Why I Run: 35 Progressive Candidates Who Are Changing Politics

by Kate Childs Graham (Contributor), Tammy Duckworth

Just weeks before President Trump was inaugurated, President Obama said “If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.” Since then, thousands have taken that rallying cry to heart.Why I 35 Progressive Candidates Who Are Changing Politics is a collection of original essays from women, people of color, LGBTQ people, and progressive allies who have recently run for office. Contributors like Stacey Abrams, Deb Haaland, Jason Kander, Andrea Jenkins, and Michelle Lujan Grisham share what inspired them to run, what it takes to win, and what lessons can be learned in the face of a loss. Featuring a foreword from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Why I Run is a powerful testament to the importance of following your principles in a precarious political landscape. INCLUDES A RESOURCE LIST TO HELP YOU GET INVOLVED PART OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THIS BOOK WILL BE DONATED TO RUN FOR SOMETHING

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2019

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. Fascinating, surprising, inspiring essays by progressive leaders about why they chose to run for office, including an inside look at our political system and the real people who are fighting to make change--often unheralded--every day.

In New Jersey in 2017, an incumbent on the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders posted a sexist meme asking whether the women's march would be "over in time for them to cook dinner." A young woman named Ashley Bennett, who had never before held office, ran for his seat and won. Now in office, she's not vain or vindictive, and she's not wasting any time--most recently, she's been working to fix New Jersey's mental health system. It's stories like this that make you believe in the political process again--and this book is full of them.

A must-read for anyone who's wondered whether it's possible to make an impact these days, or even worth it to try. Spoiler alert: yes and yes.

[Sara P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storytelling in this book will leave you feeling hopeful, inspired, and maybe even motivated to run for office. As we head into the 2020 elections, it's helpful to be reminded of all the progressive candidates who ran for office in 2018, whether they won or not. Hearing about their journeys, where they came from, and how they led with values is a welcomed reminder that there are good people out there trying to make change for the better and they all need our support.

[Brett Van Gaasbeek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book if you are looking for a simple read about political motivation or ideology. This is a title that a high school student may find interesting if they are looking to understand how people get their start in politics or looking for platform pieces from fresh new voices on the left. They never go in-depth with their narratives, which is admittedly hard in the short essays that they have composed, so anyone looking for the new direction of the progressive movement will not get a solid and comprehensive covering of the movement. Not a bad read but certainly not a page turner for this reader.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspirational book that gives short profiles of the motivations and backgrounds of forty candidates for public offices. From governor to city council, there are some truly fascinating and varied stories here that make for interesting reading. While I will never run for office myself, this will make me more appreciative of the dedication, sacrifice and moral fortitude required to put oneself forward in the political arena.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are thinking declaring your candidacy for any elected office, this book is for you. Not all of the contributors won their elections, but they have one thing in common, a desire to change the political landscape to be more about serving the people. Their stories show that there is not one foolproof path to elected office and there are consequences regardless of election results. Overall, the book supports the premise that change starts with one premise, one idea, one person.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about some of the new progressive candidates that are changing politics. Each of the represented candidates is presented in a short piece that outlines their reason for running for office, their backstory, or their political philosophy. This was a goodreads win for me and therefore the short review.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring look at some of the newer progressive candidates. These candidates range from governors of states (Kate Brown of Oregon, for example) to people who have run in local races that would get little national attention. If you are looking for a read that will help you feel more motivated to get involved with politics or your local community, check this one out.

[Betty Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compilation of autobiographical essays relate the personal histories of those who chose to serve our communities. We often hear about presidents, congresspersons or senators. But here are stories of people serving in the less glamorous local positions. Inspirational.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Various candidates and politicans discusss why they chose to run for office. Essays are of varying quality.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring. Powerful. Makes me feel like I should get involved but idk if I have that kind of commitment lol

[Petty Lisbon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring and uplifting but if you read all of them consecutively you can imagine the "if you don't know what to write, write a letter to your past self" prompt style.

[saranimals · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a true Progressive, I cannot adequately express how disappointed I was in this book.

Identity Politics does NOTHING to help the middle class!

True Progressives like Bernie Sanders and Tulsi Gabbard have the platforms that will truly bring this country together, rather than dividing us further.

This book is sad proof that the Democrats have not learned a thing from their mistakes in 2016. I can only hope and pray that they will not repeat their ruinous hubris in 2020 by foisting another unelectable candidate onto the party.

The bottom line is that if you are a progressive of Our Revolution, this book is not for you. This book is nothing but the same old Dem nonsense that we walked away from two years ago.

#DemExit #Bernie2020 #BernieOrBust #OurRevolution #NotMeUs

[Laurence Pevsner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The collection Childs Graham has put together is simply astounding. Every contributor, from famed politicians to grassroots activists, adds an important perspective. Critical reading for anyone who wants to understand the state of progressive politics today—and tomorrow.

[Laura Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced readers copy. Truly remarkable work on the 35 candidates and why the chose to run for a public office