It’s notable that many of the same critics who are skeptical that a Kasich endorsement of Biden can attract voters in the center were also skeptical that Biden could attract any voters in the center. The left spent much of the primary insisting either that “electability” was a myth or that the most important element of electability was motivating left-wingers. And yet Biden’s campaign has done exactly what Biden thought it would: win over moderates and persuadable Republicans. His lead over Trump is built on a dominating advantage among college-educated white voters. If there’s any constituency that can be reassured by the seal of approval of Republicans, it’s them.

The larger moral purpose in Kasich’s endorsement is the imperative to put aside policy goals for the objective of stopping an unfit and dangerous aspiring dictator. It is because Kasich does not stand to gain from Biden’s election — his agenda would be harmed, while Sanders’s would be incrementally advanced — is a testament to his willingness to sacrifice something to save American democracy.