A Democratic Pledge of Allegiance

"Enough is enough," as Bernie Sanders likes to say. For the good of the Democratic party, progressive causes, and the nation's future, it is time to apply that statement in a different way.

The unexpectedly close race for the Democratic presidential nomination between Sanders and Hillary Clinton is threatening to cause an irreparable split among people whose votes are essential to elect a Democrat in November.

"The tension that is building between Clinton and Sanders" was evident at last night's CNN town hall in Derry, New Hampshire. More disturbing was the booing from many in the crowd at Sanders' Iowa headquarters on Monday night when Clinton appeared on television screens.

One hears many young, enthusiastic Sanders backers say that if Hillary is the nominee, they will not vote in November. That would be insane. Everyone who is terrified of what a Republican victory would mean must take a deep breath and accept the absolute necessity of enthusiastically supporting the Democratic nominee in the general election.

The race must continue with an open debate between the candidates on the issues and which of them is better suited to win in November and to accomplish Democratic goals as president.

But it is time for the candidates themselves, all Democrat officeholders and candidates, and progressive citizens to take a pledge to support the party's nominee in the general election.

The candidates themselves should be asked to take this pledge at tonight's debate. The Democratic National Committee should begin a campaign to get millions of Americans to sign on to the pledge to support the nominee.

The stakes are too high in this election for anything short of the complete unity of Democratic and progressive Americans.