US Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, discusses confronting racism in transportation systems and the importance of infrastructure projects. The podcast delves into Robert Moses's pursuit of power, control in projects, and his unchecked authority in New York's development. Topics cover power struggles, revenge, urban design, and the significance of local infrastructure projects.
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Quick takeaways
Robert Moses exploits laws to accumulate power and funding in infrastructure projects.
Tension arises over balancing historic preservation with modern infrastructure needs.
Moses gains control over NY bridges by orchestrating financial troubles in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel Authority.
Buttigieg values infrastructure projects with local impact and emphasizes process celebration.
Long-lasting infrastructure requires patience and community involvement for lasting impact.
Deep dives
Moses' Power Play with Public Authorities
Robert Moses manipulates public authorities for his gain by exploiting laws to accumulate power and funding, ensuring a perpetual cycle of construction and control over infrastructure projects. Moses leverages this system to bypass traditional government oversight and perpetuate his authority over significant developments.
The Battle Over the Brooklyn Battery Bridge
A contentious struggle ensues over Moses' plan to convert the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel into a grand bridge, symbolizing power and prestige. Opposition arises from civic leaders and community members recognizing the detrimental impact on Lower Manhattan's landscape and real estate values, highlighting the clash between progress and heritage.
Preserving Historical Significance vs. Modern Development
The debate over preserving historic landmarks like Battery Park versus modernizing infrastructure reflects a broader tension between honoring the past and addressing present urban needs. While history adds depth to urban landscapes, balancing it with progress ensures city spaces cater to contemporary inhabitants while respecting their historical roots.
Robert Moses's Monopoly on Transportation Infrastructure
Robert Moses gains total control over all modern bridges and tunnels in New York City, consolidating power over transportation infrastructure. His tactic involved orchestrating false financial troubles in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel Authority to justify his takeover.
Inexorable Rise to Power and Influence
Moses manipulates the situation to gain control over the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel Authority, using deceptive tactics and false financial claims. He leverages a public spotlight to secure powerful positions and eliminate competitors, culminating in his unparalleled dominance over transportation systems in New York City.
Political Maneuvering and Mastery of Deception
Moses's strategy involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the system, discrediting engineering professionals, and acquiring significant authority over public projects. His ability to navigate political landscapes and amass control showcases his insatiable appetite for power and disregard for transparency.
Projects with Disproportionate Impact
Secretary Pete Buttigieg expresses a special appreciation for projects that have a disproportionate impact on the places they benefit, particularly smaller projects that may not garner national attention. He highlights examples like investing in safer streetscapes in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and building a new airport terminal in Chamberlain, South Dakota, underscoring the direct impact these projects have on local communities.
Celebrating the Process Along the Way
Secretary Buttigieg emphasizes the importance of celebrating the progress and process of infrastructure projects, not just the final completion. Drawing parallels to historical barn raisings, he believes that engaging with communities in the construction and development phases can enhance the sense of fellowship and pride within these projects, cultivating a deeper level of appreciation and involvement.
The Significance of Building for the Future
Reflecting on the importance of long-lasting infrastructure, Secretary Buttigieg challenges the impatience often associated with rapid project completion. He stresses the value of delayed gratification in building projects that endure for generations, with a focus on involvement in the construction process and the lasting impact on communities. By fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the building process, he aims to ensure that infrastructure development remains a collective achievement known as the 'big deal.'
This is the seventh 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 Pete Buttigieg, the US Secretary of Transportation. One of his major responsibilities as Secretary is overseeing the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has contributed billions of dollars to infrastructure projects around the country.
Secretary Buttigieg was also responsible for several major infrastructure projects when he was mayor of South Bend, Indiana. And he’s talked about the importance of acknowledging and dismantling the racism built into transportation systems around the country — somewhat paraphrasing The Power Broker — and has gotten a lot of pushback for it.
Elliott and Roman also cover the second half of Part 5 and the first section of Part 6 (Chapter 27 through Chapter 32), discussing the major story beats and themes.
