Eitan Hersh, a Political Science professor at Tufts, discusses the impact of 'political hobbyists' on democracy with Jon Favreau. They explore the importance of meaningful political action over online activism, the challenges of engaging in local politics, and the necessity of building real connections in political organizing.
Political hobbyism undermines effective political engagement by prioritizing news consumption over meaningful participation.
Deep canvassing promotes empathy and personal connections, emphasizing listening and storytelling to persuade others.
Engagement at a local community level, through social interactions and shared interests, fosters trust and encourages political involvement.
Deep dives
Political Hobbyism Vs. Real Political Engagement
Political hobbyism, characterized by expressive energy without strategic behavior, is critiqued as detrimental to American politics by Aton Hirsch in his book 'Politics is for Power'. He argues that too many political news junkies focus on news consumption and sharing opinions without actual political engagement. Hirsch emphasizes the importance of meaningful engagement over passive hobbyism.
Deep Canvassing and Building Relationships in Politics
Deep canvassing, a strategy highlighted by Dave Fleischer, involves building empathy through conversations to connect with individuals on a personal level rather than focusing on ideological arguments. It aims to change minds through genuine interactions, emphasizing listening and storytelling to establish meaningful relationships.
Local Community Engagement and Impact on Politics
Engagement at a local community level, such as hosting regular pizza nights or organizing around common interests, can strengthen social bonds and create a sense of community involvement. Aton Hirsch suggests that getting involved in local services and activities can foster relationships that translate into political engagement and trust.
Challenges in Transitioning from Hobbyism to Activism
Transitioning from political hobbyism to activism requires a shift towards understanding how bills become laws, engaging in community meetings, and developing strategic behavior. Many individuals, including business leaders and ordinary citizens, may lack awareness of the mechanics of local politics, hindering deeper involvement.
Emphasizing Real Engagement Over Expressive Energy
Aton Hirsch underscores the significance of practicing real engagement in politics by actively participating and understanding the mechanisms behind influencing government decisions. By focusing on actionable steps, creating genuine connections, and building trust, individuals can make a more substantial impact in shaping their communities and political landscape.
Are college educated Democrats going to cost Joe Biden the election? Eitan Hersh, a Political Science professor at Tufts, joins Offline to take a closer look at “political hobbyists,” aka people who think that getting involved in politics means following the news and forming political opinions. Eitan’s book, Politics is for Power, lays out a roadmap for folks who are tired of online takes and ready to get involved in politics at the community level—where engagement could make a real impact. He and Jon talk about what organizing looks like in every day life, and how the most important activism is the kind you probably won’t find on social media.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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