Possibly, using the ISS as a forward staging and assembly base. Its not in an appropriate orbit for a spaceport, but it is better than nothing. Of course, we would have to get our international partners to sign on, perhaps for a share of the profits. In a real race, that might not be an option, or even considered, especially if only one nation was aware of the existence and true nature of the Macguffin.

Congress would have to approve a real international cooperative effort--not bloody likely in today's hostage-taking domestic political environment. The Loyal Opposition would not want to hand an incumbent President such a potential winner, regardless of their party. Better to torpedo the process and then blame him (or her) for "lack of leadership". Now that we've set a precedent of sabotaging our Chief Executives, and even the nation's future, for short-term political advantage, it won't long remain a tactic limited to one side of the aisle.

Of course, while we're fantasizing, how about a joint capitalist venture funded by the oligarchs and plutocrats from the space-faring nations? Dare I say it: "Pigs in Space!"