close ranks

Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib—the only Palestinian American in Congress—were also on AIPAC’s wish list, but all three women were quick to close ranks with impressive fundraising hauls and endorsements.

Republicans have sought to close ranks around Trump while Democrats remain divided over whether to proceed with President Biden at the top of their ticket.

Dr. Anthony Fauci could vouch for the accuracy of Ibsen’s play, which depicts the way politicians and business leaders close ranks when a public health emergency threatens their pecuniary interests.

"There is international pressure, and it is increasing," he said, "but it is precisely when the international pressure increases that we must close ranks among ourselves."

The opposition, which has historically been deeply divided, called the primary - in which ordinary people were allowed to vote - to close ranks behind a single contender for the presidency.