Obama's Charlotte blues

Bank of America Corporate Center, middle

The decision of the Democratic National Convention to hold its nominating convention in Charlotte is increasingly looking like a bad one. Local businesses are chafing from DNC rules that encourage (or demand) the patronage of unionized firms--but North Carolina is the least unionized state in the nation. Remember, one of the selling points of hosting national political convention organizers is the economic boon--although usually exaggerated--for local businesses.

Yesterday North Carolinians voted to ban gay marriage. President Obama's campaign issued a statement that the president is "disappointed" in that outcome, which only draws more attention to his "evolving" stand on same-sex marriage. Many big-ticket gay donors to the Dems want Obama to, well, come out for gay marriage, but by stalling his evolution, the president looks timid.

That's because he is timid.

Only 39% voted 'No.'

Because of the Democrats' aggressive fund-raising goals, the final night of their gathering will take place in the massive Bank of America Stadium, where the Carolina Panthers play. Members of the Occupy movement and their sympathizers, whose votes Obama needs to win reelection, hate big banks. This morning, 1,000 protesters are demonstrating outside BofA's headquarters in Charlotte as the bank holds its annual shareholders meeting.

Of course not all of these developments are Obama's fault. But Charlotte was chosen by the DNC with the hope that North Carolina voters would reward Obama with their electoral votes again.

However, symbolism is a slender reed to base one's hopes on, as the Democrats are learning.

UPDATE 2:15pm: In an interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts, Obama says he favors gay marriage. Again.

The DNC should be very interesting!

Related posts:

Photos: Confederate Charlotte

Video and photos: Charlotte and the Fall of the Confederacy

Charlotte, North Carolina in pictures

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