Cooperative Power with Mike Podhorzer

True democratic power requires collective organization, not just voting. The current political system serves the wealthy while unions remain the only reliable institution giving ordinary Americans access to collective political power — something authoritarians immediately target when taking office. 

In this episode of Cross Tabs, host Farrah Bostic speaks with political strategist Mike Podhorzer about what real democracy looks like beyond elections. They discuss how labor unions provide essential counterbalance to corporate power, why judicial supremacy has undermined democratic governance, and how precise language matters when describing political realities. Podhorzer explains that collective power through organizing is the only viable path to resist authoritarianism and restore responsive governance. 

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Resources 

Weekend Reading newsletter by Mike Podhorzer 

"The Oligarchs Understand Power, Do We?" by Mike Podhorzer, Weekend Reading 

"Trump Voters Splinter Over His Rapid Shake-Up of Washington" by Eliza Collins, Wall Street Journal 

Presidential Records Act  

 

Our Guest 

Mike Podhorzer is a leading political strategist and data analyst with extensive experience in labor organizing and electoral politics. He served as the Political Director of the AFL-CIO for over a decade, where he developed innovative approaches to voter mobilization and progressive coalition-building. 

Podhorzer is known for his insightful analysis of political power structures and his advocacy for strengthening democratic institutions through organized labor. He now writes the ‘Weekend Reading’ newsletter, where he examines the relationships between collective power, democracy, and economic justice. His work focuses on how ordinary Americans can build meaningful political influence to counter the outsized power of wealthy interests in our political system. 

 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at