The Power Broker #3: David Sims

Negotiation Mastery

Robert Moses, a master of tactical negotiations, often outmaneuvered both political opponents and allies. Elliott Kalan recounts an instance where Moses led a legislator down a garden path, only to dismiss him abruptly, showcasing his strategic prowess 1. Moses's ability to project invincibility and manipulate situations to his advantage was legendary. David Sims notes, "He projects such invincibility...his psychic armor is only growing more powerful."

He projects such invincibility...his psychic armor is only growing more powerful.

--- David Sims

This approach extended to his allies, whom he would charm into supporting his initiatives, only to later disregard their concerns once he had secured their backing 2.

   

Legal Manipulation

Moses's influence over the law was profound, often bending rules to suit his agenda. He leveraged legal loopholes to seize land, as Elliott Kalan describes, using his power to intimidate opponents like W. Kingsland Macy 3. This tactic allowed him to acquire land swiftly, bypassing traditional legal constraints. Moses's disregard for legality is encapsulated in a quote from Cornelius Vanderbilt, "Law. What do I care for law? Haint, I got the power," reflecting his belief in power over legalities.

Law. What do I care for law? Haint, I got the power.

--- Cornelius Vanderbilt

His actions often left adversaries scrambling, unable to counter his maneuvers effectively 4.