You say that the growth of a stronger labor movement could serve as a “substitute” for a third party in the United States electoral system. In other words, unions could be the key to building a democracy that the people control, regardless of which party is in charge. Can you say more about that?
HN: "This is one thing I’d really like people to take away from the book. America would be a much healthier nation if people took the frustration, anger, and other energies they channel into electoral politics and put it into building the labor movement. Electoral politics aren’t the only source of political power. Getting the right candidate in office is not the only way to build political power. Labor power creates its own political power. If you can build a strong union with large groups of workers ready to advocate for their interests, you can use it to make the political system come to you. This strategy also puts people at the center of the political universe and makes politicians cater to a different source of power other than donors.
The Culinary Union in Las Vegas has perfected this model. They have strenuous, top-to-bottom organizing throughout their industry. They take on every fight important to their members and go on strike if their demands aren’t met. They have done the internal organizing and built their power to the point that they have become a real political player. If you go to Las Vegas during the Nevada caucus, you will see every presidential candidate going to their union hall to talk to them. That’s not because they’re the biggest donors or the richest people in the state. That’s because they have an army of engaged members that politicians want on their side."