This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy

Ben Wikler

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Book cover for This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy
Image for variant 9781324131434
Book cover for This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy
Image for variant 9781324131434

This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy

This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy

Ben Wikler

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Description

This Is the Plan is a hope-unleashing answer for anyone who has looked at the wreckage of American politics and asked: 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.

Critical Reviews

My fellow Wisconsinite Ben Wikler has written the book we need right now. Whip-smart, battle-tested and funny as hell, Wikler--the most effective political organizer I have ever known--gives us a clear, concise, hilarious call to action. If you want to know what you can do to save our democracy and hold our country up to its spectacular unfulfilled promise, yup, this is the plan.--Bradley Whitford

The first step to saving America's democracy is knowing it can be done. Enter political strategist, leader, and organizer Ben Wikler. With straight talk, clear ideas, and visionary thinking, This Is the Plan shows everyday patriots how we restore our nerve, widen our field of view, and build a stronger nation than we've ever had before.--Stacey Abrams

Ben Wikler helped build the most effective state political operation in the country. This book is the blueprint--but it reads like a page-turner. Funny, fiery, and full of stories you won't believe are about state legislatures and judicial elections, This Is the Plan is that rare political book you actually want to read, not one you feel like you ought to. You don't need to have knocked on a door or gone to a rally. You just need to know something's wrong in this country and decide that you want to be part of fixing it.--Jon Favreau, cofounder of Crooked Media and coauthor of the New York Times best-seller Democracy or Else

Ben Wikler offers a deeply informed, thorough, and convincing blueprint for recovering American democracy in prose so engaging and fun that you will not want to stop turning the pages. A must-read for anyone concerned about the future of the country and wondering how to get involved in the political system.--Heather Cox Richardson, New York Times best-selling author of Democracy Awakening

People constantly ask me, 'What is the plan?' Well, This Is the Plan is the plan. Ben Wikler is one of the most strategic and respected leaders of his generation. If we do what this book says, we will win.--Nancy Pelosi

Publishing Information

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Pub date: 2026-07-21
Length: 304 pages

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