"Too early to tell," I reply, laying down the paper and deftly turning it around in case the guy's really as curious as his question makes him out to be. "Early enough that both sides are wildly optimistic, as happens every election. Personally, I think the Republican side's short on good candidates, but who knows. Maybe Occupy White House is their next move."

I rest my chin in my palm, fingers lightly pressing against my lips. Ultimately, what I do won't be greatly affected by the outcome of this election, as far as I can tell. Gotham's always been its separate place.

"I'd call myself cautiously optimistic."