cover of episode The Power Broker #10: Clara Jeffery

The Power Broker #10: Clara Jeffery

2024/10/18
logo of podcast 99% Invisible

99% Invisible

Chapters

The chapter explores Robert Moses' impact on New York's transportation system, focusing on his preference for road construction over mass transit, and the consequences of this decision on the city's development and residents' quality of life.
  • Moses prioritized road construction, leading to increased traffic congestion and reduced quality of life for New Yorkers.
  • The lack of mass transit options exacerbated urban sprawl and made commuting more difficult for low-income residents.
  • Moses' decisions locked in a car-centric development pattern that has persisted for decades.

Shownotes Transcript

This is the tenth official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro. 

This week, Roman and Elliott also sit down with Clara Jeffery, the editor-in-chief of Mother Jones and the Center for Investigative Reporting. She’s had a long and storied career editing works of investigative journalism that speaks truth to power and afflicts the comfortable, including so she brings that perspective to her understanding of The Power Broker. Clara hadn’t read The Power Broker before and this podcast inspired her to pick it up and read along with us.

On today’s show, Elliott Kalan and Roman Mars will cover the last section of Part 6 and the first section of Part 7 (Chapter 39 through Chapter 41), discussing the major story beats and themes.

The Power Broker #10: Clara Jeffery)

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