Since 2016, Democrats have been selecting moderate, well-liked candidates for elections to appeal broadly to voters who dislike Trump or his supporters. This strategy involves nominating political newcomers like military veterans who are blank slates on issues and moderates. By choosing candidates that Republicans have little to criticize, Democrats have simplified elections for voters who are anti-Trump and anti-Republican, even if these candidates lack enthusiastic bases of support.
As Democrat after Democrat races to anoint Vice President Kamala Harris as their party’s presidential candidate, it has become clear that she will face no real challenge for the nomination.
Nate Cohn, chief political analyst for The Times, and Reid J. Epstein, a Times reporter covering politics, discuss what that smooth path for Ms. Harris could mean for her broader campaign.
Guest:
- Nate Cohn, the chief political analyst for The New York Times.
- Reid J. Epstein, who covers politics for The New York Times.
Background reading:
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