With ’08 just around the corner, everyone is getting in on the debate. Lower greenhouse gases. A change of course. Universal health care.

And then there’s the group in Wicker Park that prefers a mixture of all the above and has created a space to promote just such discourse. Blend, which celebrates its grand opening today, aims to expand more than just your belly.

The place is divided into two floors. The bottom is for lounging (extra-comfy chairs), noshing (sandwiches and smoothies), chilling (live DJs and bands), and zoning out (movie night is once a week).

Upstairs, you’ll find a different vibe: parents and kids (there’s a play corner for storytelling), artists (who have their own painting area), and classes covering topics from spirituality to Latino culture to poetry.

The brainchild of a few good neighborhood folk, the cafe is all about fusing backgrounds, creating inspiration, and developing a community in which members of any political camp will thrive.

Because no matter whom you pick in ’08, we can all agree on one thing: It takes a village.

Blend, 1725 West Division Street, at Hermitage Avenue (blendinchicago.com).