Hersh distinguishes between "political hobbyism"—the act of consuming political news and social media for personal gratification or emotional venting—and "political power," which involves organized, strategic action to achieve specific goals.
: Power comes from getting people to show up and vote. This happens through door-knocking, phone banking, and community meetings, not online arguments. Prioritize Strategy Over Emotion
" is the book by , a political science professor at Tufts University. Published in January 2020, the full title is
Ultimately, the maxim "politics is for power" serves as a reminder that power is a fundamental aspect of politics. However, it is up to individuals, groups, and institutions to ensure that power is exercised in a way that promotes the common good and respects the dignity of all individuals.
: Influence based on personal charisma or relationships.
While several versions of this document circulate in academic and civic education circles, they consistently emphasize five ideas:
When “good people” opt out of the messy work of coalition-building, fundraising, and strategic pressure, they don’t stay neutral—they implicitly empower those already playing the game.
: In a political context, power is the ability to influence or direct the conduct of others, often through institutional means or law.
Hersh distinguishes between "political hobbyism"—the act of consuming political news and social media for personal gratification or emotional venting—and "political power," which involves organized, strategic action to achieve specific goals.
: Power comes from getting people to show up and vote. This happens through door-knocking, phone banking, and community meetings, not online arguments. Prioritize Strategy Over Emotion
" is the book by , a political science professor at Tufts University. Published in January 2020, the full title is
Ultimately, the maxim "politics is for power" serves as a reminder that power is a fundamental aspect of politics. However, it is up to individuals, groups, and institutions to ensure that power is exercised in a way that promotes the common good and respects the dignity of all individuals.
: Influence based on personal charisma or relationships.
While several versions of this document circulate in academic and civic education circles, they consistently emphasize five ideas:
When “good people” opt out of the messy work of coalition-building, fundraising, and strategic pressure, they don’t stay neutral—they implicitly empower those already playing the game.
: In a political context, power is the ability to influence or direct the conduct of others, often through institutional means or law.