Labor battle could be 2012 Obama theme

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51215.html



By GLENN THRUSH | 3/14/11 4:38 AM EDT Updated: 3/14/11 9:23 PM EDT

The ongoing labor battle in Wisconsin gives President Barack Obama a chance to test-drive what could emerge as a major 2012 campaign theme — that he’s the only man who can stop wild-eyed GOP radicals.

While that may not be the enthusiastic embrace of labor that union leaders might like to see, the theme fits well with an election strategy in which winning back independents will be critical.

Obama allies and people who are likely to be involved in his campaign sense opportunity in the growing anger and enthusiasm of pro-union Democrats in Wisconsin, but they also realize that there are risks. They are keenly aware of the perils of the direct and forceful intervention demanded by labor leaders, especially the possibility of alienating independents who resent the guaranteed pensions and benefits offered to unionized state workers.

So for Obama, Wisconsin will require what is likely to be something of a high wire act.

On one hand, he’s eager to capitalize on the pro-union enthusiasm in states that went dark red in the 2010 midterms. A Pew Research Center poll taken last week portrayed the labor battle as a clear winner for Democrats, with voters favoring unions over Republican Gov. Scott Walker by an 11-point margin.

FULL story at link.

[leveymg]

1. Among those 150,000 good union Democrats, not one of them is named Barack Obama.

And, he expects all of Us to work for Him, again? :rofl:

[DJ13]

2. Im afraid it would only be for show to bolster his reelection

He hasnt made much effort to stand up for labor so far.

If he had only followed through on his campaign promise about card check the current war on unions wouldnt be possible.

[CelticThunder]

3. Unions can't count on Obama to support them. They've gotten the message loud and clear.