The would-be 2020 Democratic contenders could not be clearer: They are not running for president.

O.K., they are not actively running for president. Not currently, not at this very moment — which is to be spent with family, in solemn reflection about the nature of public service — running for president.

Anyway. Can they count on your support? Hypothetically, of course. Just in case. As they are not running for president.

Such is the state of the Democratic presidential primary field these days, with dozens of possible candidates who claim to be mulling, weighing, considering, wondering — while offering updates, with varying degrees of plausibility, on the intensity of their preparations.

Consider this a guide to how Democrats are communicating a desire to run without the fuss, commitment and risk of announcing it outright.