Monday’s L.A. Times has an interesting article about how President Obama will have to tread lightly for fear of alienating auto workers and auto retirees in the auto swing states of Ohio and Indiana.

“…politics could prove unavoidable, given the president’s ties to the UAW and his election campaign’s reliance on auto-heavy states such as Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.”

The story goes on to add, “White House officials have moved in recent days to minimize future strains on union ties by offering at least supportive words for the UAW’s arguments. An administration official said the White House was “quite aware” of the danger posed to thousands of retirees who spent their careers at GM with the expectation that they would have healthcare coverage for life.

Another person close to the UAW and familiar with its discussions with the White House said the administration was conveying its sympathies on the issue.”

We’ll keep watching to see how this plays out…