Politics Is for Power

1. Political hobbyism undermines effective civic engagement

In treating politics like a hobby, we have demanded they act that way.

Defining hobbyism. Political hobbyism refers to consuming and participating in politics through obsessive news-following, online "slacktivism," and endless debate, mostly from behind screens. This behavior is prevalent among educated, white, male Americans who spend significant time on politics but without serious purpose.

Consequences of hobbyism:

• Encourages politicians to focus on outrage and grandstanding
• Takes time away from effective organizing and community engagement
• Leads to increased polarization and less compromise
• Cedes political power to those more committed to action

Contrasting with real engagement. True political participation involves building relationships, organizing communities, and taking concrete actions to influence policy and elections. Examples include canvassing, running for local office, or providing direct services to community members.

2. True political participation requires building relationships and power

The power vacuum will be filled.

Building political capital. Effective political engagement involves cultivating relationships and trust within communities. This allows organizers to mobilize voters, influence policy, and create sustainable change.

Key components of relationship-based politics:

• Regular, face-to-face interactions with community members
• Listening to and addressing local concerns
• Providing tangible benefits or services to constituents
• Developing a network of volunteers and supporters
• Focusing on long-term power building rather than short-term outrage

Examples of success. The book highlights several individuals who have built political power through community relationships, such as Naakh Vysoky in Brighton and Querys Matias in Haverhill. These organizers gained influence by helping neighbors with practical needs and consistently showing up for their communities.

3. Media and technology fuel shallow political engagement

We are making politics worse.

The outrage cycle. Modern media, especially social media and cable news, prioritize conflict, drama, and outrage. This creates a feedback loop where consumers demand increasingly provocative content, and politicians adjust their behavior to capture attention.

Consequences of media-driven politics:

• Focus on national drama over local issues
• Decreased ability to empathize with political opponents
• Addiction to constant news updates and commentary
• Replacement of substantive policy discussions with performative outrage

The illusion of participation. Social media and online petitions create a sense of political engagement without requiring real-world action or relationship building. This "slacktivism" can actually decrease motivation for more meaningful participation.

4. Political parties have lost their grassroots organizing power

Local political parties have been gutted of their powers.

Historical context. In the past, local party organizations played a crucial role in community life, providing services and building relationships with voters. Progressive reforms aimed at reducing corruption inadvertently weakened these grassroots structures.

Consequences of weak local parties:

• Decreased voter turnout, especially in local elections
• Loss of connection between citizens and political processes
• Increased influence of national media and money in politics
• Difficulty in recruiting and training new political leaders

Potential for revival. Some communities, like Washington County, Oregon, have revitalized local party structures through programs like the "neighborhood leader" system. These efforts show promise in rebuilding political engagement from the ground up.

5. Outrage and moral conviction hinder political compromise

Moral conviction seems like a good thing. What is wrong about making a connection between policy issues and moral values?

The trap of moral outrage. When people view political issues as moral imperatives, they become less willing to compromise or consider alternative viewpoints. This leads to increased polarization and gridlock.

Factors contributing to moral politics:

• Increased partisan sorting and ideological alignment
• Media emphasis on conflict and extreme positions
• Rise of "issue-oriented" politics over pragmatic problem-solving
• Tendency to view political opponents as fundamentally immoral

Breaking the cycle. Effective political engagement requires balancing moral convictions with pragmatism and empathy. Leaders who can frame issues in terms of shared values and practical solutions are more likely to build coalitions and achieve meaningful change.

6. Empathy and listening are crucial for political persuasion

You know what issue we're canvassing on? It's love.

The power of deep canvassing. Traditional political canvassing often involves brief, scripted interactions. In contrast, "deep canvassing" focuses on building genuine connections through empathetic listening and sharing personal stories.

Key principles of empathetic engagement:

• Approaching conversations with curiosity rather than judgment
• Sharing vulnerable, personal experiences related to political issues
• Actively listening to others' concerns and experiences
• Finding common ground and shared values
• Focusing on long-term relationship building over short-term persuasion

Results of empathetic approaches. Research has shown that deep canvassing techniques can lead to more durable changes in political attitudes, particularly on contentious issues like transgender rights or immigration.

7. Local engagement is key to creating meaningful political change

If you care about your political values, how could you not crave that power?

The importance of local politics. While national issues dominate media attention, local and state politics often have a more direct impact on people's lives. Engaging at this level allows individuals to see tangible results and build political power from the ground up.

Opportunities for local engagement:

• Attending city council or school board meetings
• Volunteering for local campaigns or issue-based initiatives
• Joining or creating neighborhood associations
• Participating in community service projects
• Running for local office or party positions

Overcoming barriers. Many people feel disconnected from local politics due to lack of information or perceived lack of time. Effective organizers work to make local engagement more accessible and rewarding for community members.

8. Fear and linked fate drive political mobilization

Being white and financially comfortable makes it hard to understand a sense of fear that would push people to want power.

The role of fear in politics. Historical events like war or economic crises have often driven political engagement. In contemporary America, some groups feel more threatened than others, leading to disparities in political mobilization.

Linked fate and political action:

• Concept of "linked fate" among minority groups
• Perception that individual success is tied to group success
• Higher rates of political volunteerism among Black and Latino Americans
• Contrast with individualistic approach of many white Americans

Harnessing collective identity. Effective organizers recognize the power of shared identity and common threats in motivating political action. Building a sense of community and shared purpose can drive sustained engagement.

9. Direct community service builds political power

Politics is service. They are one and the same.

Service as political strategy. Providing tangible benefits to community members can build trust, loyalty, and political influence. This approach has been used effectively by various groups throughout history.

Examples of service-based politics:

• Political machines providing jobs and social services
• Religious organizations offering community support
• Modern groups like the NRA or Democratic Socialists of America providing practical assistance to members
• Immigrant community organizations helping with legal issues and social integration

Challenges to service-based politics. Many modern political organizations focus on fundraising and media strategy rather than direct service. Reorienting towards community needs requires a shift in priorities and resources.

10. Shifting from hobbyism to activism requires intentional effort

If I am to volunteer at all—and what impact could I possible have?—why not at least focus my time on a competitive congressional race or a swing state somewhere else?

Overcoming inertia. Many politically engaged individuals struggle to transition from passive consumption to active participation. This shift requires intentional choices and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone.

Steps towards meaningful engagement:

• Identify local organizations or causes aligned with your values
• Start small with manageable commitments (e.g., attending a monthly meeting)
• Seek out mentors or experienced organizers for guidance
• Be willing to take on unglamorous tasks and build relationships over time
• Focus on long-term impact rather than short-term emotional satisfaction

Reframing political identity. Moving from hobbyism to activism often requires redefining one's relationship to politics. This means seeing oneself as an active participant in shaping community outcomes rather than a passive observer of national drama.

Last updated: November 18, 2024