Mitt Romney’s recent drive-by appearance at the Port of Tampa was classic orchestration–and classic Romney. With the port as backdrop, Romney was able to highlight its vital role as a “major economic engine.” Indeed, the port is worth an estimated $8 billion in annual economic impact to the region.
Romney used the killer photo-op to underscore his business background and reiterate criticism of President Barack Obama for not being more pro-active on trade agreements and pushing U.S. exports. It was Romney talking about the economy, his perceived strength. He was introduced by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who knows a thing or two about agricultural exports.
“We have a president that doesn’t understand the power of trade for enhancing American employment and American prosperity,” Romney said in his public remarks.
Also notable was what Romney didn’t say. Nary a reference to the economic elephant on the dock: trade opportunities between the Port of Tampa and nearby Cuba. It begs mention if you’re seriously advocating for American exports, market outreach, jobs and the best interest of the regional port you’re literally speaking at.
The next president of the United States can look at the near half-century, counterproductive Cuban embargo as low-hanging, economic-impact fruit that he could help pluck. Or he could continue the panderfest to venal South Florida pols more interested in their vendetta agenda than what’s best for Florida and America.
Romney’s South Florida photo-op earlier that same day said it for him.
He shared a stage with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Rep. Ileana Ros Lehtinen. The hard line trio backed John McCain four years ago, and now they’re supporting Romney. And Romney knows what not to do–and say–to keep that support.