It's one thing to actually work in Congress or in an administration. That's “policy work,” and we political scientists are reasonably comfortable with the ways in which our particular substantive expertises can lead us to take on policy positions. But to get involved in “politics” itself, and in a presidential campaign no less?

There is no question that it takes some adjusting. Memos by 5:00, rather than a manuscript by next year. Speeches with lots of tag lines, and not a single footnote. In-depth analyses, but in a page, please. Journalists and politicos as peer reviewers. Debate prep, not lecture notes. Meetings with interest groups, not seminars with interested students.

It's definitely a different experience. But it can be a very valuable one.

It's not basic research. But it is involvement.

It's an altogether crazy way to lead one's life. But it's exciting, and it actually can be fun.