On November 6, 2012, President Obama will square off against a Republican opponent in his bid for a second term.  Who will that opponent be?

The 2012 Republican National Convention is a full year away, so it is still very early.  Nothing has to the potential to make you look more foolish than handicapping a horse race too far before post time.  After all, this is not a sprint. 

But let's do it anyway.

If the Republican presidential primary were a horse race, here's how I think the tote board would look as of today, August 22, 2011.

Some notes from the racing program:

• Perry is the favorite.  He is likely to break right, much to the delight of his stable, Bible Belt Farms, but can he hold the center of the track?
• Romney could be a contender.  The economy will be the main focus of this election and he was a top prize winner for Private Sector Downs.
• Ron Paul and Bachmann have focused support, but are longshots on a wider track.
• Gingrich could be disqualified based on past performance with the fillies.
• Santorum can't seem to get going past the first turn.
• Giuliani and Palin may not even make it to the paddock.
• Cain and Huntsman will be scratched and sent to the glue factory.

That is how I see things.  I have the exacta (president and VP candidates) of Perry and Romney.  I see 2012 as the year of Republican thoroughbreds with good manes.

How about you?  Leave a comment with your own predictions.