Manton was old school. His parents were Irish immigrants in the early part of the 20th century, and coming off the boat were likely greeted by someone from the Tammany Hall machine. He probably got a good taste of old-time politics growing up. He was also a cop and a Marine before later becoming a lawyer, and was a very street-smart guy. He really was the product of another era, and we likely won't see another like him again.

This kind of almost nostalgic bossism can certainly be admired on many levels. Being a strong leader and having the devoted followers to make any upstarts or holdouts think twice before crossing him. Running a tight ship is often considered a virtue.

However, in the 21st century, the idea that backroom political bosses would wheel and deal with the votes of elected officials makes many people very squeemish. Political bosses are not accountable to the people, and today we find that kind of operation anti-democratic.

Of course, we don't need to look very far back to witness this kind of behavior. Less than two months our very own NY republican leaders tried to thwart two statewide primaries and successfully scuttled one.

So, maybe the idea that old-time bossism died yesterday with Tom Manton is but wishful thinking. However, today's leaders certainly don't do it anywhere near as effectively, effortlessly or with as much class as Manton did. May he rest in peace.