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A handful of prominent Democrats not named Hillary Clinton are talking seriously about running for president.

None of them seem to want it badly enough that theyre willing to criticize Mrs. Clinton, distinguish themselves from her, explain why theyd be a better choice for the party nomination or, heck, even speak her name.

These prospective candidates may have practical reasons for going easy on Mrs. Clinton. Some might not be serious about running and would just as soon not damage the partys likely nominee.Others might be angling for a spot on Mrs. Clintons ticket.

Last week while in New Hampshire to give a speech, Vice President Joe Biden, who is also considering a presidential bid, was asked by a reporter what he thought offoreign governments giving substantial donations to the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation.The story had been in the national news over a week;other Democratshave said theyreuneasy with the foundations fundraising.

Mr. Biden has a heavy foreign-policy portfolio and might have an interesting perspective on whether these sorts of fundraising practices could compromise a presidential candidate. Hes alsothe nearest potential challenger for the Democratic nomination to Mrs. Clinton, according to most polls.

But he chose to say nothing.I dont know enough about it, he said.

Former Virginia Democratic senator Jim Webbset up a presidential exploratory committee four months ago.Has he offered any criticism of Mrs. Clinton yet?

Nope, saidWebbspokesman Craig Crawford.We dont know if Secretary Clinton will run or what shell run on.

Former Maryland Gov.Martin OMalleyseemed to take a swipeat Mrs. Clintonover the weekend while giving a speech in South Carolina,although he didnt mention her by name.The jab was so oblique and subtle that anyone who hasnt been obsessively thinking about national politics for the last quarter century would be forgiven if they missed it.

Triangulation is not a strategy that will move America forward, he said.

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2016: Democrats Refrain From Criticizing Hillary Clinton