Join New York Times political columnist Jamelle Bouie as he sheds light on the often-overlooked Belle Moskowitz, revealing her pivotal role in early 20th-century New York politics. The conversation navigates the fascinating dynamics between Robert Moses and Al Smith, highlighting the tension between reform and nativism. Bouie explores Smith's rise from tenements to political prominence, the complexities of legislative language, and the quest for green spaces amid urbanization. The discussion offers a rich tapestry of power, ambition, and the intricate politics of the past.
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Belle Moskowitz and the Dancing Academies
Belle Moskowitz, a skilled reformer, cleaned up NYC's exploitative "dancing academies".
Instead of public shaming, she used backroom deals with Tammany politicians, showcasing her pragmatic approach.
insights INSIGHT
The Nature of Political Reform
Early 20th-century politics were regional, machine-driven, and provided direct services to voters, creating strong local connections.
Reformers aimed to rationalize this system, but this also led to exclusionary practices like suffrage restrictions and Jim Crow.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Al Smith's Rise in Politics
Al Smith, from a poor background, rose through Tammany Hall, becoming a state assemblyman despite limited education.
He meticulously studied legislation, prioritizing learning over lucrative patronage jobs, showcasing dedication.
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In 'Sadie Mouse Wrecks the House', Elliott Kalan crafts a playful story about Sadie, a mouse with a penchant for causing trouble. The book is illustrated by Tim Miller and is set to be released in April 2025. It promises to be an entertaining tale for young readers.
The Economic Interpretation of the American Revolution
The Economic Interpretation of the American Revolution
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Charles A. Beard
Charles A. Beard's "An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States" is a highly influential work of American historiography. Published in 1913, it challenged traditional interpretations of the Constitution by arguing that it was primarily shaped by the economic interests of the Founding Fathers. Beard's analysis emphasized the role of property ownership and class conflict in the creation of the American political system. The book sparked considerable debate and remains a significant contribution to the field of historical scholarship. It continues to be studied and debated for its insights into the relationship between economics and politics.
Joke Farming: How to Write Comedy and Other Nonsense
Elliott Kalan
Joke Farming: How to Write Comedy and Other Nonsense offers insights into the craft of comedy writing. Elliott Kalan shares his expertise, using examples from his career in comedy and observations from everyday life to help aspiring writers develop their skills. The book is designed to appeal to those interested in comedy writing, providing practical advice and anecdotes.
The shaping of Southern politics
Suffrage Restriction and the Establishment of the One-Party South, 1880-1910
J. Morgan Kousser
This book by J. Morgan Kousser examines the transformation of the Southern political system from the post-Reconstruction era to the early 20th century. It focuses on how suffrage restrictions, such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses, contributed to the establishment of a one-party system in the South. The work is based on a thorough analysis of election data and historical context, providing insights into the political and social changes of the period.
The Power Broker
Robert Moses and the Fall of New York
Robert Caro
This book is a monumental biography of Robert Moses, who was the single most powerful man in New York City and State during his time. It explores how Moses accumulated and wielded power, shaping the city through his public works projects, including highways, bridges, and parks. The book delves into Moses's early life, his idealistic beginnings, and his transformation into a powerful figure who dominated New York's politics without ever being elected. It also highlights the social and environmental impacts of his projects and his eventual fall from power. The biography is renowned for its detailed and nuanced portrayal of power dynamics in urban politics[2][4][5].
This is the second official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro.
This week, Roman Mars and Elliott Kalan sit down with New York Times political columnist Jamelle Bouie as our book club guest.
Elliott and Roman cover Part 3 of the book (Chapter 6 through Chapter 10), discussing the major story beats and themes, with occasional asides from Jamelle Bouie guiding us through the politics of the era.
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