Engaging in the politics of worry
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, left, on Jan. 8, 2014 in Albany, and his Republican opponent Rob Astorino on March 7, 2014 in Albany. Credit: AP / Mike Groll
For New York, Ebola opens a new case study in the politics of worry.
When health or safety concerns blossom, the burden falls on officials in charge to reassure the public that they are taking necessary measures.
To be credible, they need to acknowledge what's wrong -- and avoid the appearance of denial.
Those working this season to unseat the officials in charge warn of trouble ahead if their suggested approach is ignored.
To be credible, political critics try to act as a popular voice -- and avoid the appearance of fear-mongering.
With less than a month left to the governor's race, these competing public-relations strategies have emerged.
Republican challenger Rob Astorino, the Westchester County executive, attracted attention Tuesday by posting himself near the United Nations in Manhattan to call for a temporary stoppage of flights from parts of West Africa, out of which the virus has spread.
"God help us if Ebola comes into New York because we were afraid to offend someone," Astorino said. "I'm not concerned about political correctness. We shouldn't worry about offending anyone right now."
He didn't elaborate on that but said repeatedly that humanitarian aid should continue, provisions should be made for aid workers to return, and assistance given to contain the spread within Africa.
In an echo of well-worn anti-terrorism rhetoric, Astorino talked of playing "offense." And he warned: "You could have widespread panic, and right now you've got anxiety, you've got concern, with Americans wondering who's coming into the country and that could spread."
Democratic incumbent Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo responded by projecting seriousness.
"We're working at it literally daily," he said of the potential Ebola threat during an appearance at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. "I think it's very important that the right protocol is in place. You see what happened in Dallas. We're training the first line of defense," including transportation personnel.
In Dallas, Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian man who'd arrived on a flight from Monrovia and has Ebola, was listed in critical condition. He'd earlier been released by a local hospital where the staff initially failed to identify his risk. Local officials are discussing whether to charge him criminally for lying on his airport screening form about having been in contact with Ebola patients.
Cuomo doused Astorino's statements earlier in the day on air flights saying, "I don't think it works mechanically to say you're [closing] off entry from any country, because what's happening is that you just fly to another country and then you'll come in from that country."
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) found a way to issue what could be seen as ahead-of-the-curve suggestions -- while also expressing support for the actions of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention under President Barack Obama.
Schumer said in talks with CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden -- the former New York City health commissioner -- he learned that the agency "is preparing to implement tougher Ebola screening requirements at airports this week, beyond what the administration announced" on Monday.
Taking a no-panic posture of his own, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio effused Monday: "We are blessed in New York City to have the strongest public health apparatus in the country."
Dan Janison is a member of the Newsday editorial board.
