I was just telling a British friend last night that as far as I know, no American political party has ever required loyalty to an un-nominated, potential future presidential candidate as a prerequisite for serving in a leadership position.

From my friend’s parliamentary perspective, that sort of party loyalty test isn’t wildly beyond the pale. Opposition parties have officially elected leaders, after all, who rightfully expect loyalty … to a point.

But this is unheard of, I think, in our system. The idea of minority party requiring loyalty to someone … feels so incredibly un-American.

Which I guess in the age of Trump isn’t so shocking.