Is political hobbyism hurting democracy? inFocus with Dr. Eitan Hersh on his book "Politics is for Power"

Episode 4 November 26, 2021 00:40:23
Is political hobbyism hurting democracy? inFocus with Dr. Eitan Hersh on his book "Politics is for Power"
inFocus with David Coletto
Is political hobbyism hurting democracy? inFocus with Dr. Eitan Hersh on his book "Politics is for Power"

Nov 26 2021 | 00:40:23

/

Show Notes

Are you a political hobbyist? Do you read the Hill Times or iPolitics just for fun? Do you tune into the Sunday morning political shows and talk about politics with your friends or families – like if you were talking about your favourite sports team?

Well, if you are – you might be hurting democracy.

 

On this episode of inFocus, I’m joined by Dr. Eitan Hersh, an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at Tufts University. His research focuses on civic participation, voting rights, and the relationship between election rules, strategies, and the behavior of voters.

In January 2020, he published his second book “Politics is for Power” - 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.

In this interview, we discussed his research and the findings of his book and what they mean for American and Canadian politics and the future of our democracies.

I hope you find my interview with Eitan Hersh useful and informative.

Other Episodes

Episode 15

April 01, 2021 00:06:11
Episode Cover

inFocus on Abacus Data's latest poll that finds the Liberals opening an 8-point lead over the Conservatives

In this episode, I share a briefing on Abacus Data's latest survey on Canadian Politics.We surveyed 2,000 Canadians from March 25 to 30, 2021.The...

Listen

Episode 10

March 16, 2021 00:34:05
Episode Cover

inFocus on why some vote and others do not with Dr. Jean-Francois Daoust

On this episode of inFocus with David Coletto, I'm joined by Dr. Jean-Francois Daoust, a lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Relations...

Listen

Episode 13

May 15, 2021 00:52:13
Episode Cover

inFocus on political polarization, personality, and political behaviour

On this episode of inFocus, I’m joined by Dr. Marc Hetherington and Dr. Jonathan Weiler, authors of Prius or Pickup? How the Answers to...

Listen