How to Democrat in the Age of Trump (Paperback or Softback)

Having spent a lifetime fighting the good fight in the trenches of the progressive movement and Democratic Party, Mike Lux has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of politics up close and personal. From the glorious victories to the staggering defeats to the persistent stagnation of never getting shit done, Lux analyzes what has been going wrong for Democrats in the last decade and offers a blueprint for how to start winning again - not just this year, but for generations to come. Lux looks at how the party managed to turn off both base and swing voters in the years following Obama's historic victory, culminating in its loss. He writes about the false choices - focus on swing vs. base voters, fairness vs. growth in the economy, urban vs. rural outreach - that have hurt Democratic chances. He stresses how Democrats must distinguish themselves from Republicans on the critical American ideal of freedom. A progressive populist before it was cool, but with an aversion to blindly following anyone's dogmatic approach, Lux lays out a strategy and message for winning a long-term Democratic governing majority.

"Mike Lux's rousing book calls on Democrats to reclaim a bold and inclusive progressive populism. It is time, he argues, for Democrats to reconnect with working-class voters of all kinds ---whites, and people of color, rural as well as urban and suburban, base as well as swing voters. This must-read book offers a way forward for all who want to make America truly great." -Katrina Vanden Heuvel

"Our country is at a crossroads, and Mike Lux is giving us a bright neon sign pointing the way. It's time to end the corruption of our institutions, take a courageous stand against the powerful who have rigged the economy and our politics for their own gain, and fight for an America that gives everyone -- no matter what they look like, where they live, whom they love, or where they come from -- the freedom to pursue their aspirations." -Jeff Merkley

"Mike offers a hopeful plan for taking on the Trump Republicans, and makes a powerful case for a bold agenda. He shows us that Democrats can rebuild our party from the bottom up to launch a new progressive era. I was impressed by and appreciative of Mike's first book -- and this one is even better." -Keith Ellison

"Few people understand the American left as well as Mike Lux. Only someone with his deep roots in progressive action could write a book this smart, this timely and this important. If you care about where the country is headed, you should read every page." -Raul Grijalva

"Mike Lux has given us a thought-provoking and practical guide with an important message: promoting a bold progressive vision to expand economic opportunity will resonate with every American. If we come together around that vision -- and follow Lux's wise advise -- Democrats will win and our country will win." -Jan Schakowsky

"Mike Lux argues that Democrats need to return to a core message aimed at working class families, Black, Brown and White. Fighting Trump can't be the primary focus for our political work. Progressive means forward ever on economic and social justice, not simply opposition." -Larry Cohen, Board Chair Our Revolution, former President, Communications Workers of America

"Mike Lux draws on his decades of experience fighting for progressive causes and his rare insider's view of the Democratic Party to give us an incisive analysis of the Party's recent failures and a clear and inspiring path back to durable governing power. His forceful argument for the Democrats to return to their roots as the party of the people - on the side of the working class and those fighting for freedom from injustice - needs to be heard and heeded. His message to grassroots forces outside the beltway that our time is coming if we're willing to do the messy work of politics is right on time." -Deepak Bhargava, Center for Community Change Action

"To go from Resistance to resurgence and resurgence to renewal, we don't need pundits and pollsters to show the way. We need progressive populist organizers like Mike Lux, a guy who not only knows what it means to be a Democrat but how to win tough elections across America. This book ignites the conversation we need to have in the Democratic Party." -Jamie Raskin

"Mike Lux speaks the hard truth to all progressive candidates interested in winning elections. You can not and should not ignore rural voters. A progressive economic agenda can and should be the roadmap to increased family incomes, expanded access to quality health care, and an improved infrastructure." -Tom Vilsack, former Iowa Governor and Secretary of Agriculture in the Obama administration

"How To Democrat in the Age of Trump is a must read for anyone who cares about the future of the Democratic Party." -Joel Silberman, President, Media Talent 2.0