Contrary to warnings about the dangers of populism, Donald F. Critchlow argues that grassroots activism is essential to party renewal within a democratic system.

Grassroots activism, presenting a cacophony of voices calling for reform of various sorts without programmatic coherence, is often derided as populist and distrusted by both political parties and voters. But according to Donald T. Critchlow, grassroots movements are actually responsible for political party transformation, both Democratic and Republic, into instruments of reform that reflect the interests, concerns, and anxieties of the electorate.

Contrary to popular discourse warning about the dangers of populism, Critchlow argues that grassroots activism is essential to party renewal within a democratic system. In Defense of Populism examines movements that influenced Republican, Democratic, and third-party politics - from the Progressives and their influence on Teddy Roosevelt, to New Dealers and FDR, to the civil rights, feminist, and environmental movements and their impact on the Democratic Party, to the Reagan Revolution and the Tea Party. In each case, Critchlow narrates representative biographies of activists, party leaders, and presidents to show how movements become viable calls for reform that get translated into policy positions.

The book is published by University of Pennsylvania Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"This is a beautifully researched, important book." (Daily Telegraph)

"Critchlow's evenhanded analysis will prove revealing to anyone tired of the name-calling that pervades so much political commentary today." (Washington Examiner)

"Nobody should think of either rejecting or embracing the populist mythos without reading this book." (Sean Wilentz, author of The Politicians and the Egalitarians Politics)