In seeking their party’s presidential nomination, candidates generally stress positions that appeal to its ideological base — and then try to move back to the center to target “swing” voters in the general election.
But an incumbent seeking re-election — especially one with only token opposition — can get an early head start in positioning himself for the general election.
That’s what is happening now, in both parties. Most Republican presidential hopefuls are sounding more or less like clones of former President Donald Trump in ways that might help their primary chances but could create later complications.
