Democratic unity: Sanders' supporters need to get behind Clinton

The polarization of American politics was on display again Monday as supporters of Bernie Sanders refused to go along with the inevitable coronation of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic candidate for president.

They booed the mention of her name and expressed vehement anger at the leaked emails that indicated party leaders had favored her campaign over Sanders during the primaries.

Though Sanders has openly endorsed Clinton and pleaded with his troops to give up the fight and get behind her, they have continued to rally behind his standard.

Even Sanders must be looking back now and questioning the wisdom of his carrying his battle so far. Had he acquiesced and gotten behind Clinton earlier the party might be more unified at this point. But his criticism of her during the primaries is still ringing in the ears of his mostly young backers, and it has come back to haunt the party as a whole.

For Democrats to win in November and turn back the prospect of Donald Trump in the White House, they must decide now to unite behind Clinton. They have no other choice.

Published in Editorials on July 26, 2016 10:51 AM