The 99% Invisible Breakdown: The Power Broker The Power Broker #2: Jamelle Bouie
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Jun 16, 2025 
Join New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, known for linking history with contemporary politics, as he dives into key themes from Robert Caro’s influential work. Discover the fascinating rise of reformist Bell Moskowitz and her political acumen, alongside Robert Moses' complex persona and his duality as a leader. Bouie contextualizes Al Smith’s legacy and discusses the urgent need for green spaces amid New York's urbanization. They explore Moses' legislative mastery, illustrating the intricate dance of power and the shaping of community spaces.
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Politics as Regional Machines
- Early 20th century American politics were highly regional with strong local party organizations.
- Political machines provided community services, fostering voter loyalty but often were seen as corrupt by reformers.
Progressive Reform Dual Nature
- Reform movements often aimed to rationalize messy, immigrant-associated political machines.
- These reforms sometimes included restricting suffrage and had overt anti-immigrant motives.
Reformers' Explicit Suffrage Restrictions
- Progressive reformers openly advocated limiting voting rights based on education and property.
- They saw governance as best served by those 'fitted' by nature and education to govern.