If all goes according to their plans, Democrats will regain unified control of Washington by the end of 2020. But once the excitement wears off, the new president could enter 2021 facing a governing crisis.

Right now, there are two political crosswinds facing Democrats that will complicate any plans were they to retake power. There is a growing sentiment among the activist liberal base that Democrats need to be bolder in both their policies and their tactics. But the reality of the Senate map will force them to curb their ambitions.