Now that the Democratic primary has settled into a choice between Biden and Sanders, it’s worth thinking about how Republicans are going to attack them. Keep in mind, Republicans are trying to depress Democratic turnout, mostly by discouraging infrequent but likely Democratic voters from voting. In that light, it’s worth realizing their are two types of nontroversies, ‘scandals’, or whatever you want to call them. The first riles up their base, and convinces Republican-leaning fence sitters to show up. The second type attacks Democrats from the left (construed somewhat broadly) and is designed to discourage and demoralize likely Democratic voters.

Examples of the first type might be attacks over Sanders’ trip to Russia or that Medicare for All is socialism (there are arguments that can be made against Medicare for All, but socialism is a nontroversy given the popularity of the general idea). Examples of the second type are reminding voters of Biden’s record on social security, his support of trade deals, or his unwillingness to overturn the Hyde Amendment until around 2019.

Remember the attacks from the left aren’t designed to convince conservatives, but to demoralize Democrats. Something to consider for the rest of the primary season.