, and NOT in a way that feels like "we're doomed because there are too many things to fix."
I'd like it to have been stronger in 2 ways - both intimately wound up with my particular work so no surprise there. Wikler touches a few times on the importance of donating to political organizing, in ways that acknowledge people have wildly different access to money. I'd like this to have been a stronger call for those with more money to step it up. There's a huge group of people who are affluent/professional class who I work with and who give substantial donations that make a real difference, and I'm obsessed with people who can give $1000 or $5000 really going for it where many of them are accustomed to giving $100 or $500 here and there. (People who can give even more, should do it! But again, I'm personally focused on this class level. It's so easy to think that the "really rich" should do the giving, but let's make sure that the merely well-off are part of the plan.)
My strongest critique is that the book is light on references to community organizing groups outside the Democratic Party (and its county and state level entities) - that's the world I've worked in since 2010 and is an incredibly diverse, lively, and powerful space for regular people to engage in politics. Ben has worked in both "inside" spaces like, of course, the Wisconsin Democratic Party, and "outside" spaces like MoveOn. I think the book would have been stronger - especially in its goal of connecting regular people to action they can take to make real change - with more examples or stories of "outside" group work. Perhaps this is driven by my own bias, but I think many people who are poised for action don't find the Democratic Party inspiring now and would sooner plug into very effective work with a wide array of local and state organizing groups.
Finally, one thing I found notably well done was how he sidesteps a lot of "issue" talk for a positive vision of making people's lives better, rather than getting deep into specifics around immigration, repro, gender, climate, etc. To me it was a masterful approach to talking to the broad tent of "our side" and focusing on the framings and values that matter to people who aren't deeply steeped in politics. I can see an argument that this is a cop-out from the perspective of someone who wants to see the progressive agenda outlined in more urgent terms, or who feels that it's irresponsible or erasing not to be clearer about the harms of the authoritarian takeover we're facing and the people most targeted and harmed. But from my perspective (as a pretty fierce progressive), I think Wikler is modeling a principled winning message and the right level of focus for this type of book. He does use issues as examples of where our system is failing to give voters the policy preferences they actively vote for (eg abortion rights) and where Republicans weasel out of their own professed values/commitments.
All in all - a strong recommendation. Did I mention it's funny? It's funny! Give it a read!
Wikler makes obscure history and politics feel lively and interesting, and it's very awarely pitched to a reader who deeply cares about politics and is mad/despairing that others don't. (I.e., me and most of my circles.) And it's genuinely funny.
The book is action oriented towards getting people interested in ongoing organizing ("a permanent campaign" is his language) and the small actions that are effective. This is a huge improvement over so many armchair pundit political books that are long on diagnoses and short on solutions, especially short on solutions that the reader can meaningfully work towards. The book has compelling, accessible presentations of the structural, pro-small-d-democracy change that we need, from breaking up Republican state-level trifectas and winning state Supreme Courts to un-gerrymander state legislatures, all the way up to ending the filibuster and reforming SCOTUS. Does a good job of showing how it all works together in a way that feels like now I understand the project before us better, and NOT in a way that feels like "we're doomed because there are too many things to fix."
I'd like it to have been stronger in 2 ways - both intimately wound up with my particular work so no surprise there. Wikler touches a few times on the importance of donating to political organizing, in ways that acknowledge people have wildly different access to money. I'd like this to have been a stronger call for those with more money to step it up. There's a huge group of people who are affluent/professional class who I work with and who give substantial donations that make a real difference, and I'm obsessed with people who can give $1000 or $5000 really going for it where many of them are accustomed to giving $100 or $500 here and there. (People who can give even more, should do it! But again, I'm personally focused on this class level. It's so easy to think that the "really rich" should do the giving, but let's make sure that the merely well-off are part of the plan.)
My strongest critique is that the book is light on references to community organizing groups outside the Democratic Party (and its county and state level entities) - that's the world I've worked in since 2010 and is an incredibly diverse, lively, and powerful space for regular people to engage in politics. Ben has worked in both "inside" spaces like, of course, the Wisconsin Democratic Party, and "outside" spaces like MoveOn. I think the book would have been stronger - especially in its goal of connecting regular people to action they can take to make real change - with more examples or stories of "outside" group work. Perhaps this is driven by my own bias, but I think many people who are poised for action don't find the Democratic Party inspiring now and would sooner plug into very effective work with a wide array of local and state organizing groups.
Finally, one thing I found notably well done was how he sidesteps a lot of "issue" talk for a positive vision of making people's lives better, rather than getting deep into specifics around immigration, repro, gender, climate, etc. To me it was a masterful approach to talking to the broad tent of "our side" and focusing on the framings and values that matter to people who aren't deeply steeped in politics. I can see an argument that this is a cop-out from the perspective of someone who wants to see the progressive agenda outlined in more urgent terms, or who feels that it's irresponsible or erasing not to be clearer about the harms of the authoritarian takeover we're facing and the people most targeted and harmed. But from my perspective (as a pretty fierce progressive), I think Wikler is modeling a principled winning message and the right level of focus for this type of book. He does use issues as examples of where our system is failing to give voters the policy preferences they actively vote for (eg abortion rights) and where Republicans weasel out of their own professed values/commitments.
All in all - a strong recommendation. Did I mention it's funny? It's funny! Give it a read!
July 25, 2026
This Is the Plan is an energetic and hopeful examination of the challenges facing American democracy and the practical work required to strengthen it. Ben Wikler draws on years of experience in political organizing and campaign strategy to offer readers an inside look at how power operates—and, more importantly, how ordinary people and small groups can help create meaningful change.
What makes the book especially compelling is its balance of idealism and practicality. Rather than simply describing the problems facing American politics, Wikler focuses on what can be done to confront them. His experiences in Wisconsin and across different levels of political organizing provide a valuable perspective on the persistence, strategy, and collective action needed to overcome deeply entrenched political challenges.
With its combination of political insight, humor, urgency, and optimism, *This Is the Plan* is an encouraging read for anyone interested in democracy, civic engagement, political organizing, and the possibility of building a stronger future. It is a timely reminder that meaningful change often begins when individuals decide to get involved and work together.
What makes the book especially compelling is its balance of idealism and practicality. Rather than simply describing the problems facing American politics, Wikler focuses on what can be done to confront them. His experiences in Wisconsin and across different levels of political organizing provide a valuable perspective on the persistence, strategy, and collective action needed to overcome deeply entrenched political challenges.
With its combination of political insight, humor, urgency, and optimism, *This Is the Plan* is an encouraging read for anyone interested in democracy, civic engagement, political organizing, and the possibility of building a stronger future. It is a timely reminder that meaningful change often begins when individuals decide to get involved and work together.
July 31, 2026
This is a highly readable book on Democratic strategy. It sounds like it would be dull, but it is very well written, has many anecdotes (mostly from Wisconsin since that is his experience and model). As a Wisconsinite, I was aware of the outlines, but he fills out details and operations and intentions that clarify and illuminate his larger purpose. His goal is to help people in every state to organize, to find voters that are often neglected, and to push for federal legislation to help every vote count. He does not push policy. He is very strategic. Steps to take. Goals to work toward. And the process to get there.
How to do it? Get involved on the ground meeting people who are working on the same goals. Support candidates that can make a difference wherever they are ( especially if you are in a blue state or district). Do something!
An excellent book. And he is great as a speaker too.
How to do it? Get involved on the ground meeting people who are working on the same goals. Support candidates that can make a difference wherever they are ( especially if you are in a blue state or district). Do something!
An excellent book. And he is great as a speaker too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
excellent primer for a young eager democrat ready to start spending time and energy (two things i don’t have in my current phase of life) rebuilding democracy one step at a time… i’m definitely more in the apathetic camp Wikler mentions in the intro, but still hopeful and appreciated such a detailed explanation of who exactly needs to win what election to unfuck our country and maybe avoid a civil war? 🤔
thank you to netgalley for the ALC!
thank you to netgalley for the ALC!
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August 5, 2026Ben is extremely funny and brings convincing passion to his description of how to win, so the book goes down easy - I ended up reading it in two days. It’s entertaining book with helpful insights, stirring descriptions of year-round organizing/campaigning as opposed to the sandcastle-style campaigns that disappear the day of the elections, and some provocative strategy ideas.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fan of democracy? You can help! Read my full review here. [3.5⭐]
Publication day is July 21.
#NetGalley #Kalorama #RBmedia #ThisIsthePlan
Publication day is July 21.
#NetGalley #Kalorama #RBmedia #ThisIsthePlan
Review of advance copy received from Book of the Month
Willer intermixes humor, recent history, political organizing theory, and political strategy in this accessible book. Readers who want current, real-world political action will enjoy.
July 22, 2026
Practical and LOL funny. A joy to read.
August 5, 2026
Interesting read. He does lay out a comprehensive plan for Democrats to win in 2026 and 2028
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews