A candidate does not need to be well known before the presidential election to be a household name within a week or two.
For example, Sarah Palin was a very strong candidate. Most Americans (thank the MSM promoting RINOs) (many FReepers where promoting her 6 months before McCain picked her) didn't know of the America's most popular Governor before McCain picked her.
We have to overcome the corrupt MSM both in the primaries and in the general election. This hurdle was huge this year when positive stories for Obama outnumbered those for McCain 8 to 1 or 9 to 1. This happens in primaries as well. Conservatives who have a real chance of winning are poo-poo’ed by the corrupt MSM.
I would like to see conservative Talk Radio take a bigger role. Look at what Oprah's sit-down with Obama did for him in Jan 2007.
I'd like for Rush, Hannity, Laura, etc, to profile potential conservative candidates well ahead of 2012. Like starting now. Let them come on the show and chat with the public. Within a short time, somebody would emerge from the pack as being somebody who generates passion.