420. Ben Wikler with Governor Jay Inslee: This Is The Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy

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. His new book, This Is The Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy, 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. Wikler offers an idealistic yet practical guide to turning the present crisis into a better future.

Ben Wikler has spent over two decades at the forefront of progressive advocacy and political action, serving as chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin from 2019 to 2025. Wikler led the party to win 10 out of 13 statewide races—including Joe Biden's presidential win in 2020, Tony Evers' reelection in 2022, and Tammy Baldwin's victory in 2024, as well as three state Supreme Court landslides that flipped the majority and ended the state's extreme partisan state legislative gerrymander. Before leading the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Wikler worked for MoveOn, where he helped spearhead campaigns to protect the Affordable Care Act.

Over the past thirty years, Governor Jay Inslee has provided bold leadership at the local, state, and federal levels that has demonstrated the powers of innovation and inspiration to move our communities forward. More recently, his leadership as the three-term governor of Washington State has led to unprecedented success in building a clean energy economy, fighting climate change, improving opportunities for working families and advancing progressive values of Washingtonians. 

Buy the Book

This Is The Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy (Hardcover)

Elliott Bay Book Company