The Democrats have done a pretty good job of raising the port security issue. (However, they do need to raise the stronger reasons, raised online, regarding the specific concerns with UAE ownership of some of our port operations. This to undercut charges based on open trade and anti-Arabism).
My main point here is that national Democrats would be smart to do a pivot on the issue. We need to raise the broader issue of port security, for all port operators, while continuing to press on the UAE/Dubai Ports World (DPW) issue.
Democrats need to unveil a plan to increase America's security by increasing port and airport security. Here is why they should do so now:
- It will get press now. They will demonstrate solid Democratic plans and alternatives at a time it will garner attention.
- This new PR effort will show that Democrats have been working on port security for a long time.
- This new PR effort will show that Republicans have bungled the port security problem, leaving American less secure.
- We can declare victory on the Dubai Ports World issue, and keep attention on that, while breathing continued life into the issue while the 45-day review and oversight hearings go forward.
- This will blunt the argument that Democrats don't have plans from a position of strength.
There are many other reasons to do this, but I'm a working stiff and need to run. Comments welcome!
note: 60 Minutes re-ran their port security story last night.