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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 for: 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 for: 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 - 30 of 112 reviews
August 18, 2026
Outstanding book! Highly recommend!
"You've got your superpower--your power to organize, to persuade, and to bring together a group of like-minded people to make grassroots engagement a part of your lives, week after week, year after year, election after election."
A friend recommended that I watch a video clip of author Ben Wikler being interviewed by Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. Wikler was the Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair from July 2019 to July 2025. Prior to that, he was the former senior advisor for MoveOn. The Daily Show video clip is about Wikler talking aboutThis Is The Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy.
The book is inspirational, educational, humorous, disturbing, and a must-read for anyone, especially those focused on making a difference in our democracy. The book starts with an emphasis on local elections and then moves to federal elections.
Arizona, where I live, is one of seven battleground states from the last three US presidential elections (2024, 2020, and 2016). It is highly likely that Arizona and the other six battleground states will be close races for the US president in 2028.
I am a huge believer and active participant in relational organizing, where you gather friends and neighbors together to make a difference. This book is an excellent study guide on how to do that and how to make a huge impact. It is called the snowflake model of organizing.
I also learned a new vocabulary word, jeremiad: a long, mournful complaint, speech, or writing that laments the state of society and its upcoming doom. Instead, we should all be dealers in hope.
"You've got your superpower--your power to organize, to persuade, and to bring together a group of like-minded people to make grassroots engagement a part of your lives, week after week, year after year, election after election."
A friend recommended that I watch a video clip of author Ben Wikler being interviewed by Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. Wikler was the Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair from July 2019 to July 2025. Prior to that, he was the former senior advisor for MoveOn. The Daily Show video clip is about Wikler talking aboutThis Is The Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy.
The book is inspirational, educational, humorous, disturbing, and a must-read for anyone, especially those focused on making a difference in our democracy. The book starts with an emphasis on local elections and then moves to federal elections.
Arizona, where I live, is one of seven battleground states from the last three US presidential elections (2024, 2020, and 2016). It is highly likely that Arizona and the other six battleground states will be close races for the US president in 2028.
I am a huge believer and active participant in relational organizing, where you gather friends and neighbors together to make a difference. This book is an excellent study guide on how to do that and how to make a huge impact. It is called the snowflake model of organizing.
I also learned a new vocabulary word, jeremiad: a long, mournful complaint, speech, or writing that laments the state of society and its upcoming doom. Instead, we should all be dealers in hope.
July 17, 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 11, 2026
This book is a good idea, poorly executed.
Ben Wikler warns us right in the introduction:
Unfortunately, the author peppers the text with an unreasonable amount of comedic remarks -- so many, in fact, that it undermines the legitimacy of otherwise very important and valid arguments he tries to make. Furthermore, the specific type of humor that the book is littered with works better in spoken form rather than written, which compounds the distraction. I don't entirely blame the author, though; in my opinion, it is the editor's job to guide the author towards an adequate version of their vision. Dan Gerstle, the editor acknowledged by Wikler in the book's final notes, is to blame here.
Thickly layered humor aside, I do fault Wikler on two other fronts.
The first is the intended audience. While the primary target reader of the book is obviously the American voter, the author misses out on the opportunity to cater to two other segments that could, at the very least, bolster the book's reputation -- and, who knows, maybe even take on a more active role in his Plan to Save Democracy: the first neglected segment is that of legal residents of the the United States that happen not be citizens and, therefore, cannot vote (but who are nevertheless very directly affected by the outcome of every American election), and the second is that of potential readers in the rest of the world (also, as the book itself affirms, profoundly impacted by the same elections).
Wikler also fails to explain some key concepts in a language that is understandable and accessible to those who don't happen to live and breathe politics and legislative procedure. While he is successful in explaining that local elections ultimately drive world-changing effects, he does not fare so well when making a case against the filibuster. A couple of simplified examples of how the filibuster has been weaponized, explained without assuming that the reader is familiar with its dynamics, would have been helpful.
Finally.. I cringed when I read this passage:
Alluding to tattooing a number on one's arm is, to say the least, tone-deaf. If you don’t know why, send me a message and I will explain it to you.
Read the book. Do your best not to roll your eyes at the nonstop attempts at humor. There is some good meat in there, but you will have to do some work to get to it.
Ben Wikler warns us right in the introduction:
"My goal is to make this book both a road map out of political darkness and a rousing call to arms and a delightful comic break from a world gone mad."
Unfortunately, the author peppers the text with an unreasonable amount of comedic remarks -- so many, in fact, that it undermines the legitimacy of otherwise very important and valid arguments he tries to make. Furthermore, the specific type of humor that the book is littered with works better in spoken form rather than written, which compounds the distraction. I don't entirely blame the author, though; in my opinion, it is the editor's job to guide the author towards an adequate version of their vision. Dan Gerstle, the editor acknowledged by Wikler in the book's final notes, is to blame here.
Thickly layered humor aside, I do fault Wikler on two other fronts.
The first is the intended audience. While the primary target reader of the book is obviously the American voter, the author misses out on the opportunity to cater to two other segments that could, at the very least, bolster the book's reputation -- and, who knows, maybe even take on a more active role in his Plan to Save Democracy: the first neglected segment is that of legal residents of the the United States that happen not be citizens and, therefore, cannot vote (but who are nevertheless very directly affected by the outcome of every American election), and the second is that of potential readers in the rest of the world (also, as the book itself affirms, profoundly impacted by the same elections).
Wikler also fails to explain some key concepts in a language that is understandable and accessible to those who don't happen to live and breathe politics and legislative procedure. While he is successful in explaining that local elections ultimately drive world-changing effects, he does not fare so well when making a case against the filibuster. A couple of simplified examples of how the filibuster has been weaponized, explained without assuming that the reader is familiar with its dynamics, would have been helpful.
Finally.. I cringed when I read this passage:
You may recall the phone number for the Capitol switchboard from the previous two times I’ve mentioned it. But just in case, here it is again: 202-224-3121. Maybe get a wrist tattoo so you can see it while holding your phone.
Alluding to tattooing a number on one's arm is, to say the least, tone-deaf. If you don’t know why, send me a message and I will explain it to you.
Read the book. Do your best not to roll your eyes at the nonstop attempts at humor. There is some good meat in there, but you will have to do some work to get to it.
July 23, 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.
August 14, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. This may be bragging but I kind of knew the history part (Wisconsin politics from Scott Walker to present) because of being a NERD, but I enjoyed learning about his strategies and organization efforts. I thought the concept of relational organizing was very interesting. He started to lose me when he started talking about the future and what Dems should do if they get the majority (nuke the filibuster, pass voting rights, etc) not because I don't agree but I think it detracted from the message about being organized. At points when he would do this, it felt more like a Dem 2028 fever dream than a realistic plan to action. Still really enjoyed it, would recommend. Doesn't really require that much background knowledge, I must say.
August 20, 2026
Funny, informative without being overbearing, and the dose of hope and action that I needed.
September 5, 2026
If you have been disgusted, annoyed, frustrated, angered, depressed, despondent, fired up, ready to quit.....any or all of these emotions and more because of the lawless, oligarch-based, corruption-based regime we are currently living under, know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I've been actively studyiing and reading for the past few years to understand why we are here, what we need to do to fix the existing problems, how we go about doing that, and how we stay inspired to keep trying and not just throw our hands up in despair. This book is a great source of inspiration, of things we MUST work on, and how we can achieve the restoration of our democracy. Democracy is not, and has never been, perfect, and it takes WORK to keep it going. But, while many of us only see the ugliness and the way the regime is trying to subvert our vote, there are MANY people every single day making progress in the courts, in the state and local legislatures, telling this regime NO, and fighting back against the crimes and corruption and blatant disregard for the Constitution, for the very soul of America. The author throws in plenty of humor, which is important, too...we can't let despair take over, we cannot give up. I've listened to the author in many interviews, and what he said has resonated with me. I marked MANY passages in the book and I expect I will read it again. Currently the 2026 midterms are less than 2 months away, I have HOPE, but it will take effort from ALL of us...the mighty WE!!
August 15, 2026
I know, it’s heresy, but I didn’t particularly like the book. It’s more of a “this is what happened in Wisconsin” and less a plan for Democrats writ large across the country. As interesting as Wisconsin is, and as amazing of a job as Wikler did there, Florida is no Wisconsin, and while the overall message is sound, I could have done without the entire history of Wisconsin politics and politicians in a book titled as a plan for everyone else.
September 29, 2026
When I started this book, I figured the audience would be niche. Namely those that have fought in or been interested in Wisconsin’s politics over the last decade and a half. I know Ben and I’ve been in these battles since 2010 so I was obviously part of the niche and this book was practically required reading. And, since I will have to tell Ben what I thought of this at some point, and since he can track down my Goodreads, I pretty much have to give this 5 stars no matter what I actually thought of it.
But allow me to convince you that it deserves its 5 stars. First, Ben is no novelist. He’s not possessed of some professional or artistic literary talent. He’s a professional organizer, which is a very different discipline. But he’s aware of his limitations as a writer and wisely replaces true literary skill with humor, which was exactly the right choice. Besides, this a a book for aspiring politicos, it’s not the great American novel. He needs engagement, not a Pulitzer. He knows that organizing is a form of communication and translates his real skill (at which he is one of the preeminent experts in the world) into a book for beginners and makes the hardest job in the world accessible to someone that’s never even tried it.
But he expands his audience even further. This book is an instruction manual for political activists at every level. It’s valuable to the folks that have never done more than vote but want to make a bigger difference. It’s valuable to presidential level campaign managers. Hell, it’s valuable to presidents. If you’ve even lived in or near Wisconsin in the last 15 years and want to know the full story of our dramatic politics, this book is also for you.
This is a book for our time. It’s primarily meant to prepare us for the next two to three major election cycles. But I suspect it’s going to have some staying power. Ben’s electoral targets will change over time, in both value and vulnerability. But I think his policy ideas will remain wise for years to come.
The book is short. It’s fun to read (and he reads his own audiobook so that’s a bonus too), and you will find it valuable. Just buy it and take it on a plane or something. You’ll be smarter when you’re done.
But allow me to convince you that it deserves its 5 stars. First, Ben is no novelist. He’s not possessed of some professional or artistic literary talent. He’s a professional organizer, which is a very different discipline. But he’s aware of his limitations as a writer and wisely replaces true literary skill with humor, which was exactly the right choice. Besides, this a a book for aspiring politicos, it’s not the great American novel. He needs engagement, not a Pulitzer. He knows that organizing is a form of communication and translates his real skill (at which he is one of the preeminent experts in the world) into a book for beginners and makes the hardest job in the world accessible to someone that’s never even tried it.
But he expands his audience even further. This book is an instruction manual for political activists at every level. It’s valuable to the folks that have never done more than vote but want to make a bigger difference. It’s valuable to presidential level campaign managers. Hell, it’s valuable to presidents. If you’ve even lived in or near Wisconsin in the last 15 years and want to know the full story of our dramatic politics, this book is also for you.
This is a book for our time. It’s primarily meant to prepare us for the next two to three major election cycles. But I suspect it’s going to have some staying power. Ben’s electoral targets will change over time, in both value and vulnerability. But I think his policy ideas will remain wise for years to come.
The book is short. It’s fun to read (and he reads his own audiobook so that’s a bonus too), and you will find it valuable. Just buy it and take it on a plane or something. You’ll be smarter when you’re done.
August 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I thought Ben Wikler did a great job sharing a lot of useful information about how politics in this country works, really useful recent history to understand how we got to where we are today, and somehow managed to be hopeful and inspiring. I felt more hopeful after finishing this book that we really can turn things around than I have felt in a while. If you're considering reading this book, I really recommend reading it NOW before the November 2026 election and while there is still time to do participate in impacting the outcomes.
Not a big deal at all, but I listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author, and he does a great job. A weird thing I have never encountered before in listening to an audiobook is that there are a lot of times where you can hear him taking a breath that didn't get edited out for some reason. I am not going to begrudge him needing to breathe but I have never heard that before in an audiobook recording, so I found it a bit odd.
After a while I stopped noticing it, though, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for anyone that prefers the audio format.
I would also say that his Dad jokes really grew on me throughout the book. I was rolling my eyes at the beginning but somehow either the jokes got better or I started appreciating his style of injecting humor into a really serious topic.
I highly recommend to anyone to read this book ASAP.
Not a big deal at all, but I listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author, and he does a great job. A weird thing I have never encountered before in listening to an audiobook is that there are a lot of times where you can hear him taking a breath that didn't get edited out for some reason. I am not going to begrudge him needing to breathe but I have never heard that before in an audiobook recording, so I found it a bit odd.
After a while I stopped noticing it, though, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for anyone that prefers the audio format.
I would also say that his Dad jokes really grew on me throughout the book. I was rolling my eyes at the beginning but somehow either the jokes got better or I started appreciating his style of injecting humor into a really serious topic.
I highly recommend to anyone to read this book ASAP.
October 22, 2026
This book is very optimistic. It’s a recounting of Wisconsin politics over the last 20 years or so. And then a hopeful plan for the next 6 years. It’s written by the former chair of the Democratic Party of WI. It’s surprisingly funny at times. Very conversational. It’s meant to be a playbook for the average American on getting involved and helping save democracy in this country. I enjoyed listening to it, and, while I’m fully involved in politics, I don’t think I’m quite as hopeful as Ben is.
August 24, 2026
Written by the chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party - listed actionable steps at all levels of government to interact with democracy and the democratic process over the next few weeks and years, but wasn’t much of a page turner and included virtually no stories from his time as WDP Chair. I appreciated the discussion of state governments and down ballot positions, though. Shoutout to my parents for getting this from the library after seeing him on MSNBC
September 13, 2026
My interest was how do we make a better world. No surprise, Winkler says vote for the democratic ticket. Thus only four stars. Still, very good information, like the importance of talking with neighbors and friends who are likely to listen to you and be influenced vs the lug on the corner screaming nonsense.
August 29, 2026
Interesting, informative at times entertaining but recommend the print version not the audio. Because you may want to reference something later and that’s impossible with audio.
September 10, 2026
A must-read. I listened to the audiobook. I will read the paperback.
September 12, 2026
Hopeful, optimistic, learned a lot about the history of Wisconsin politics
September 23, 2026
If you’re interested in getting into politics or getting more active in politics this book is for you. This is the Plan has humor, interesting stories and a good narrator.
October 8, 2026
Terrific book about how to get beyond the current MAGA nightmare. Even though full of ‘statistics’, Wickler is very witty and makes it all very enjoyable. Kudos to Wisconites!
October 27, 2026
I could have done with a few less eyeroll-inducing jokes, but overall this was a terrific book with lots of practical suggestions for becoming more involved and actually making a difference.
August 19, 2026
3.5
Interesting. Wikler is a former chair of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin. He narrates this book himself in a very conversational manner (at times acknowledging the listener). He has a plan, with proof from his tenure, of actions that will enable a return to a more sensible government.
I especially appreciated the explanation of Ohio's gerrymandered districts despite the constituents voting for more equitable districts.
Interesting. Wikler is a former chair of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin. He narrates this book himself in a very conversational manner (at times acknowledging the listener). He has a plan, with proof from his tenure, of actions that will enable a return to a more sensible government.
I especially appreciated the explanation of Ohio's gerrymandered districts despite the constituents voting for more equitable districts.
August 21, 2026
The Plan is to vote for Democrats so that democracy can be saved.
Y’know, the same message that lost in 2024?
Very little suggestion of how saving democracy benefits the economy, which Wikler cites as voters primary concern. It’s the economy, stupid.
Lots of discussions on the last decade of Wisconsin politics.
I didn’t enjoy the comedic tone paired with the author’s sporadic breaths in the audiobook so that also contributes to the rating.
Y’know, the same message that lost in 2024?
Very little suggestion of how saving democracy benefits the economy, which Wikler cites as voters primary concern. It’s the economy, stupid.
Lots of discussions on the last decade of Wisconsin politics.
I didn’t enjoy the comedic tone paired with the author’s sporadic breaths in the audiobook so that also contributes to the rating.
August 26, 2026
A great introduction for those who are just getting into politics. For those who have been following the current political situation in the US, none of this will be anything particularly new, but worth consolidating it all in one place. The gist: Start small, start where you are, start where you can make the biggest difference, and don't give up.
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!
August 19, 2026
"If you are looking at the spiraling crisis of American politics in the Trump era and wondering how the hell w get out of this mess, This Is the Plan is the book you've been waiting for.
"Ben Wikler led the Democratic Party of Wisconsin to a string of improbable victories in a state with a political system so rigged that it was dubbe a 'democracy desert' -- which is, coincidentally, Trump's goal for the whole country.
"Now, in This Is the Plan, Wikler distills lessons from the front lines in America's most closely divided state to map out a comprehensive program to dictator-proof American government, defeat MAGA at every level of the ballot, and build a future of democracy,opportunity, and freedom for all.
"It will be a blast. The plan is to, as he writes, 'have fun storming the castle . . . in a civil, metaphorical, and non-January-6th-y way.'
"Drawing on decades of organizing, from local races (including a race for county coroner that hinged on the issue of zombification) to presidential show-downs, Wikler brings us behind the scenes to explore the hidden structures of power that shape our politics and out lives, and takes us into the art and science of winning elections. As he details a people-powered path out of the political wilderness, Wikler demonstrates what you personally can do to move the needle.
"This Is the Plan reveals, year by year and step by step, a vision to not only end America's collapse into authoritarianism but also reconnect us to our neighbors -- and, fighting side by side for democracy, build meaning, community, and joy."
~~front and back flaps
This is a great read, not only because the author has a wicked sense of humor, but because "The Plan" offers a ray of hope in an otherwise ghastly political landscape. And if you're like me, you thought there never could be a shred of hope. So read the book. See where you can join in and help turn the tide, no matter what state you live in.
And the best part? The democracy Wikler describes and envisions is the democracy this country was founded to be.
"Ben Wikler led the Democratic Party of Wisconsin to a string of improbable victories in a state with a political system so rigged that it was dubbe a 'democracy desert' -- which is, coincidentally, Trump's goal for the whole country.
"Now, in This Is the Plan, Wikler distills lessons from the front lines in America's most closely divided state to map out a comprehensive program to dictator-proof American government, defeat MAGA at every level of the ballot, and build a future of democracy,opportunity, and freedom for all.
"It will be a blast. The plan is to, as he writes, 'have fun storming the castle . . . in a civil, metaphorical, and non-January-6th-y way.'
"Drawing on decades of organizing, from local races (including a race for county coroner that hinged on the issue of zombification) to presidential show-downs, Wikler brings us behind the scenes to explore the hidden structures of power that shape our politics and out lives, and takes us into the art and science of winning elections. As he details a people-powered path out of the political wilderness, Wikler demonstrates what you personally can do to move the needle.
"This Is the Plan reveals, year by year and step by step, a vision to not only end America's collapse into authoritarianism but also reconnect us to our neighbors -- and, fighting side by side for democracy, build meaning, community, and joy."
~~front and back flaps
This is a great read, not only because the author has a wicked sense of humor, but because "The Plan" offers a ray of hope in an otherwise ghastly political landscape. And if you're like me, you thought there never could be a shred of hope. So read the book. See where you can join in and help turn the tide, no matter what state you live in.
And the best part? The democracy Wikler describes and envisions is the democracy this country was founded to be.
October 28, 2026
Fired up! ready to go......vote next week, so I passed some of the time reading this intermittently (to me) funny, very thorough exhortation to activism by recently former chair of Wisconsin Democratic Party. Recounts successes in that state as well as exportable strategies such as taking more seriously what might seem like minor elections (state supreme court, e.g.) that end up being critical to defending democracy in more high-profile situations. Also makes strong, clear case for being on permanent campaign footing as vs. a kind of boom/bust cycle of attention (and donations) centered around especially Presidential election years.
Mixes the tactical (ex. his endorsement of going to early-voting polling places in heavily Democratic areas and urging voters as they leave to text 3 friends to remind them to vote) with the policy advocacy [Supreme court reform, that interstate pact to require electoral college votes to go to national popular vote winner [i guess this is seen as more doable than simply eliminating electoral college, which seems to be its functional equivalent], elimination of filibuster in Senate, etc.) and recent Wisconsin political history in engaging fashion to make coherent case for getting off the sidelines and working to preserve democracy.
Even if you're not up for door-knocking, phone banking, going to county Dem meetings, etc., at minimum we can all vote. As he recounts on p. 26, in the 2024 presidential election, it was about 31% for Harris, 32% for Trump, and 36% of eligible voters didn't vote. These decisions matter, people -- let's have our say!
Mixes the tactical (ex. his endorsement of going to early-voting polling places in heavily Democratic areas and urging voters as they leave to text 3 friends to remind them to vote) with the policy advocacy [Supreme court reform, that interstate pact to require electoral college votes to go to national popular vote winner [i guess this is seen as more doable than simply eliminating electoral college, which seems to be its functional equivalent], elimination of filibuster in Senate, etc.) and recent Wisconsin political history in engaging fashion to make coherent case for getting off the sidelines and working to preserve democracy.
Even if you're not up for door-knocking, phone banking, going to county Dem meetings, etc., at minimum we can all vote. As he recounts on p. 26, in the 2024 presidential election, it was about 31% for Harris, 32% for Trump, and 36% of eligible voters didn't vote. These decisions matter, people -- let's have our say!
August 16, 2026
The conventional narrative from the Democratic party on the elections from 2016 or so through 2026, with a special focus on Wisconsin. There's a lot of Wisconsin. I wouldn't be surprised if Wisconsin appeared on every other page. The book builds to its "plan" through 2030 or so at the end. I don't think anyone will find that plan too shocking.
The focus on Wisconsin makes sense, since the author was head of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin. Write what you know. The state has been considered crucial over the last few elections. It has also mostly escaped partisan gerrymandering, so the author offers it as a model for states like Georgia and North Carolina.
Anyone steeped in Wisconsin electoral politics since 2016 will know most of this already. Some of the stories might be new to you (I already knew the story about the Wisconsin Supreme Court justice who physically attacked another one; you may not). I found some good trivia; I didn't know that Wikler's godmother was Ada Deer, or that he was friends with Aaron Swartz.
But it's not an easy book to recommend. I'd guess the best audience is young people in Wisconsin who have Trump and have no idea where to start, or what has been going on. This fills in a lot of gaps quickly. Do those people exist, and do they read books? The book has a good sense of humor; it's like Wikler puts himself into the goofy professor role, self-deprecating knowing that younger people might roll their eyes at his jokes. That's the tone, easy enough for young people to get through it and try their hand at picking up where he left off.
The focus on Wisconsin makes sense, since the author was head of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin. Write what you know. The state has been considered crucial over the last few elections. It has also mostly escaped partisan gerrymandering, so the author offers it as a model for states like Georgia and North Carolina.
Anyone steeped in Wisconsin electoral politics since 2016 will know most of this already. Some of the stories might be new to you (I already knew the story about the Wisconsin Supreme Court justice who physically attacked another one; you may not). I found some good trivia; I didn't know that Wikler's godmother was Ada Deer, or that he was friends with Aaron Swartz.
But it's not an easy book to recommend. I'd guess the best audience is young people in Wisconsin who have Trump and have no idea where to start, or what has been going on. This fills in a lot of gaps quickly. Do those people exist, and do they read books? The book has a good sense of humor; it's like Wikler puts himself into the goofy professor role, self-deprecating knowing that younger people might roll their eyes at his jokes. That's the tone, easy enough for young people to get through it and try their hand at picking up where he left off.
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.
August 8, 2026
As someone who has paid a lot of attention to Wisconsin politics specifically and the broader national context of policy work and organizing for many years, this book gives a great perspective on those things. In some cases, it reminded (retraumatized?) me about things I worked on and cared a lot about but have sort of faded away in the more glaring urgency of these political times (the Government Accountability Board, anyone? Also doing election protection in Milwaukee in April 2020, going home to an empty house and self-quarantining for two weeks from my family because I was terrified I’d be bringing home COVID…) It made me reflect on some things I’ve not thought much about lately.
But the book is worth reading, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is bringing a lot of important knowledge together to make a compelling argument. I’ve mentioned Michelle Alexander’s New Jim Crow when telling people about it- that work wasn’t 100% original research or new ideas, but it put everything into one accessible book that changed a lot of people’s thoughts and hearts. I could see this one being similarly impactful.
But the book is worth reading, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is bringing a lot of important knowledge together to make a compelling argument. I’ve mentioned Michelle Alexander’s New Jim Crow when telling people about it- that work wasn’t 100% original research or new ideas, but it put everything into one accessible book that changed a lot of people’s thoughts and hearts. I could see this one being similarly impactful.
October 14, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for advance access to this audiobook! I liked the narrator and found that listening to this book definitely helped my experience with it. Some of the humor would not have translated well to text-only consumption. This is a personal preference: I prefer my nonfiction with some humor but this had a lot, and not all of it landed, even in the audiobook version. The one-off anecdote or joke feel appropriate, but the general material did not lend itself to humor, and I feel that this was a big editing miss.
Generally speaking, I think this had an interesting examination of the current state of affairs and proposed both feasible and less feasible approaches anyone can take to fight back against authoritarianism and fascism as it encroaches further and further into our private lives, but I feel that this is less collectivist than what's actually needed to enact meaningful, timely changes.
I'm sure this book will be a big hit with its intended audience; but I definitely wasn't it.
Generally speaking, I think this had an interesting examination of the current state of affairs and proposed both feasible and less feasible approaches anyone can take to fight back against authoritarianism and fascism as it encroaches further and further into our private lives, but I feel that this is less collectivist than what's actually needed to enact meaningful, timely changes.
I'm sure this book will be a big hit with its intended audience; but I definitely wasn't it.
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