The coalition that is forming around Joe Biden’s candidacy is very unusual because in the last few months it has become something bigger than the standard center-left Democratic Party coalition. Rather, they see Biden’s election as the key to restoring American democracy. If Biden becomes president next January it will represent more than just a big electoral win, but also a significant democratic breakthrough for the US. If, despite these challenges, Biden becomes president next January it will represent more than just a big electoral win, but also a significant democratic breakthrough for the US. However, for that breakthrough to be enduring and meaningful, Biden’s victory must be the beginning, not the culmination, of this process.