The signs are everywhere that the 2020 Democratic presidential field will be much larger than usual — maybe larger than ever. …
The volume and intensity of their early posturing speaks to the extraordinary energy of the party’s grass roots and a widespread belief among Democrats that President Donald Trump will be beatable in ’20. It’s also the result of a vacuum at the top — there’s no Hillary-esque heir apparent this time — and a sense that in the Trump-era, old rules and assumptions are up for grabs.
The last time so many Democrats were lining up to run was in 1976, the first election held after the Watergate scandal forced Richard Nixon from office. There are parallels between then and now that are worth considering, especially since the chaos of ’76 ultimately produced a most improbable president. CONT.
Steve Kornacki, NBC News