However, according to "Azuma Kagami," Hiromoto was on the bakufu's side, and was regarded one of contributors behind the scene who led the bakufu army to victory in collaboration with Masako HOJO, who advocated war and encouraged reluctant direct vassals of the shogun to fight against the Imperial Court.
しかし、『吾妻鏡』では広元はあくまで幕府軍の側に立って朝廷との一戦に慎重な御家人を鼓舞、主戦論を唱えた北条政子に協調して幕府軍を勝利に導いた影の功労者のひとりとされる。