Appearing on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Reid said the primary race between New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama has been a positive for his party and the nation despite anxiety that it is hurting party unity.

"I disagree that this fight has hurt the party," he said "I believe it's been great for the country."

Reid said former President Bill Clinton did not earn the nomination until early June 1992 and the Democrats' general election campaign proved victorious that year.

"I think we have to play this out. We have a campaign that's been very good for the American people ... and we have a June 3 final primary," Reid said.

Reid said the two remaining rivals for the nomination would determine whether they will be running mates on what many have called a "dream team" ticket.