99% Invisible The Power Broker #1: Robert Caro
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Jan 19, 2024 
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Caro as he dives into the intricacies of political power and his acclaimed biography of Robert Moses. Caro discusses the challenges of researching influential figures and unravels Moses' complex legacy, spotlighting both his urban contributions and the darker aspects of his methods. The conversation explores early 20th-century political elitism, the role of reform, and the ethical implications of urban planning. With compelling anecdotes, this discussion highlights the cautionary tales woven into American infrastructure history.
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Early Visions
- Moses, impatient and ambitious, envisioned reshaping the city.
- Despite lacking resources, his plans were remarkably detailed.
Civil Service Reform
- Moses's chance came when he was hired by a municipal civil service commission.
- He aimed to reform the patronage-based system.
Tammany's Power
- Moses' reforms threatened the Tammany Hall machine's power, which relied on patronage.
- Tammany used jobs to control the city.
