More evidence that political campaigns in America have become not much more than reality TV programming: NBC, Politico and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library announced today they will sponsor the first debate among Republican candidates for president in 2012 -- and that the event will take place just a few months from now, in the spring of 2011.

Does anyone think such an ultra-early debate will serve any purpose other than to provide chatter for the cable TV screamers and political bloggers? Even voters in Iowa and New Hampshire won't be paying any attention nearly a year out from their early caucus and primary. And in all likelihood the issues that will matter most won't yet even be known.