this race heats up. for now, many seem content to avoid mentioning donald trump's name. jeff zeleny has this. >> reporter: in the opening round of the democratic primary, one name is often going unspoken. >> we got to beat that person in the white house. >> reporter: never mind the twnts 20 presidential race revolves almost entirely around that person, though you seldom hear the words donald trump from those eyeing his job. >> that in some ways is the biggest punishment to the guy who always wants to be in the spotlight is just turn the spotlight off. >> reporter: turning off or dimming trump's spotlight may be easier said than done considering how he looms over today's politics. and how eager he is to shape the democratic primary. >> i just want to be the republican that runs against them. >> reporter: most democratic candidates are still finding their way navigating trump. searching for a balance between showing strength and not taking the bait. even senator bernie sanders who