How Tom Perez plans to keep Democrats united

At a Monitor Breakfast, the DNC chair said every 2020 Democratic presidential candidate has pledged to support the eventual nominee – despite the melange of personalities and ideologies remaining.

Like last year, the timing of our Monitor Breakfast on Wednesday with Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez was spot on. The night before, his party had flipped control of the Virginia legislature, completing the state’s “blue conversion.” And in deep-red Kentucky, a Democrat looked set to unseat the unpopular Republican governor in a close race.

What party leader, after all, doesn’t love to revel in a little success? A year ago, Mr. Perez was basking in the new reality of a Democratic majority in the House. But like last year, we reporters seated around the breakfast table didn’t let the chairman rest on his laurels. The 2020 election cycle is upon us, and keeping the party united will be a big challenge.

For now, the Trump impeachment inquiry helps the party, with most Democrats on board. But a big question looms: When the presidential nominee is clear, will the also-rans fall in behind her or him in lockstep?

Mr. Perez says all the Democratic candidates confirmed a unity pledge last week – including Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who has faced suspicions she might run as an independent.

“Every candidate running for president understands that this is not about them,” Mr. Perez told us.

In the spirit of humorist Will Rogers – who once famously said, “I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat.” – I wrote after the breakfast about the party’s unity challenge.