Locking Down the Exits

That great photo of Molly Clifford in the D&C captures the essence of the thing -- back to the wall, staring ahead, hands clasped behind.   Ready for the blindfold and cigarette.

Whatever deal Joe Morelle made with Clifford to get her to back off a bid for the Democratic mayoral nomination will unfold in the months ahead.   The significant thing is that it had to be done.

It tells us that Morelle's presser yesterday was staged as a warning shot, to restive Democratic Committees across the City.   They're unhappy about being denied a Democratic primary, and having their candidate chosen for them.   "We're shutting this thing down," Morelle's telling his committees, "You have nowhere to turn."

"Here's your likely alternative and we've just taken it away."

The message from Morelle to unhappy Democratic committees is clear:   No way out.