Here's a thought which actually could work–though I have no reason to believe it would ever be heard, much less acted on.
Many countries have an "opposition leader," the head of the party that is out of power. That person creates a nucleus of alternative leadership, often with a "shadow cabinet" whose members speak on specific issues and who are potential members of a future president's inner circle.
We have nothing like that in the US.
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#politics
If, however, the Ds were to have a national convention in 2026, not 2028, they could choose a party leader who could coordinate opposition to Trump/Vance, and would be the presumptive candidate in 2028. That would give the public a long time to get used to the idea of them as President.
@DavidSalo that's a great idea - steal the trick from the trickster.