At the outdoor forum and progressive rally, Fighting Bob Fest, which took place in Wisconsin on September 11, Rev. Jesse Jackson reminds progressives that "America is known for more than its ignorance," highlighting the importance of progressive politics and democratic action in America’s history.

Following his speech, Jackson spoke with The Nation‘s Washington correspondent John Nichols about what critics of the Republicans need to do to support the Democrats’ electoral campaigns. In his recent post on the festival, Nichols wrote that "When the message is muscular, the enthusiasm is there." Jackson delivered a powerful speech about the importance of supporting events such as Fighting Bob Fest, saying that "democracy’s not just about voting… You can’t vote and then go home. You have to vote then get to work."

—Joanna Chiu