Robert Caro, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Power Broker, discusses the major story beats and themes of his book with the hosts. Topics include the power dynamics and control of Robert Moses, the struggle for civil service reform, and the impact of power on individuals and communities. The episode also touches on the author's journey in writing the book and the human tragedy of forced displacement caused by road construction projects.
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Quick takeaways
Robert Moses's unwavering dedication and determination fuel his pursuit of reshaping the city despite initial failures and setbacks.
Moses's commitment to reforming the civil service system through merit-based criteria and standardized regulations sets the stage for his future rise to power.
Despite facing frustrations and low-level positions, Moses's persistent efforts and guidance from influential figures pave the way for his empowerment and practical education.
Forming alliances and acquiring political skills, Moses begins his transformative journey towards reshaping New York City and successfully pushing through legislation.
Deep dives
The Burning Desire for Change
Robert Moses, a young and ambitious man, joins the Bureau of Municipal Research, where he develops a burning passion for reshaping the city. He envisions new roads, parks, and infrastructure, eager to bring about positive change. However, his efforts to professionalize civil service and challenge Tammany Hall's patronage system are met with resistance. Despite his unwavering dedication, Moses's plans ultimately fail, and he is fired. Nonetheless, this setback only fuels his determination further.
The Reformist Spirit
Undeterred by his previous failure, Robert Moses dives headfirst into reforming the civil service system. He lands a job with the municipal civil service commission, where he aims to replace political favors with merit-based criteria for job appointments. Moses tackles the challenge with a comprehensive system of grading employees, standardizing salaries, and introducing new rules and regulations. Despite encountering fierce opposition from Tammany Hall and eventually losing his position, Moses's unwavering commitment to reform sets the stage for his future rise to power.
A Lesson in Persistence
Following his setbacks, Robert Moses faces a period of frustration and uncertainty, forced to take on low-level positions and feeling unappreciated. However, Moses remains undeterred and continues to refine his ideas for reshaping the city. His persistent efforts pay off when he receives a call from Bell Moskowitz, a significant figure in New York politics. With Moskowitz's guidance and the emergence of Governor Al Smith, Moses finds himself on a path towards empowerment and the practical education necessary for his future ascendancy.
Bouncing Back: The Rise to Power Begins
Robert Moses's journey takes a transformative turn as he forms alliances and learns invaluable political skills. With the support of Bell Moskowitz and the influence of Governor Al Smith, Moses begins his rise to power. These formative experiences shape his approach to governance and mark the beginning of his quest to reshape New York City on an unprecedented scale.
The Power of Robert Moses' Political Skills
Robert Moses proves to be a skilled politician who is able to push through legislation and make his plans become a reality.
The Impact of Robert Moses' Actions
Robert Moses's actions, such as building highways and displacing communities, have significant consequences, affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
Robert Moses' Manipulative Tactics
Robert Moses uses manipulative tactics, such as sending deceptive letters and making false threats, to get his way and exert his power.
Welcome to our first official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro. Robert Caro happens to be our special guest for this episode and you do not get more special than that.
On today’s show, Elliott Kalan and Roman Mars will cover the Introduction, Part 1, and Part 2 of the book (the intro through the end of Chapter 5), discussing the major story beats and themes, and then we will bring the great Robert Caro to the stage.