99% Invisible Breakdown: The Power Broker #10 – Clara Jeffery

Host: Roman Mars
Co-host: Elliot Kalin
Guest: Clara Jeffery, Editor in Chief of Mother Jones

Introduction

In this episode of 99% Invisible, hosts Roman Mars and Elliot Kalin delve into the intricate dynamics of power as chronicled in Robert Caro's seminal work, The Power Broker. Specifically, they conclude Part Six, titled "The Lust for Power," and embark on Part Seven, "The Loss of Power," covering chapters 39 through 41 (pages 895–983). Joining them is special guest Clara Jeffery, Editor in Chief of Mother Jones, who brings a wealth of experience in investigative journalism to the discussion.

Recap of Previous Episodes

The hosts briefly reminisce about the previous episode, where Robert Caro illustrated Robert Moses' dichotomy—lavish hospitality juxtaposed with destructive urban infrastructure projects, notably the Cross Bronx Expressway. This contrast set the stage for understanding Moses' complex relationship with power and urban development.

Transition to "The Loss of Power"

[03:07] Roman Mars:
"So, today we'll be covering chapters 39 through 41. At this point in the story, Robert Moses is at the height of his power and control. But that doesn't mean it's always going to be that way. We're going to be finishing part six, the Lust for Power, and beginning to move into part seven, the Loss of Power. We have arrived."

Elliot Kalin adds, highlighting the gradual shift from Moses' unchallenged authority to the beginnings of his decline.

Chapter 39: The Highwayman

[03:42] Elliot Kalin:
"In 'The Highwayman,' Caro builds upon the devastation wrought by Moses in East Tremont, the Bronx. This chapter widens the scope from a single neighborhood to the broader impact of Moses' plans on future generations of New Yorkers and Long Islanders."

The title "Highwayman" serves a dual purpose, referencing both Moses' obsession with highways and the metaphorical "stealing" of time and quality of life from residents.

Expansion of Moses' Vision

[05:01] Roman Mars:
"It's a widening in scope of geography and time. Moses is going to fundamentally alter New York in ways that may never be fully reversible."

[07:56] Elliot Kalin:
"Moses introduces the concept of building more roads and parking garages to accommodate the influx of cars, not addressing the root cause of congestion."

Moses' strategy of expanding road infrastructure without integrating mass transit solutions leads to a self-perpetuating cycle of congestion and suburban sprawl.

Impact on Transportation and Urban Development

[10:08] Roman Mars:
"Moses' lack of interest in mass transit is puzzling. Integrating buses or trains with his road projects could have mitigated some of the congestion, yet he remains fixated on automobiles."

[16:14] Roman Mars:
"It's a positive feedback loop—building roads leads to low-density housing, which in turn necessitates more roads. This cycle entrenches car dependency and stifles alternative transportation options."

The emphasis on road construction over mass transit not only exacerbates traffic issues but also shapes the very fabric of urban and suburban development, limiting accessibility and increasing reliance on personal vehicles.

Resistance and Criticism

[20:24] Roman Mars:
"As more people experience the inefficiencies of road-centric infrastructure, public sentiment begins to shift. Movements advocating for urbanism and alternative transportation gain traction."

[25:00] Elliot Kalin:
"Activists and middle-class citizens start voicing opposition to Moses' projects, but their efforts often go unnoticed or are dismissed by mainstream media."

Despite growing dissatisfaction, Moses' control over city planning finances and his strategic alliances impede meaningful reforms, reflecting his unyielding grip on urban development.

Slum Clearance and Public Housing

[87:08] Elliot Kalin:
"Moses, as the director of the mayor's slum clearance committee, oversaw the displacement of 170,000 people, disproportionately affecting Black and Puerto Rican communities."

[91:57] Roman Mars:
"The human cost of Moses' projects is profound. Families are uprooted, communities disrupted, and promises of better housing rarely fulfilled."

Caro highlights how slum clearance initiatives under Moses often resulted in inadequate and unaffordable housing, perpetuating socio-economic disparities and marginalizing vulnerable populations.

Media's Role and Lack of Reporting

[99:47] Roman Mars:
"The New York Times, among other major newspapers, largely failed to investigate or report on the detrimental impacts of Moses' projects. Their blind spot perpetuated the myth of Moses as an unassailable public servant."

[106:29] Elliot Kalin:
"Senate hearings revealed rampant corruption within slum clearance projects, yet the media largely ignored these exposés, allowing Moses' reputation to remain untarnished."

The media's reluctance to scrutinize Moses' actions contributed to the unchallenged continuation of his policies, underscoring the critical role of vigilant journalism in holding power accountable.

Robert Moses' Style and Motivation

[12:54] Roman Mars:
"Moses' genius lay in his ability to manipulate the system to favor road construction over mass transit. His disregard for holistic urban planning resulted in a fragmented and car-dependent cityscape."

[33:00] Elliot Kalin:
"Every road project Moses undertook exacerbated congestion rather than alleviating it. His inability to grasp the concept of induced demand doomed his infrastructure to perpetual inefficiency."

Moses' single-minded focus on infrastructure growth, coupled with his dismissive attitude toward alternative transportation, highlights his flawed approach to urban planning.

Activists and Reformers' Efforts

[118:19] Roman Mars:
"Activists like Hortense Gable and officials like Lawrence Orton began to uncover and challenge the systemic failures of Moses' policies, but their voices struggled to penetrate the media's indifference."

[131:32] Clara Jeffrey:
"Grassroots efforts and independent investigations shed light on the human suffering caused by slum clearance and road construction, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of unchecked power."

The emergence of dedicated reformers marks the beginning of public resistance, aiming to rectify the injustices inflicted by Moses' urban projects.

Discussion with Clara Jeffery

Clara Jeffrey commends Robert Caro's meticulous research and narrative prowess in The Power Broker, emphasizing the book's role in reshaping perceptions of Robert Moses. She draws parallels between Caro's investigative journalism and Mother Jones' commitment to uncovering systemic injustices. Clara highlights the importance of empathetic storytelling and the portrayal of marginalized communities, which Caro masterfully integrates into his critique of urban planning.

Notable Quote:

[86:14] Clara Jeffrey:
"Caro's work not only exposes the flaws in Moses' plans but also celebrates the resilience of ordinary people striving to reclaim their communities."

Conclusion: Towards Loss of Power

As Moses' influence begins to wane, partly due to aging and growing public opposition, the episode sets the stage for exploring his eventual decline. The hosts express a sense of inevitability regarding Moses' loss of power, acknowledging that systemic self-correction remains elusive without sustained activism and media vigilance.

[163:20] Clara Jeffrey:
"The loss of Moses' power is not a result of sudden protests but rather a gradual recognition of his detrimental impact, underscoring the need for continuous oversight and community engagement in urban planning."

Looking Ahead

The episode concludes with anticipation for the next installment, where the hosts will continue to explore the decline of Robert Moses' power and its implications for New York City's urban landscape.

Final Thoughts

This episode of 99% Invisible provides a comprehensive analysis of Robert Moses' enduring legacy and the systemic issues he perpetuated. Through detailed discussions and insightful quotes, Roman Mars, Elliot Kalin, and Clara Jeffery unravel the complexities of urban planning, power dynamics, and the essential role of media and activism in shaping livable cities.

For those interested in delving deeper, Mother Jones and Reveal offer exceptional investigative journalism that continues the legacy of challenging power structures and advocating for equitable urban development.