Sen. Jeff Merkley Jeffrey (Jeff) Alan MerkleyThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden renew push for Latino support Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response Oregon senator says Trump's blame on 'forest management' for wildfires is 'just a big and devastating lie' MORE (D-Ore.) on Sunday defended his decision to delay endorsing a 2020 presidential candidate, after backing Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Bernie Sanders: 'This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome MORE (I-Vt.) in the senator's 2016 bid for the White House.

"I think it's a robust debate, it's no longer Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders," Merkley said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonFox News poll: Biden ahead of Trump in Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio Trump, Biden court Black business owners in final election sprint The power of incumbency: How Trump is using the Oval Office to win reelection MORE is not a candidate. We have a different set of cards this time."

Merkley wrote a New York Times op-ed in 2016 endorsing Sanders for his ability to address "kitchen table" issues that impact Americans. ADVERTISEMENT

Merkley told NBC's Chuck Todd Charles (Chuck) David ToddMurkowski: Supreme Court nominee should not be taken up before election Republican senator says plans to confirm justice before election 'completely consistent with the precedent' Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response MORE on Sunday that he feels there are "a lot of capable individuals running" for the 2020 nomination who "understand the kitchen table."

The crowded field of Democratic primary candidates are taking on health care, housing, living wage jobs an other issues "incredibly neglected" under the Trump administration, Merkley said.

"I'm looking forward to them laying out that vision getting America excited," Merkley said.