I’m continuing to build a baseline of knowledge about the tactics shaping modern campaigning. Today’s video focuses on Astroturfing — a practice where campaigns imitate grassroots support instead of earning it through real community engagement.

In recent races (both locally and nationally), we’ve seen well‑funded campaigns with almost no local field presence rely heavily on ads, digital amplification, and curated online visibility. Astroturfing is the tactic that fills the gap when genuine grassroots energy isn’t there.

Understanding how this works — and how to spot it — is essential for recognizing the difference between authentic civic engagement and political theater.

More installments of Weighing In: Real Voices are on the way as we continue building this foundation together.