We remain unnaturally fascinated by the Democrats’ choice of Charlotte, just down I-77 from us, as the location for their 2012 national convention.

The last time a national convention was held this close to Roanoke was 1912, when Democrats met in Baltimore to nominate Staunton-born Woodrow Wilson for what turned out to be his first term. If you’re interested in that, we refer you to Mason Adams’ review of a book about that four-way presidential campaign.

In the meantime, here are more links to what others are saying about the Charlotte choice:

* The New York Times says: “The selection of North Carolina also underscored the hope of Mr. Obama and his advisers that they have a better chance of organizing supporters — and finding new voters — in a conservative-leaning but demographically evolving Southern state than in a traditional battleground like Missouri. The advisers believe the advantages of North Carolina include a population that is 22 percent black, an influx of new residents because of research and banking jobs, and laws that allow last-minute voter registration.”

And, perhaps more to our interest here in Virginia, the same story says: “A key selling point for North Carolina, officials said, was its proximity to Virginia, which Mr. Obama also carried. Democratic leaders said they intended to make Virginia an integral part of the convention by busing in activists and volunteers.”

* The National Journal has a good overview of points being made about the selection, including . . .

* This Washington Post item which says that, really, the convention city doesn’t matter that much.

* Meanwhile, the New York Times has an interesting piece which said that yesterday’s developments – the choice of Charlotte, the stock market topping 12,000, Senate Republicans pushing for a vote on repealing the health care act, and the turmoil in Egypt — helps crystallize the battle lines for the next presidential election.

As for us, well, we once again offer up a musical tribute — and this video of “Gone to Carolina” by Shooter Jennings, son of the late Waylon Jennings. (There seem to be very few songs that mention Charlotte by name.)

OTHER COVERAGE OF THE CHARLOTTE CONVENTION:
* Democrats pick Charlotte as site for 2012 convention (with music by Keith Whitley and Scott Miller, both making Charlotte references)
* What others are saying about the Democrats choice of Charlotte (with music by Alison Kraus, making a generic Carolina reference)

– Dwayne Yancey