Dinner standoff

We had an interesting dinner. I made hamburgers, hot dogs, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. John decided he wanted a hot dog. I gave him a piece of carrot and broccoli along with a scoop of potatoes. He ate half the hot dog and about half the potatoes. He then asked to be excused. I told him that he needed to eat everything on his plate. He just looked at me and he said "but I don't like the broccoli. I just want the carrot." Again I said you need to eat everything on your plate. You are not allowed to leave the table without eating everything on your plate. He tried to argue with me. I repeated, you are not allowed to leave the table until you eat everything on your plate. "But I want to leave the table." Again I said you are not allowed to leave the table until you eat everything on your plate. Every time I said those words I had flashbacks to when I was younger. I know I spent a few nights at the dinner table when everyone else was playing.

Eventually I started to clear the table and empty the dishwasher. I could see him stare at his plate. Slowly he ate the mashed potatoes. A few minutes later he says "Mommy do you see something missing?" And to my surprise, he ate the broccoli! That was all it took. He eventually ate the rest of his dinner. I just wish I didn't have to threaten him.