Why Does the Democratic Party Need to be United?

I'm not convinced the Democratic Party needs to unite. Look what that has meant for the G.O.P. model.

Democrats are diverse and often contentious. It's healthy, and this year the specter of a Donald Trump win — which, in my view, would be the worst crisis this nation has faced since the Civil War — will ensure that all but the most rigid ideologues will vote for the nominees (some voters admittedly holding their noses).

Party unity should NOT be the goal. Instead, the Democratic Party should lead by offering the country ethical, effective policies on issues of education; antipoverty; full enfranchisement of all; working infrastructure; campaign finance reform; social benefits for the most vulnerable; accessible health care; jobs; civil, human and women's rights; a good economy; etc. This is the proper objective.

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