The Legacy of Robert La Follette’s Progressive Vision

Document Type

Editorial

Publication Date

7-16-2025

Publisher

Time USA

Abstract

President Donald Trump's return to the White House has left many progressive Americans feeling disillusioned, resigned, and apathetic. Warnings about the dangers of the former president fell flat with a little more than half the electorate last fall. And many Trump supporters remain fiercely loyal—despite his most egregious violations of democratic principles.

Democrats have spent the last several months struggling to fight back against Trump's policies—even those that are massively unpopular.

The story of Senator and Governor Robert M. La Follette, a Republican from Wisconsin who is widely regarded as one of the greatest progressive politicians in American history, might offer some inspiration for progressives struggling today. His legacy suggests that securing political change requires persistent activism, tempered by patience. La Follette’s history reminds activists that continuing to push steadily forward toward specific objectives offers them the best chance of eventually achieving their political goals.

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