Daily Clout: Daniel Newman's UnRig explains How You can Save American Democracy - via a Graphic Novel

A new nonfiction graphic novel, Unrig: How to Fix Our Broken Democracy by Daniel G. Newman with art by George O’Connor, was released today by First Second of Macmillan publishing. The book documents key problems in American democracy — from the corrosive influence of money in politics, to voter suppression, gerrymandering, the failings of the electoral college, flaws in current voting methods and more  — while outlining proven solutions and stories of activists working to effect change. Unrig author Daniel G. Newman spells out exactly how our system is being undermined - drawing in real-life stories of both failure and success. He elucidates then roles of Koch and Scaife money, tied in Supreme Court decisions, and shines a light on how voters have been disenfranchised. Newman draws on a combination of journalism, academic research, interviews with activists, and his experiences leading the nonprofit organization MapLight to provide clear explanations of key problems plaguing American politics, practical methods for solving them. His final chapters will make you stand up and cheer; as he offers practical steps everyone can take to reclaim democracy at the moment of its greatest vulnerability. REVIEWS FOR UNRIG have been stunning: Booklist wrote: “No-holds-barred...Unrig is both timely and devastating to read when the country is facing a global pandemic as well as nationwide demonstrations for racial justice.” – Booklist Washington Bureau Chief of Mother Jones David Corn said: “Dramatic and inspiring tales of champions of democracy fighting for and implementing practical solutions. It’s a great read—with important lessons for any citizen who gives a damn." Publishers’ Weekly wrote: “This cogent plea for democracy is fueled with an urgency that should initiate debate and inspire action." The author has long been a pioneer on defense of democracy issues: Daniel G. Newman is a national expert on government accountability and money in politics. He is president and co-founder of MapLight, a nonpartisan nonprofit that promotes transparency and political reform, earning a Knight-Batten Award for Innovations in Journalism, a James Madison Freedom of Information Award, a Library Journal Best Reference award, and a Webby Award nomination for Best Politics Website. Newman has appeared in hundreds of media outlets, including CNN, CBS, MSNBC, FOX Business, and NPR. He led a ballot measure campaign establishing public funding of elections in Berkeley, California, and was named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business. Newman received an MA in political psychology from U.C. Berkeley and a BA from Brown, and was a Fellow at the Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. The illustrator, George O’Connor, is a New York Times–bestselling author and illustrator of the Olympians series as well as the graphic novels Journey into Mohawk Country and Ball Peen Hammer. His next major project is Asgardians, a four-volume exploration of Norse mythology in comics form, coming soon from First Second. In addition to his graphic novel career, O’Connor has published several children’s picture books. He lives in Brooklyn with his three cats.