An honor roll of Democrats NOT running for president

These are plenty of older white male Senators who could have made themselves part of the pack of indistinguishable aspirants who have joined the crowd. But they didn't and I think they need some recognition for the good they are doing for the country staying right where they are.

• Senator Sherrod Brown from Ohio looked and didn't leap. He's an honorable voice for a certain kind of manufacturing unionism, a decent fighter for working families, for healthcare for all, for a clean environment, and for infrastructure upgrades. He was re-elected in 2018 from a midwestern state that Dems will have hard time carrying in 2020.

• Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia might have thought that, having been Hillary Clinton's running mate in 2016, he should have been next in line. Instead, he has dug in in trying to restrict U.S. military adventurism by restoring Congress's war power. He mobilizes against the federal death penalty so emblematic of our vengeful rulers. We need some Senators like this.

• Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon has long impressed me as one of the sharper Democratic senators. He was the first Congresscritter to break the story of Trump's children's concentration camps on the border over a year ago. He works knowledgeably against the climate crisis and for cheaper drugs.

Growing up to be president needn't be the only, or best, service a politician can render to the country. Bravo to those who thought better of it. Long may they serve.

And thumbs down to the scrabbling scrum who, even though several seem smart and decent, don't belong on any further debate stages.

Graphic abstracted from The Cut.