To win a presidential nomination, candidates in both parties often embrace policies tailored to win support of the party faithful. Not infrequently, these stands hamper later efforts to appeal to the broad electorate. Candidates for the Democratic nomination face an additional risk this year...that in fighting for the nomination they will make commitments regarding legislation so far beyond their capacity to deliver that victory must be followed by disillusionment.
Whether or not Democrats can overcome these obstacles, the outcome of the 2020 presidential election remains critically important. Presidential power is manifest in myriad dimensions. The differences between the two parties are larger than they have been in decades. Apart from legislation, a new administration can change rules and regulations. But Democratic candidates have this year put forward a roster of legislative proposals of quite unusual breadth and cost. To come close to delivering on their promises and to avoid voter disillusionment, any successful Democratic candidate will face obstacles more daunting than any recent president has encountered.
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