By now you’ve heard that Charlotte has been selected as host for the 2020 Republican National Convention. From the perspective of outside observers, it’s an interesting choice, given that the Queen City seems to be the poster child for urban liberalism—light rail, high-density development, especially around transportation hubs. But the “sea of red” surrounding Charlotte is stoked:

“From a regional perspective or state perspective, I think this is an incredible opportunity … It’s a big, big deal,” said Dan Barry, chairman of the Union County GOP. The vote there in 2016 was almost the exact reverse of Mecklenburg: Union County went 2-1 for Trump.

“We’re a red-meat, red county,” said Barry. “I call it ‘the doughnut,’” he said of the Republican-leaning counties around Charlotte.

I do have one question though—last week ground was broken on Gateway Station, which will bring Amtrak service to the Uptown area. I can’t help but wonder how that’s going to work out—a massive construction project with thousands of visitors coming to town.