Synopsis
Where We Go from Here: Two Years in the Resistance by Bernie Sanders, published in November 2018 by Thomas Dunne Books, serves as both a chronicle of the Vermont senator’s political activities from June 2016 to August 2018 and a manifesto for his vision of a progressive future for America. The book begins in the aftermath of the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, where Sanders, having lost the nomination to Hillary Clinton, details his efforts to shape the Democratic Party’s platform into what he describes as the “most progressive political platform in U.S. history.” Following Clinton’s defeat by Donald Trump, Sanders shifts his focus to opposing the Trump administration’s policies, which he characterizes as reactionary and favoring wealthy elites. The narrative is structured like a diary, with entries that recount specific events, speeches, and travels across 32 states, offering a real-time look at his role in what he terms “the resistance” against Trump’s agenda and the broader fight for economic, social, racial, and environmental justice.
Sanders emphasizes the necessity of grassroots activism, repeatedly asserting that real change comes from the bottom up, not from top-down political structures. He highlights his work to advance progressive policies, such as Medicare for All, higher wages for workers, support for DACA immigrants, and aid for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. The book also covers his advocacy for veterans, teachers, the incarcerated, and others often overlooked by Washington, as well as his push for a foreign policy prioritizing peace and international cooperation to address issues like climate change. Sanders uses excerpts from his speeches, media reports, and statistical data to underscore the popularity of progressive ideas among the general public and to critique the failures of the political establishment, both Republican and Democratic, in addressing the needs of working people. He expresses frustration with the “corporate media,” which he argues focuses on trivialities like Trump’s tweets rather than systemic issues like wealth inequality or healthcare.
The book also reflects on the successes of the progressive movement during this period, including the election of new progressive candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the growing influence of grassroots movements, as evidenced by events like the Women’s March and opposition to Republican healthcare reforms. Sanders details specific moments, such as his 2018 town hall on healthcare that reached a million viewers online, and his efforts to reform the Democratic Party, including the elimination of superdelegates’ influence in the first ballot of presidential conventions. However, critics noted in reviews that the book sometimes feels like a resume of Sanders’ activities, with extensive speech excerpts that may repeat familiar positions without delving deeply into how to implement policies like universal basic income or a fair tax system. Despite this, Sanders’ conversational writing style and authenticity shine through, making the book feel like a direct dialogue with the reader, urging them to join the “political revolution” to combat wealth inequality and oligarchic tendencies in American society.
While the book is light on personal memoir, focusing instead on political action and ideology, it provides a clear picture of Sanders’ democratic socialist principles and his belief in the power of collective action. It captures moments of hope, such as the 2018 midterm election successes, while acknowledging challenges like low political consciousness among Americans and media bias. Sanders critiques both parties, calling out Democrats for being too ineffective and Republicans for prioritizing the wealthy. The book concludes with a call to action, emphasizing that progress depends on millions of ordinary people demanding a government that serves all, not just the billionaire class. Though some readers found it lacking in new ideas or detailed policy solutions, others praised its inspiring account of radical activism and Sanders’ unwavering commitment to progressive values, making it a valuable resource for understanding his 2020 presidential campaign blueprint and the broader progressive movement.