Two years ago, it’s fair to say, I was writing like a madman. As fast as I could.
As a relieved America fixated on Washington—the opening months of the Biden Administration, January 6th and its aftermath—I was disturbed about what I was seeing in states across the country, starting with my home state of Ohio. A non-stop attack on democracy, accelerating in long-ignored statehouses across the country, while so many focused elsewhere.
These states were operating in the exact opposite way from that famous quote by Justice Brandeis (that states were “laboratories of democracy”), so I quickly settled on the name of the book I decided to write—Laboratories of Autocracy. And I then I set out to describe in painful detail how it all worked, and how those of us who care about democracy can best fight back. I released the book in September 2021, and have been honored by the response I’ve received ever since.
But of all the feedback I’ve heard about Laboratories, I heard one consistent refrain— “it was so painful at times, I had to skip to the end to learn what I could do.”
One thing you learn as a writer is to always listen to your readers.
So once I heard that same response so often, I decided to write a companion book that skips to the end, explaining to every American how can they can (and must) play a role in saving our democracy.
I titled it Saving Democracy: A User’s Manual for Every American.
And TODAY is its official launch.
Saving Democracy: A User’s Manual builds on Laboratories in key ways.
First, I explain how those who care about democracy must reframe our political battle into a wider battle for democracy at all levels. And that doing so is essential if we are to succeed. I explain how to go on offense for democracy, including: running everywhere and at all levels, engaging voters everywhere, winning the messaging war, fighting censorship, bringing accountability, and scaling up pro-democracy efforts all across the country, including how officials at all levels, non-profits, community organizations, and businesses can get involved.
With this new frame, I walk through how every American can actively take part in the work I outline—offering practical advice that is too rarely given to those who wish to fight back. And I use case studies, individual stories of success, list organizations doing good work, and even provide worksheets for every reader to fill out, in the hopes of inspiring everyday Americans and groups to get in the fight wherever they live. This is essential, because only widespread popular engagement across states can match the immense scale of the “Laboratories of Autocracy” strategy that has been attacking democracy for decades.
I end the book with both urgency and a note of optimism. While a tumultuous time, 2023 and ’24 offer an enormous opportunity in the battle for democracy if the battle is framed and waged correctly. Trump, DeSantis and the likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene are exposing just how extreme (and in the deep minority) Republicans have become. And in 2022, effective grassroots infrastructure already growing in states taught lessons of how to succeed, generating momentum to build on. If Americans at all levels and across all 50 states get engaged and seize the current opportunity left by anti-democratic extremism, we can forge a needed comeback for American democracy.
And that’s why I rushed to finish Saving Democracy, and hope it gets out as broadly as possible. I humbly ask for your help.
You can purchase the book here, or order through your local bookstore. And needless to say, as democracy leaders, I’d so appreciate if you’d be willing to share the news about the book to folks you know and groups you are in, especially if they are eager to pursue new and better ways to lift democracy.
And as with Laboratories, if you are the organizer or a member of groups doing your best to fight for democracy, I’m happy to speak to your group about Saving Democracy and all the steps I outline therein.
Contact me here if you’re interested.
Let’s get to work, and I so look forward to your feedback.
David
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