I suppose it is an interesting window on how the DNC operates, but don’t read too much into organized labor demanding that Charlotte be nixed from the DNC 2012 finalist list for lack of organized labor. One, we told you this was going on last week. Two, unionized hotel workers are a secondary, even marginal issue compared to the uber-meme of getting Barack Obama re-elected.

The White House — if and when it ever returns from overseas — will own the convention selection with an eye toward crafting the biggest, bestest, over-archingest message with which it can pummel voters. We already know that this Administration really does not believe in retail politics. It expects the Message and the Man to drive turnout and fervor organically. I continue to believe that Charlotte would provide just the kind of meta-theme Obama-ites would find irresistible. Gleaming 21st century Democrat-controlled, minority-managed Blue oasis in a sea of Red Tide backwardness, home to dutiful and deferential corporate citizens, happy and content to follow the One True Leader.

St. Louis represents the 20th century Democratic Party — labor, corruption, sweat, toil, struggle. But what is really interesting is that Old Party seems to have been genuinely shocked by the midterm outcome — and they blame Obama for it. They seem to be doubling-down, demanding less of a transcendent Leader and more of a old fashioned, roll-up your sleeves and get things done political boss. Should the Obama Team fear that they risk alienating or losing control of this substantial chunk of the Democratic Party, maybe hanging out for a few days in St. Louis does not sound like such a bad idea after all. Still, that is Big Picture politics driving the DNC 2012 selection, not labor law per se.

What would be really interesting to find out, however, is if our local CRVA has in any way moved to try to work the hotels on the non-union angle. For example, has anyone from the CRVA or the Charlotte 2012 effort suggested that local hotels boost wages and/or benefits for workers in order to deflect union criticism on this point?

Would not surprise me in the slightest if they had.