We are so used to Republican presidential candidates praising, ignoring, or appeasing the former president that it came as a shock when Sen. Todd Young of Indiana told CNN on May 11 that he won’t support Trump and, when pressed for a reason, said, “Where do I begin?” It’s hard to imagine a candidate other than Hutchinson or Christie saying the same. Which is why Trump looks untouchable.

He’s not, though. It’s at least plausible that a Republican could consolidate college-educated GOP voters and make inroads into Trump’s non-college coalition, especially if that Republican narrows the field to two candidates. First, though, that Republican would have to explain why he or she should be the nominee instead of Trump.

The Democrats understand that Joe Biden’s best—perhaps sole—chance for a second term is to remobilize the anti-Trump coalition that has appeared in every post-2016 cycle except 2021. This primary may end up an exercise in obeisance, but the general won’t be. Contrasts will be drawn. Memories will be jogged. Fears will be revived. If Republican challengers won’t say why Donald Trump should be denied the presidency, Democrats will.