Book Discussion with Dr. Cory Haala
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Book discussion with Dr. Cory Haala, author of When Democrats Won the Heartland: Progressive Populism in the Age of Reagan, 1978-1992.
Dr. Haala looks at the Midwest's central role in asserting an updated populism wielded by grassroots activists, politicians, and a wide-ranging coalition of voters to counter Reagan-era conservativism. This left-oriented movement resurrected the imagery and policies of twentieth-century radical parties like the Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party and Robert La Follette's Wisconsin Idea. Delving into progressive populist ideas and tactics, Haala illuminates the work of the activists and politicians who led protests, founded a congressional caucus, and backed presidential campaigns that sought to advance their cause. Haala's account moves from Iron Range union halls to Iowa farmhouses to South Dakota reservations to revise views of Democratic Party history, the Midwest's political culture, and populism's role in US politics. A counter to established political narratives, When Democrats Won the Heartland takes readers into the history of an unexpected political moment. -- Page [4] of cover.
Dr. Niel Kraus of the Political Science Department will lead the discussion. Attendees will also view some of the primary resource materials Dr. Haala used in his research.
Copies of the book are available through the UWRF Library
• Electronic Copy is available through your My Search@UW account (must be faculty, staff, student, or have a community card to access).
• Physical copy available in the UWRF Library Main Collection JK2316 .H33 2026 (must be faculty, staff, student, or have a community card to access).
Event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.
Questions, please email [email protected]
Dr. Haala looks at the Midwest's central role in asserting an updated populism wielded by grassroots activists, politicians, and a wide-ranging coalition of voters to counter Reagan-era conservativism. This left-oriented movement resurrected the imagery and policies of twentieth-century radical parties like the Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party and Robert La Follette's Wisconsin Idea. Delving into progressive populist ideas and tactics, Haala illuminates the work of the activists and politicians who led protests, founded a congressional caucus, and backed presidential campaigns that sought to advance their cause. Haala's account moves from Iron Range union halls to Iowa farmhouses to South Dakota reservations to revise views of Democratic Party history, the Midwest's political culture, and populism's role in US politics. A counter to established political narratives, When Democrats Won the Heartland takes readers into the history of an unexpected political moment. -- Page [4] of cover.
Dr. Niel Kraus of the Political Science Department will lead the discussion. Attendees will also view some of the primary resource materials Dr. Haala used in his research.
Copies of the book are available through the UWRF Library
• Electronic Copy is available through your My Search@UW account (must be faculty, staff, student, or have a community card to access).
• Physical copy available in the UWRF Library Main Collection JK2316 .H33 2026 (must be faculty, staff, student, or have a community card to access).
Event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.
Questions, please email [email protected]
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Where is it happening?
410 S 3rd St, River Falls, WI 54022-5010, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherChalmer Davee Library-UWRF
