Editing 1951 Reform Movement (section)

== The Reform Coalition ==

The reformers built their coalition from diverse elements united by disgust with machine corruption. Civic organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Movement, formed by business leaders who believed good government would promote economic development, provided resources and respectability. The Americans for Democratic Action, a liberal organization that included union leaders and intellectuals, contributed ideology and energy. African American voters, frustrated by a machine that took their votes but gave them little in return, increasingly supported reform. Middle-class professionals, especially in newer residential areas, saw reform as a way to improve city services and restore Philadelphia's reputation.<ref name="peirce">{{cite book |last=Peirce |first=Neal R. |title=The Megastates of America |year=1972 |publisher=W.W. Norton |location=New York}}</ref>

The reformers' campaign combined detailed policy proposals with dramatic attacks on corruption. Clark promised a new city charter that would modernize government and protect against patronage abuse. Dilworth, running for district attorney, launched blistering critiques of Republican corruption, naming names and citing specific scandals. The reformers portrayed themselves as modern, professional, and honest—in contrast to a machine they depicted as antiquated, corrupt, and incompetent. The message resonated with voters who had watched other American cities modernize while Philadelphia stagnated. The election became a referendum on whether Philadelphia would embrace change or continue with the status quo.<ref name="reichley"/>