Where will it stop? The overwhelming, ever-expanding Democratic field

Of course, not many of the candidates — perhaps not even most — got in the race thinking they could really win, though none would admit so on the record. Some are running to push a specific issue they worry would not get enough attention otherwise, or to build a national profile and get more exposure or to set themselves up for some other office down the road, such as vice president or a Cabinet post.

Some experts worry all these options will lead voters to choice overload, decision fatigue and anticipated regret, which is like getting buyers’ remorse before you even make a decision because you worry you’ll get it wrong.

“We all want candidates to choose from, but we don’t want to work that hard on it, particularly for people like me who are not political experts,” said Lilly Kofler, the U.S. director of behavioral Science at Hill+Knowlton Strategies. “It’s the paradox of choice.”