They’re not imaginary. I’d allow saying that historically the threat they represnted to the Democrats goals was small and mostly just delays.

The new MAGA doesn’t play with a rulebook, last time there were enough things in play that meant they were forced to live with delaying what rules they didn’t like. This time there is nothing at all in their way, and they have no reason at all to even maintain appearances of giving a damn.

Dems shat the bed when they decided that the inconsistent compromised wins were less risky than doing anything meaningful. This election is just what happens when nobody comes in to clean out the mess.