15 and counting …

Lindsey Graham of South Carolina got a toehold on the running board of the Republican presidential clown car this week, making 15 GOP candidates who are in or seriously considering the 2016 race. The unwieldy field just keeps growing, and with it the one-liners.

“It’s Friday. That’s one reason to celebrate,” says latenight comic Jimmy Fallon. “Also, it’s the first day in a long time when no one declared they’re running for president.”

Pundits seem exasperated that so many people are jumping into the race. Debate planners worry about how they’ll fit everyone on to the stage. Fox plans on limiting its August debate to 10 candidates, leaving at least five, and maybe more, out. CNN is considering having a “varsity” debate with 10 candidates in September followed by a “JV” debate.

It’s messy, we get it. But average Americans ought to be embracing the idea of a long roster. We’re looking for a president, not a pet-sitter. Let’s make sure we conduct a thorough search for the best person for the job.

A crowded field allows for more debate, more perspectives, more honing of positions, more thought. Graham’s national-security platform instantly elevated differences with Rand Paul’s isolationist stance. Graham’s centrism on social and other domestic issues will contrast with those of Mike Huckabee or Rick Santorum.

A lack of early name recognition shouldn’t render one unfit for office. And a sizable campaign bank account doesn’t qualify you to lead the free world. Iowa and New Hampshire— two sparsely populated, unrepresentative states—already have too much influence in naming the country’s next president. Let’s hear fully from everyone, and trust that the best leaders will emerge.