How Power, Culture, and Investment Shape the American Future

The Three Levers That Built—and Can Rebuild—America’s Middle Class

What makes a nation prosperous and fair? David Leonhardt argues that it comes down to three levers: power, culture, and investment. This blog explores how these forces have shaped America’s past and how they can be harnessed to build a better future.

Power is about who gets to set the rules. When unions and workers had more power, the economy was more equitable. When business and wealthy interests dominate, inequality grows. Culture shapes what we value—whether we see prosperity as a shared project or a personal race. Investment is about planting seeds for tomorrow, through education, infrastructure, and research.

Leonhardt’s book is filled with stories of how these levers have worked in practice. When all three aligned—such as in the postwar era—America experienced its greatest progress. When any lever weakened, the Dream faltered. The lesson? Policy and activism can realign these forces for the common good.

To renew the Dream, we must empower workers, foster a culture of inclusion, and invest boldly in the future. The levers are in our hands.