Lunch yesterday with a friend active in a certain policy area (anagram of IMMIGRATINO).

He: Who d’you think we’ll see in the 2012 field?

Me: Say WHAT? I haven’t even got the ‘08 candidates straight in my head yet.

He: Yeah, but the guys running in 2012, we have to get to them–next year and ‘09. After ‘09 it’s too late. Nobody wants to be a flip-flopper. By 2010, whatever they’ve said is set in stone.

Me: Wait a minute. You want me to think about the 2012 presidential election? Like… now?

He: Right. Who d’you like?

Me: Um… Er…

He: All right. But if you can come up with some names for me I’d really appreciate it.

So, colleagues and friends, let’s talk 2012. Who d’you like?