Michigan voters delivered a message directly to the Democratic National Committee’s doorstep. Whether the establishment wing of the party accepts it is yet to be seen.

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive running primarily on "Medicare for All" and getting dark money out of politics, was declared the winner of the Michigan democratic primary on Aug. 5 after a long night of tallying the votes.

The Democratic nominee beat out moderate U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and the $60 million spent on her campaign by less than 1 percentage point, but he won nonetheless.

The battle for the future of the Democrats is still playing out, but the party must unify behind its new candidate, regardless of its issues with him. The November election is going to be an uphill battle – Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers previously said he hoped El-Sayed won the primary because it would make for an easier general election. If Democrats can coalesce their power, they may be surprised with a win.

There is no time for hand-wringing over El-Sayed’s “electability” or the parts of his campaign that alarmed the establishment. “Vote blue no matter who” should not just be advice to progressives when their candidates lose. It should apply to everyone in the party.

Democrats need a boost........

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