The Fall of Wisconsin: Dan Kaufman with William Finnegan

The story of political upheaval in the bluest state of the midwest. 

For over a century Wisconsin had been known for its progressive ideas and government. But following a Republican sweep of the state’s government in 2010, Wisconsin’s democratic heritage was weakened, and the state swung right for the first time in 30 years in the 2016 presidential election. In The Fall of Wisconsin: The Conservative Conquest of a Progressive Bastion and the Future of American Politics journalist and former Wisconsinite Dan Kaufman shows how the state’s progressive tradition was usurped. He traces the history that made Wisconsin so widely admired: the work of celebrated politicians, socialists, conservationists, and the state’s Native American tribes. He then demonstrates how Governor Scott Walker's strategy pitted citizens against one another so powerful corporations and wealthy donors could better take control of state government, dismantling laws protecting voting rights, labor unions, the environment, and public education. He then highlights the current efforts of those fighting to reclaim Wisconsin’s progressive legacy against the odds.

Kaufman will be joined in conversation by William Finnegan,  staff writer at The New Yorker and author of the memoir Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life.

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED

Registration does not guarantee admission. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A stand by line will form thirty minutes before the program.

The Program Room opens at 6 PM.

ASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing accessibility@nypl.org.