Justified fun has been made of the “No Labels” contingent, a collection of Palinophobes clutching PBS tote bags, those not quite at ease with both major parties, but who tilt more or less to the left. At their premier event, Byron York took note of cultural signposts: No national anthem. No flags and no eagles. Worst of all, when it came to the sandwiches, attendees wolfed down the veggies and chicken, and left the roast beef alone.

This is a bad sign for a political movement, which needs its red meat and the people who eat it.