Movement to Defend Democracy from Authoritarianism in Wisconsin

It’s a sobering conversation about the state of democracy when Dr. Robert Kraig, executive director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, joins Earl Ingram, host of “What’s Going On with Earl Ingram” to discuss the growing movement to defend democracy from authoritarianism in Wisconsin. 

Resistance is alive. If we learn from the past, include everyone, and refuse to back down, democracy will endure.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s Dr. Robert Kraig

The conversation begins with the “No Kings” rallies. Dr. Kraig describes the recent demonstrations across the country and in Wisconsin as both inspiring and incomplete.

“These are critical shows of force,” he explains, “but we’ve seen it before like in the 2011 protests against Act 10. Mass demonstrations aren’t enough by themselves. You need sustained organizing, strategy, and long-term involvement if you want to change power structures.”

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Listen to the entire discussion here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/whats-going-on/2025/10/29/the-non-united-states-of-america"]

Dr. Kraig draws comparisons between today’s movement and the Tea Party era, but notes important differences. 

“The Tea Party was targeting an administration that was not authoritarian,” he says. “This is different. The tactics that worked against Obama won’t work against Trump and MAGA Republicans.”

He also underscores the need for inclusion especially of Black and Latino communities. 

“In Milwaukee, the rallies didn’t reflect the city’s diversity,” Dr. Kraig says. “That’s a problem. True democracy demands participation from everyone. You can’t just invite people. They have to help shape the movement.”

The discussion turns to the Supreme Court’s latest challenge to the Voting Rights Act, which Dr. Kraig calls “one of the gravest threats to democracy since Reconstruction.” He reminds listeners the erosion of voting protections has been deliberate and systematic, accelerated by a far-right Supreme Court majority “that was effectively stolen.”

Still, Dr. Kraig strikes a hopeful tone with Ingram. He remains cautious but resolute. 

“Authoritarianism doesn’t win unless people give up,” he says. “Trump is deeply unpopular. Millions of Americans are ready to resist. But it has to be organized, disciplined, and inclusive.”

He warns the fight ahead could be long and demanding, pointing to structural imbalances in the U.S. political system, from the Electoral College to gerrymandered maps, favoring minority rule. Yet he also points to history and the power of collective action as reasons for optimism.

“When people organize and when they believe they can change things, we’ve seen what’s possible,” Dr. Kraig says. “It happened in the labor movement, in the civil rights movement, and it can happen again. But we have to build power, not just express outrage.”

As Ingram closes the segment, he asks for one last note of hope. And Dr. Kraig doesn’t hesitate to reply.

“Resistance is alive,” he shares. “If we learn from the past, include everyone, and refuse to back down, democracy will endure.”