Unions Struggle to Help Obama's Re-election

Fewer members, lack of enthusiasm not really helping

Organized labor is playing "Moneyball" this fall, and President Barack Obama isn't winning.

Four years ago, organized labor came out early and often for Obama, from major endorsements in the primary to multimillion-dollar ad buys later in the year.

Now, with smaller memberships, less excitement and a languishing economy, unions aren't guaranteed to be the help they once were. It doesn't help that Obama has at times disappointed labor on issues ranging from trade to environmental regulations to the Wisconsin gubernatorial recall vote.