Reply #10: I think it's a valid concern.

[gateley]

It's my personal belief that many of the Hillary and Obama supporters were energized for the first time during this campaign. The large numbers both have garnered point to that. Something about their candidate spurred them to get involved -- and they believe in that candidate wholeheartedly. When that candidate doesn't receive the nom, I do have a fear that many of them will just say "fuck it" and either not vote at all or vote for McCain.

Even here on DU, where we ostensibly support the PARTY, there are comments along those lines which I find really alarming.

When Biden first dropped out it was like I'd been kicked in the stomach and all the air had been taken away. I can only imagine how supporters as devoted to their candidate as I was to Biden would respond after this extended fever-pitched battle should their candidate not make the cut.

Because this particular campaign is playing out as it is, I don't think we can afford to assume that the supporters of the "other" candidate will vote for the nominee just because s/he is a Dem. There's too much emotion at play this time around, and we don't do our best clear thinking when we're flooded with emotions.