Eitan Hersh’s Politics Is for Power challenges modern political engagement, arguing that too many Americans
mistake passive consumption of political media for actual political involvement. Instead of treating politics as
entertainment, Hersh urges readers to get involved in grassroots organizing and real-world political action. His
core message—that politics is about building power through sustained, local engagement—offers valuable
insights for Libertarians seeking to grow their county parties through events, community outreach, and long-
term relationship-building.
From a Libertarian perspective, Politics Is for Power is both a critique of ineffective activism and a roadmap
for meaningful political influence. Libertarians, who often struggle to convert ideological enthusiasm into
sustained political power, can take away several key lessons from Hersh’s work: the importance of personal
relationships, the need for a long-term strategy, and the effectiveness of local engagement over online debates.
The Importance of Localism
Hersh emphasizes that real political power is built through community engagement. This aligns well with the
Libertarian principle of decentralization. National politics often dominates discussions, but Libertarians would
do well to focus on their own counties and towns. County-level activism—hosting town halls, organizing
meetups, and directly engaging with voters—builds trust and credibility far more effectively than arguing on
social media.
For a county Libertarian party, this means creating regular in-person events that introduce Libertarian
principles in practical ways. Instead of policy lectures, events could focus on how Libertarian policies directly
improve local issues—such as tax reform, property rights, or school choice. Hersh’s book underscores that
power is built through human connection, not abstract ideology alone.
Relationships Over Rhetoric
A major takeaway from Politics Is for Power is that influence grows from personal relationships, not just
strong arguments. Too often, Libertarians fall into the trap of intellectual debates rather than personal outreach.
Hersh’s examples of successful political organizers—who commit time and effort to one-on-one
conversations—demonstrate that change happens through direct, persistent engagement.
For county party leaders, this means fostering mentorship and leadership development. Rather than just
attracting like-minded individuals, efforts should focus on turning casual supporters into committed organizers.
Hersh’s call for personal responsibility in building political power resonates here: Libertarians must take
ownership of their communities, identifying and nurturing future leaders rather than waiting for the “perfect”
candidate to appear.
Moving Beyond Media Consumption
Hersh critiques how many Americans consume political news as a form of entertainment rather than a call to
action. This is particularly relevant to Libertarians, who often engage in endless online debates but fail to take
local action. His book reminds us that real political influence comes from face-to-face organizing, not
retweeting or commenting on political scandals.
For Libertarian county parties, this means prioritizing outreach over social media echo chambers. Organizing
service-oriented events, such as mutual aid projects or business networking for entrepreneurs, can show the
practical benefits of Libertarian values while strengthening the party’s local presence. When political
engagement is tied to tangible community improvements, it attracts more than just ideological purists—it
appeals to those looking for practical solutions.
The Challenge of Commitment
One of the hardest aspects of building political power, according to Hersh, is maintaining commitment. Many
people dabble in politics but do not sustain their efforts over the years required to build real influence.
Libertarians face a similar challenge, as their movement often attracts independent-minded individuals who
resist hierarchical structures.
County party growth requires persistence and strategic planning. Hersh’s insights reinforce that successful
political movements are not built overnight. By establishing a structured plan for leadership succession,
engagement tracking, and consistent event planning, Libertarians can avoid the cycle of enthusiasm followed
by inactivity.
Final Thoughts
Eitan Hersh’s Politics Is for Power provides a powerful wake-up call for those who want to see their political
beliefs translated into real-world influence. While the book is not written from a Libertarian perspective, its
emphasis on grassroots engagement, localism, and sustained relationship-building offers essential lessons for
county-level Libertarian organizers.
Rather than lamenting government overreach from a distance, Libertarians must actively engage in their
communities, host events that demonstrate their principles, and build long-term relationships with voters.
When taken seriously, the lessons in Politics Is for Power will help turn Libertarian county parties from
ideological clubs into genuine political forces.