Why are there so many DEM candidates? I think the answer is obvious. Maybe this is obvious and I just haven’t seen it articulated anywhere.  We have 20+ candidates, each with their own following and primarily not attacking each other. They have just enough differences to draw a specific group, but not different enough to inspire hate amongst the 20. Internally, they mostly know they won’t be “the one”, however; they are collecting voters from slightly varied belief systems.   Remember, they are primarily attacking Trump and spinning up their followers in that mindset.   Just before it starts to become evident to their followers that their chances are slim, each one moves to support the “chosen one” and tell their following to do the same.  Think about it. You have 20 Dems, each with their own following and all with the “anyone but Trump” hate instilled in them. At the right time they all jump to the chosen Dem.   Undivided volume is key to their plan.  I feel like most all of those running are well-aware of the plan and are “required” to get into the race for this purpose.