

#7629
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Politics Is for Power
Book • 2020
In this book, Eitan Hersh argues that many people treat politics as a spectator sport, which he terms 'political hobbyism.
' Instead of merely consuming political news or posting on social media, Hersh advocates for building political organizations, implementing long-term visions for local communities, and getting to know neighbors to accumulate power and make real change.
The book is supported by cutting-edge social science and stories of ordinary citizens who have taken political power seriously, highlighting the importance of local, face-to-face networks and providing community services to rebuild political power at the grassroots level.
' Instead of merely consuming political news or posting on social media, Hersh advocates for building political organizations, implementing long-term visions for local communities, and getting to know neighbors to accumulate power and make real change.
The book is supported by cutting-edge social science and stories of ordinary citizens who have taken political power seriously, highlighting the importance of local, face-to-face networks and providing community services to rebuild political power at the grassroots level.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by 

in a discussion about political hobbyism.


Micah Loewinger

67 snips
Week One of Trump 2.0
Mentioned by 

, discussing political hobbyism.


Rob Wiblin

20 snips
#94 – Ezra Klein on aligning journalism, politics, and what matters most
Mentioned by 

while discussing political engagement and the concept of political hobbyism.


Ezra Klein

19 snips
Is there a sane way to follow this election?
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book critical of those who engage in politics as a sport rather than focusing on policy and coalition-building.

Mallory McMorrow

13 snips
How The Democrats Can Win (with Mallory McMorrow)
Mentioned by 

in relation to his views on political participation.


Mike Berkowitz

#97 – Mike Berkowitz on keeping the US a liberal democratic country
Mentioned by 

as a book with a literal title, which highlights that politics is about seizing power.


Rutger Bregman

Downstream: How to Be a Morally Effective Person w/ Rutger Bregman
Mentioned by 

as the book that his guest, Eitan Hirsch, wrote.


Ezra Klein

Are you a "political hobbyist?" If so, you're the problem.
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as showing that people who get involved on a local issue, learn skills of politics, compromise, negotiation

Didi Kuo

Didi Kuo, "The Great Retreat: How Political Parties Should Behave and Why They Don't" (Oxford UP, 2025)