As citizens and consumers we have the power to effect change.
That's true, as a generalization, but what does it mean specifically? "We" have the power "to effect change," okay, but that doesn't mean "we," or I, have the power to achieve the specific changes - economic, social, political - I want right now. Perhaps there are others, more numerous than I, trying to "effect change" in a contradictory direction.
We need grassroots support of our citizens regardless of political, social, or religious affiliations.
Who is "we" in this context? What does the person behind the "we" want all the citizens to "support," specifically? Our system is built on the premise that citizens have different interests and goals, some based on "political, social, or religious agendas," and some based on pure whim or personal taste. We have social and legal means to pursue our varying goals, with the understanding that others are using the same means in their own interest.
I gather he meant we have the power to vote the Criminal Class out of office, based on his arguments. If we don’t, we are finished as a world power.