Republican candidate Mitt Romney has been going out of his way to bash organized labor, while on the other suggesting that ordinary people don't trust President Obama to run things or even to listen to them. From the press stuff for Mr. Romney's new ad:
"During his Magical Misery bus tour this week, it is unlikely President Obama will speak with unemployed Americans, to near-bankrupt business owners, or to families struggling to survive in this economy. He is more interested in campaigning in swing states than working to solve the economic crisis that is crushing the middle class. Turning this economy around will require real leadership and the experience of someone who has actually worked in the private sector."
President Obama's bus tour begins today, with a town hall meeting in Minnesota. I'm willing to bet he talks to some unemployed Americans, and I wouldn't be surprised to see those conversations in a future round of Republican ads. Also, given that Mr. Romney inherited much of his money and then made some more downsizing companies over the pleas of union workers, he hasn't got much to stand on here. But he's trying.
Bonus: As the unions have declined, so has the middle class.