Bush called reports at about 2.30 aboard Air Force One to issue a very strong defense of port deal... MORE... He said he would veto any legislation to hold up deal and warned the United States was sending 'mixed signals' by going after a company from the Middle East when nothing was said when a British company was in charge... Lawmakers, he said, must 'step up and explain why a middle eastern company is held to a different standard.' Bush was very forceful when he delivered the statement... 'I don't view it as a political fight,' Bush said.... MORE... MORE... The British are our allies. P & O are not state owned. They don't decapitate defenseless hostages. We are at war,so we are told, against islamofacists and their sponsors. 9/11 holds the Middle Eastern countries to a different standard. You, Mr. President need to step up and explain.