Politics Is for Power

How to Move Beyond Political Hobbyism, Take Action, and Make Real Change

By: Eitan Hersh

Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

A groundbreaking analysis of political hobbyism - treating politics like a spectator sport - and an urgent and timely call to arms for the many well-meaning, well-informed citizens who follow political news but do not take political action.

Do you consider yourself politically engaged? Probably, yes! But are you, really? The uncomfortable truth is that most of us have good intentions. We vote (sometimes) and occasionally sign a petition or attend a rally. But we mainly “engage” by consuming politics as if it’s entertainment or a hobby. We obsessively follow the news and complain about the opposition to our friends or spouse. We tweet and post and share. The hours we spend on politics are used mainly as pastime. 

Instead, political scientist and data analyst Eitan Hersh offers convincing evidence that we should be spending the same number of hours building political organizations, implementing a long-term vision for our local communities, and getting to know our neighbors, whose votes will be needed for solving hard problems. We could be accumulating power so that when there are opportunities to make a difference - to lobby, to advocate, to mobilize - we will be ready. Aided by cutting-edge social science as well as remarkable stories of ordinary citizens who got off their couches and took political power seriously, this audiobook shows us how to channel our energy away from political hobbyism and toward empowering our values. 

In an age of political turmoil and as the 2020 election looms, Politics Is for Power is an inspiring, vital listen that will make you hopeful for America’s democratic future. 

©2020 Eitan Hersh (P)2020 Simon & Schuster Audio

Fantastically motivating and informative book

This book did an excellent job of cutting to the chase of how political power is gained in today’s system. If you’re someone who is engaged in the daily news cycle and looking to create political change, this book is a must read.

What if you are wasting all of your political time?

Out nation’s problems keep piling up putting our children at grave risk. Hersh explains that is because we are electing leaders to entertain us rather than work together to solve problems. There is still time to act on his findings in the 2020 election. It may be our last chance before baby boomers will forever be known as the worst generation.

A huge win for the Marketplace of ideas.

Highly recommend this book to any young progressives interested in politics and making real change.

excellent, incredibly informative, and above all,

Legitimately inspiring to go out and create actual changes. Informative in it shows you how you can. The best politics book I've ever read.

Inspiring

In a world that constantly frustrates, scares, and disappoints us this book provides inspiration to take action in our community and focus our energy in a way that's not only better for our mental health, but for the entire country.

How To Have An Effect On Our Politics

Eitan Hersh does a brilliant job of demonstrating how much of what we think of as being politically engaged is really hobbyism. He backs up his arguments with convincing case studies of individuals who really accomplished political change by engaging people at the community level. Professor Hersh cites many political science studies and his own work to back up his arguments. He concludes the book by including himself in his own critique and detailing the steps he has taken and urges others to take to break out of this trap of hobbyism. I give this book my highest recommendation for all those who are frustrated by where our current national politics has taken us and are looking for a different path to make real change.

Excellent primer

Start change with your local brothers and sister! Not me. Us. Vote Sanders for President!!

Power is created by serving others: a motivating political book

A wonderful book about political service that motivated me as a civic participant and as a voter. If you enjoy politics and want to serve others in your community but don’t know (or don’t think you have the time), then this book is for you.