Marco Rubio is flying high — crushing Charlie Crist in the polls, hauling in huge campaign money, and emerging as a new star in the conservative movement. But he is also keeping his wits about him:

“I have my hands full with this election. I’m not going to be a vice presidential or presidential contender,” he said of the conservative commentators lately touting him as a White House contender. “Just the fact that I’m addressing it embarrasses me.”

Good for him. We’ve had a charismatic, novice figure ascend to the White House with a scant accomplishments and no executive experience; it has proven a jarring experience. For 2012, I suspect the country will be in a more serious vein, looking for a sober grown-up with some track record of having done something. Unfortunately for Hillary Clinton, she ran her “experience” campaign at a time the country was looking for “change.” We’ve had change — too much, many conservatives and independents believe — and it may be time for someone who has run a business or a state or shown a proclivity for wrestling with the hard issues of entitlements and budgets.

Rubio has a bright future that will only get brighter if he proves to be a thoughtful and knowledgable force in the Senate. That he sees himself as not remotely ready for the White House is further evidence of his good character and common sense, qualities in short supply among many pols.