Byron Dorgan: “I have listened to the thoughtful comments this morning. I understand there is some controversy, some passion and…”

“I have listened to the thoughtful comments this morning. I understand there is some controversy, some passion and anxiety about all of this. It is not partisan. There is nothing partisan about an amendment dealing with the Dubai Ports World issue. This is a significant issue. As my colleagues have said, the bill that is on the floor is also a significant issue. Both need to be dealt with. Both should be considered by this great deliberative body. But this is not about partisanship at all. I understand partisanship. I regret that there is too much of it in this town. I left the House many years ago, decided I was going to leave the House. I did run for the Senate, but I was done with the House of Representatives. What did it for me was when they established, through then-Congressman Gingrich--I guess it is all right to say his name--something called GOPAC. And they word-tested through polls and then sent out a missive to everyone in his political camp that said: Here is the way we deal with this. When you are describing your opponent in a political election, use the words ``sick,'' ``traitor,'' ``pathetic,'' ``antifamily,'' ``antiflag.'' That was sent all over this country by an organization that said: This is the way you should engage in politics. Here are the words you should use to describe your opponents. And we poll tested them. They work. Describe your opponents as sick, pathetic, traitor, antiflag. That was sent around the country.…”