August 31, 2008
Posted: 01:14 PM ET

From
John McCain, with VP pick Sarah Palin, visit a hurricane command center on Sunday.
John McCain, with VP pick Sarah Palin, visit a hurricane command center on Sunday.

PEARL, Mississippi (CNN) — Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain told reporters Sunday there would be significant changes to the upcoming GOP convention, saying it would be inappropriate to hold a political celebration in light of the imminent arrival of Hurricane Gustav.

“We must redirect our efforts from the really celebratory event of the nomination of president and vice president of our party to acting as all Americans," said McCain.

The Arizona senator, who spoke after his tour of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency in Pearl, Mississippi, did not elaborate on what those changes might be, instead saying the campaign will release a statement in the next few hours.

McCain did say the convention would need to transition from a "party event" to a "call to the nation for action": "I pledge that tomorrow night, and if necessary, throughout our convention if necessary, to act as Americans not Republicans, because America needs us now no matter whether we are
Republican or Democrat.’’

Filed under: Hurricane Gustav • John McCain • Mississippi • Republican National Convention


ellen leiken   August 31st, 2008 6:09 pm ET

I was offended that Maccain was giving orders about what I should do,,, when he is not my President. Further, the vice presidential pick is keeping me up a night worrying for my grandchildren should she become President…

ran   August 31st, 2008 6:06 pm ET

People it is so simple this time: Obama/Biden and other Democrats.

DO IT!

What?   August 31st, 2008 6:04 pm ET

TO: LU August 31st, 2008 3:16 pm ET…………Did you miss this from CO-WORKER?……akwatcher August 29th, 2008 8:42 pm ET
I live and work in Juneau, Alaska. I know Sarah and many others that know and work with her. We are shocked by this pick. She is an interesting person and did step into a difficult role as a new governor in a state being run by old boys that had lost touch with the people and were making deals behind closed doors. However, we also know this is over her head. She could learn to do the job but she doesn't have what it takes to do it from "day one." I say this as someone that knows her, voted for her and have voted for most of the republicans in Alaska for over 14 years. She is not as "perfect" as McCain will attempt to market her! There is meat on the bones of the mess she is in with the state trooper issue. We also wonder why she waited 7 months to even tell the public, including her staff she was about to have a baby. McCain will say she is popular and I know the numbers say she is. However, this is in part because she followed a governor that was out of touch and didn't care about us. She also just gave us all a $1200 energy dividend on top of our normal dividend. You will also hear that she cut the budget, but that isn't true. The total budget went up 30% this year and she did it by taking advantage of the higher oil revenues and a new tax on oil companies. This will appeal to some dems but I know personally local reps are not happy with it. There is just too many issues and questions that only we in Juneau know about to outline here but I must say knowing her like we do it likely has far more to do with her "look" and being a "women" and he thinks he can market her to win some votes. Bad pick from where I sit and right now that is looking out my window at her governor's house.

Wow, more Bushian economics at play here. $20 million for 5,400 people is $3,700 per person.

Lynn Houston   August 31st, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Sorry to ask…. But, can't you just see Palin standing in front of the Iraqi and Iranian leaders with those earrings on or with those red and black shoes she had on the other day??? I don't care if this sounds sexist or not… No matter how maverick we want to be, I still believe that there is protocol to consider!!!!!!

What?   August 31st, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Mickey, NY August 31st, 2008 1:21 pm ET
The only thing McCain deems "inappropriate" is that all eyes will be on Gustav, and not on the Convention.
—————————————————————————-
Thinking the same THING……….What about these people that will lose everything they have worked hard to keep during this lousy economy…….ops…….that's right, they will be to busy choosing between their 7 houses to live in…………THIS convention is the last thing on their minds.

WE PRAY THAT GOD KEEP YOU ALL SAFE.

Darryl   August 31st, 2008 5:54 pm ET

I think raising money on Obama's website for victims of the huracain is a good ideal. I think he need to check with his leagal staff to make sure it legal.

I will volunteer for the recovery efforts.

Can McCain and Palin help in some way?

ci   August 31st, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Obama supporters are just talking all this trash about McCain because they are Dems – if this had happened during their convention they'ed be all over Obama doing the things McCain is doing. (but WOULD Obama do these responsible things.) Just admit it folks: You want to be able to kill your babies if you want to, be gay and tear the family down if you feel like it, and you don't want anyone opposing your party that doesn't believe the way you do. At least be honest about what this is really about….

gpmi   August 31st, 2008 5:40 pm ET

We have already learned that old Mc Laim is making decisions day bay day. It was same with VP – over night he got idea- all i need is young beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mAY BE TRU FOR HIM BUT HOW ABOUT COUNTRY ???????????? Does he think about it at all. On other hand if he does is day by day- which is not sign of boldnes but dementia!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vic   August 31st, 2008 5:33 pm ET

McCain and his VP look so good together. They are so compatible. They are both republicans. They both want to drill in Alaska for energy. I'm guessing that McCain wants to do the digging….lol

Vice-President Palin   August 31st, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Never underestimate a woman!

B   August 31st, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Obama has said he is checking into fundraising on his web for hurricane victims and asking his volunteers to help in any way they can. Fat chance I would send a penny to Repubs for that purpose. Did that when Katrina hit. People working for the Red Cross skimmed most of that money. I'll wait until Obama sets up a website, then I will contribute. At least I'll know the money is going to the intended victims.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   August 31st, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Palin is a fascist….. just like Bush, Cheney, Rice, and McBush

Dori in AZ   August 31st, 2008 4:56 pm ET

McCain has NO executive experience. None. Zip.

McCain has never been a mayor of any town or city. McCain has never been a governor….

McCain needs to put Palin on the top of the ticket, and he should be the VP. According to his criteria, she is far better suited for the presidency than he himself is!

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   August 31st, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Somebody needs to call this senile 72yr old wife cheater to order…he is about to steal another man's wife, an inexperienced beauty queen called Palin under the guise of making her a veepee.

McSAME JUDGEMENT IS DANGEROUS FOR AMERICA…GOD BLESS USA…

Insulted Former Clinton Supporters for Obama   August 31st, 2008 3:34 pm ET

McCain does not care about the country. Why else would he put someone on his ticket that could be President at any time. His pick knows nothiong about National Security. What would that 3am phone call sound like? He threw Romney under the bus just to pander to us, we are not amused and are insulted!!! Does he think we would follow him blindly just becasue he put a woman on the ticket? Sorry, it won't work wil only result in a more unified Democratic party.

Obama/Biden 08/12

Kerry Diehl   August 31st, 2008 3:30 pm ET

This is an appropriate and “conservative” (meant as responsible) response regarding the current circumstances and impending emergency.

We have all learned so very much about the seriousness and resulting damages from hurricanes via Katrina’s visit. Gustav may or may not be as bad, but this time we, as a Nation and the affected governmental agencies, are being completely pro-active to the best of their/our abilities.

My question in return is – If this had happened to or during the Democratic Convention, would they have reacted in the same way? Especially in observation of all the monies spent for their spectacular Rock Star Extravaganza. (I’ve got to admit, when they party, they party!!)

How about some CNN discussion on this perspective??

kerry diehl
grosse ile, mi

Kevin   August 31st, 2008 3:29 pm ET

McCain points to Palin's leadership in fighting the 'bridge to know-where.' Actually she had supported it until her state funds had to pay for part of it. It's poignant that when the funds were going to be given to help Katrina victims instead, Alaska Rep Stevens fought for the money. Palin was happy to take these pork barrel funds to spend to her liking rather than on the bridge or Katrina victims. Seems a bit disingenuous to want to help hurricane victims now that it benefits politically. Just thought people should know. Even though CNN never posts my comments anyway.

Mike   August 31st, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Who is that in the background in that photo? Is it Palin's hubby? In Alaska they say Palin's hubby insists on attending private meetings and is on the list to recieve confidential Government Emails. I guess with Palin as VP, McBush gets two for the price of one.

Tim   August 31st, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Put off the convetion, delay formally accepting the nomination, continue to accept the growing private contributions to his campaign, and get the public financing when he does accept. Beet Obama at his own game.

Go McCain.

Randy L Rieck   August 31st, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Why not move the GOP Convention to the dome in New Orleans? Bush, Cheney, McCain, and his barbie doll VP pick could have a birthday party for McCain like they did during Katrina. This would solve their problems. Make sure they invite "these people are better off" Babs Bush so she can enjoy the festivities. Also, where's "your doing a hell of a job" Brownie when we need him! Make sure G.W. brings many children's books to read. He could be there a while. Perhaps he could borrow a book or two from Palin. I'm sure she has many. I only hope she can put down her Blackberry or breast pump long enough to enjoy the party! This would be funny if it wasn't true. On the serious side, I was in New Orleans after Katrina and pray EVERYONE gets it right this time.

G   August 31st, 2008 3:21 pm ET

John McCain cheated on his first wife with Cindy. His first wife was injured in a car accident and face was deformed, so he chose Cindy. Great values he has! Palin wants to go back to the days of illegal bathtub abortions. If McCain / Palin get elected I am leaving this country cause the US is going down if they get elected.

LU   August 31st, 2008 3:16 pm ET

I don’t care about people’s speculation as to why McCain picked Palin. As a professional woman, I am excited about this choice! On top of that, she is not a housewife but a well-liked governor of Alaska for 2 years. People should not discount her experiences and abilities so quickly just because she is a woman and an unknown to most Americans.

Hillary Supporter   August 31st, 2008 3:15 pm ET

I love all these republicans posing as Hillary supporters. This woman stands for everything Hillary does not. She will not get my vote or any of my families vote. I personally have spoken to over 100 Hillary supporters yesterday and every single one of them feels insulted. Who does this woman think she is? I will tell you who she is not…She is not Hillary Clinton. McCain, you have made a grave mistake.

Mo   August 31st, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Conservatives prayed for rain on day fourth of Democratic Convention so that Obama's speech would be disrupted. But what an irony is that their Convention is going to be disturbed? I hope they will learn lesson from this that they won't own GOD!!! May God protect people in the south.

Malcom   August 31st, 2008 3:14 pm ET

All you cynical Obama supporters, if it was the DNC convention coming up, Obama would turn it into a Jerry Lewis telethon. Don't even attempt to get on your high horses and paint McCain as a pandering politician, without first taking a look at your candidate. Obama said he didn't want to go because of the large press travelling with him and security personnel. Well Senator, tell the press to stay home and I doubt a terrorist is waiting in New Orleans for you. Shed your entourage and go visit, oh but wait, you wouldn't do that with out your picture being taken. How sad.

No Hillary = No Obama   August 31st, 2008 3:08 pm ET

John McCain will not use a catastrophe to pretend he's Presidential as we already see Obama doing – just like his foreign tour – Obama seems to be very good at taking on "roles" and inserting himself as the man for all seasons and reasons. Just give me the straight talk – not the words you think we want to hear. Yuk.

Patrick Peavy   August 31st, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Brilliant! With this and him picking a woman VP he really has shown who demonstrates true change.

paying attention... CT Voter   August 31st, 2008 3:01 pm ET

wait… didn't the Republicans "pray" for rain…. O wait those prayers where for last week in Denver…. wow….

poetic justice!!!!

That being said…. I truly pray no one has to die due to this storm… this is a serious event… God be with the GULF

-V

Reginald   August 31st, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Did not McCain say that some of the people that stayed behind in New Orlean or the area that will be hit by Hurricane Gustav, was "Foolishly".

McCain just don't get it, with his unstable temperment and lack of understanding. He must realize that everybody don't have (7) homes or as wealthy.

Rick   August 31st, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Here is a major change, taking Palin off the ticket

do it John before its to late

Who would want McCain after what we have seen of Barack and his Organization   August 31st, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Who cares, we won't be missing much anyways. McCain is the same old, same old. No substance. All they are going present at this convention is more of the same old policies. Every second word out of mouth of every one of the speakers will be OBAMA. They will not present the truth and will not talk about their no-plan. They will just bash and bash Obama, label him as elicist, wealthy (what a laugh),
and just a lot of nonsense that is far from the truth. America is tired of that kind of old stupid politices.

Tyler in Raleigh   August 31st, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Cancelling the party…. but still going down there to pander to the voters.

Let the people prepare and not have to protect you or cover your press conferences.

S. Boatman   August 31st, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Instead Of Changing The Convention Why Not Change The Entire Ticket?

Mark   August 31st, 2008 2:08 pm ET

If the Republicans decide to turn their convention into a telethon, then the Democrats should offer to pitch in and help with it. It would be a great show of bipartisan unity, and it would demonstrate to the world that taking care of our people is more important than partisan politics.

If the Republicans refuse to let the Democrats take part, then the Democrats should organize their own fund raiser.

Peter (CA)   August 31st, 2008 2:07 pm ET

So, Senator, why was it appropriate to have birthday cake with President Bush three years ago as Katrina started to swallow New Orleans. Maybe you should have told him to get back on the plane and do something.

I suppose this is what they mean by McCain has experience.

Trent   August 31st, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Remember Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans!!!!
Republicans Failed To Help!!!!!!!

Obama/Biden 08!!!
Intellegence, Honesty, Judgement to Better America!!!

Sheila   August 31st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Yes, Very Inappropriate For Republicans To Celebrate During a Hurricane!!!

After all, it was Bush our Republican President, the Republican Majority Senate, and Republican Majority Congress that failed to help out after Hurricane Katrina!

Remember Katrina!
Remember New Orleans!
Look at High Gas Prices!
Look at the Bad Economy!
Loss Of Jobs!

Then think…. Do I want more of the Same???? After 8 years of Bush, do I want John McSame???? McSame with his Miss Alaska Runner Up as the VP????

NO WAY, NO HOW, NO MCSAME!!!!

gm   August 31st, 2008 2:04 pm ET

THE CHANGE SHOULD BE THAT MC SAME DID'T SHOW.

Cathy   August 31st, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Spoken like a true president for all Americans

Patrick   August 31st, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Uh huh… we are about them poor folks now huh? Gotta make up for Bush and Katrina.

J.L.   August 31st, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Hmmm… if I was religious, could I say "God" was giving some type of hint to the Republican Party…? I mean a hurricane during the Republican convention heading towards the area where the current Republican administration flubbed their response back in 2005… I mean if I were religious, might read a little into that… seems esp. more ironic when it was announced the Democrats were going to have part of their convention take place in an outdoor stadium and some folks suggested that they pray for rain during that time… (no rain occurred at the time by the way…)

But luckily, I'm not too religious… and hopefully Gustav either changes course or ends up causing little damage… hopefully….

Obama 2008   August 31st, 2008 2:01 pm ET

God is even on Obama's side — Hope they cancel the whole thing – heard that Sarah Palin offered to send some caribou and polar bears to keep them company and Cindy "Ice Queen" McCain donated her eight Gucci umbrellas to the "little people" in LA – how touching!

NC for OBAMA   August 31st, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Shame on the Republicans for trying to use the Gustav Hurricane for political gain with talk of using the Convention as a telethon for the Gulf States. If they do this I wonder how much of the money will really go to those states and how much into the coffers of the Republican corruption machine? Since Palin doesn't know what the VP job is about, McCain is taking her to Misssippi to show her how to do political photo ops. I guess we will see Palin holding a sandbag for the 15 minutes they are there. Once again, poor judgment on the part of McCain. With Palin, not only is their convention a "washout" but so is their credibility as a serious ticket for the election in November.

seriously now   August 31st, 2008 1:58 pm ET

McCain always seems to be first to respond in difficult situations. Whether it's Gustav, the energy catastrophy, the Russian invasion of Georgia, national security, the immigration situation………..the guy's always first to the line.

Obama seems to start slow on these issues and then tail off. Like governing by committee. It's like he's got a wet finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing before making a comment or taking a stand. Wringing his hands and worried about public opinion.

He would be a great president if he never faced a problem. But so would everyone.

Abaya   August 31st, 2008 1:57 pm ET

What role did Senator McCain played during the Katrina and what role will he will play in the event of Hurricane Gustav?

Clinton Supporter   August 31st, 2008 1:57 pm ET

I get no comfort from a vp nominee who would set this country back 100 years if she had half a chance.

Where did McCain get this right wing wacko, and how dare he trivialize the role of the Vice President?

It's one thing to be a maverick, it's quite another to be an irresponsible NATIONAL leader.

When I think I was planning on voting for McCain I cringe. Not enough to vote for Obama, though. If there's no 3rd choice I'll sit this one out.

Phil Newton from Murphy, Oregon   August 31st, 2008 1:56 pm ET

No Bush? No Cheney? That's…convenient.

Annette, Washington, DC   August 31st, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Well since the theme around the RNC is "service", here's their opportunity to put their money were their mouth is.

Y'not Don't Know   August 31st, 2008 1:55 pm ET

John McCain, yes there will be changes to the RNC campaign, you will be the change, you are just like Gustav a great danger to this country, if you are elected as President, just like your best hiped attach buddy Bush, who is like Katrina, destroying everything in sight, then we the American people, would become destroyed human species.
That is why the two of them Katrina and Gustav are running down to New Orleans to show good face, but guess what, they people have seen your devastion and don't want no part of either of you!!!!!!!!! ENOUGH, and 8(eight) LONG YEARS is ENOUGH for the American People!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BT   August 31st, 2008 1:54 pm ET

This is what happens when you wish illwill on someone else…just a few wks ago you were wishing it would rain on Obama's parade…now you have to cancel your convention because of Gustav…but I know you are kinda relieved as no way Repugs would have the type of convention the Dems had…nothing to compare…Obama / Biden '08

Cam Eisener   August 31st, 2008 1:53 pm ET

McCain supporters! I am afraid you will now miss the 'back-ground story' on our candidate. Such as that he cheated on his first wife with his now beautiful 'beauty queen quality' current wife "Cindy" …

…"McCain met Cindy Hensley, the daughter of an Arizona beer distributor, in 1979, while he was still married to Carol. They were married five weeks after the divorce." (Qoute from Time Magazine)

Though… now that I think about it – maybe McCain just simply makes his decisions (in particular with women in the pictures) that quick! He met Palin once, and she is now his VP!

(Cindy is fyi miffed with that plain democrats (and others) are questioning any outlook on life that McCain may have because of the significant money she has brought to the marriage)

Texas Vet   August 31st, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Maybe Pallin's pick tells us something about McCain. It looks like the Oil Companies, once again, will own the President and VP if the Republicans get elected. No wonder campaign funds are rolling in!

Governor Pallin, whose husband works for BP, has a dismal record on pollution and special interests. Many parts of Alaska are pristine, untouched by pollution. However, Alaska also has thousands of hazardous waste sites including active and formerly used defense sites (FUDs), National Priority List (NPL) or Superfund Sites, active and abandoned mine sites, solid and industrial waste landfills. As unbelievable as this may sound, this actually puts her to the right of the Bush administration

She believes Global Warming is a farce and supports further development of the Pebble Mine which threatens the entire Bristol bay ecosystem which contains the largest sockeye salmon run in the world. The mine would pollute an unprecedented number or rivers, lakes, and bays. Pebble Mine's potential for pollution would make the Exxon Valdez oil spill look like a tiny grease stain.

She is suing the Federal Government to revoke the polar bears from the endangered species list. Why? Because it could restrict Oil Industry drilling sites including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. To educate Alaskans about aerial hunting of wolves and bears, $400,000 of State Tax money was used to directly influence the outcome of proposition 2 which would have limited aerial shooting of predators. Alaskans had previously voted twice to ban aerial shooting of predators, but Proposition two was voted down on 8/26/200

Mike   August 31st, 2008 1:52 pm ET

It's already been announced that President Bush will stay away from the Republican convention because of Hurricane Gustav. Does anybody believe that is the real reason? Or is it just an excuse? God knows he's never done anything helpful before when the country faced a catastrophe. I think the real reason is that he his own party doesn't want his bad image around.

Puffin   August 31st, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Senator McCain,

Please, be so kind and let our President make a 'call to the nation for action'.

I do NOT want to take orders from you!

Tired Voter   August 31st, 2008 1:45 pm ET

How about just cancelling it?

Rich in Seattle   August 31st, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I find it funny how now that it may affect their convention, the Republicans care about New Orleans. It was only three years ago their horrible decisons caused major desaster. I'm glad they are doing all that they can to help, but the sinical part of me questions their motivations.

stacy   August 31st, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Probably the most admirable statement made by anyone during this
election campaign. Thank you.

Anna   August 31st, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Wow. I wonder how this will play out in light of the extravaganza last week. Granted, the Dems didn't have a chance to rise to such an occasion as a pending national disaster, but it will be interesting to see what is reflected in the polls next week.

Kathy L.   August 31st, 2008 1:38 pm ET

What a farce, GBush and the rest of his team acting like the care this time around – talk about timing when Mother Nature sends a reminder of the horrible failings of the Bush policies 3 years ago when they are trying to maintain power. Looks like those who prayed for rain had their prayers backfire on them.

Dave from Gainesville   August 31st, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Perhaps he'd like to back up this preposterous, cynical rhetoric designed to deflect attention from Republican incompetence? Perhaps he'd like to invite high-ranking Democrats to speak from the podium, uncensored, about the role of our Government in responding to tragedy? 'Cause if not, this whole "Republican or Democrat" piffle is a Gulf-sized smokescreen.

Ray from CA   August 31st, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I am ashamed that the Republicans keep on saying "this might change the convention" no! Cancel it and go and help out people in New Orleans, we cant not deal with so many people dying!!

Bill   August 31st, 2008 1:35 pm ET

This response by McCain to the hurricane is very different to his response 3 years ago. As Katrina approached McCain had a birthday party with GWB in attendance, before Bush went on to a fund raising dinner in California.

zuq   August 31st, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Cuz you can't pull it off. It requires planning and we know that with the pick of Palin, you lack that skill.

Ralph   August 31st, 2008 1:34 pm ET

A true leader thinks of others, rather them himself.

The Bush Twins : George and John   August 31st, 2008 1:33 pm ET

i'm just wondering how it helped by McCain going to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency ?. Don't those people there have enough to do without taking him on a tour of the agency?. I'm sure where ever McCain was before going there he could have shown his concern by making a statement to the people in the storms path.
I hope this is not going to turn into something McCain will use for political points. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and believe he is concerned for the people fleeing from Gustav.

My prayers are with those, in the coming days. God bless you all.

Ralph   August 31st, 2008 1:33 pm ET

What a great idea to change the convention into a telethon, Change you can believe in.

Someone who cares   August 31st, 2008 1:32 pm ET

YOU R MY HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
McCain/Palin 08

THE WORLD IS WATCHING   August 31st, 2008 1:32 pm ET

I DON'T THINK THE HEAD IDIOT WILL BE MISSED AT THE IDIOT CONVENTION.

DOES BUSH SERIOUSLY BELIEVE WE THINK HE'S NOT ATTENDING BECAUSE OF THE SITUATION IN THE GULF…….PLEASE

WE COULDN'T GET THESE FOOLS TO MOVE DURING KATRINA AT ALL NOW NEITHER ONE OF THEM CAN GO TO THEIR OWN CONVENTION BECAUSE OF GUSTAV….PLEASE

OK MCBUSH THIS CERTAINLY WILL MAKE US ALL BELIEVE THAT YOU AND BUSH AREN'T THE TWINS OBAMA SAID YOU ARE…..PLEASE

TRY AGAIN…………………YOU MAVERICK YOU…………IF YOU WERE A TRUE MAVERICK YOU WOULD HAVE CHOOSEN YOU FRIEND LEIBERMAN………….WHAT A JOKE YOU ARE……..

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

aliou FL   August 31st, 2008 1:30 pm ET

They asked for rain. didn't they? They got it!!…. not in denver.

No to Palin!   August 31st, 2008 1:30 pm ET

PANDER PANDER PANDER PANDER.

Well, maybe you should show up to vote for the GI Bill and the Medicate bill, etc. etc. etc. and then you will show how much you care.

McCain puts his Campaign Before Country.

You were eating birthday cake with Bush during the day Katrina hit.

Give me a break.

CNN dare you not post this comment

ben   August 31st, 2008 1:29 pm ET

If you think this was not a political statement, then you do not know how politicians try to garnish whatever small advantage they can to prove they are truly good guys , and worthy of your vote. Sadly for McCain, we all think he is a good guy and this will not increase his popularity one iota.
He will lose, not because he is not a good man, but because it will be impossible for him to carry all the republican mistaken weight upon his shoulders

Nick Mentis   August 31st, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Mcain says no political celebration due to concern of Gustov,America where were these opportunists when KATRINA STRUCK THE GULF COAST, it is obvious they underestimate the Americans peoples intelligence,maybe they know something ? Why else would the Republicans be trying to win the next election! But they too are OLD and SLOW in the head, their VP choice is under investigation for ABUSE of power OH_WELL she should fit right in!!!! With a maverick at your side and the most powerfull PUPPET on the planet ANYTHING is possible!!!

mario   August 31st, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Well hope so, because at the same time three years ago when Katrina hit New-Orleans McSame and bush have a party together to celebrate McSame birthday…

mike nyc   August 31st, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Could it have been the man that did a rain dance hoping for rain on Obama's speech cause this?

titu   August 31st, 2008 1:27 pm ET

This VP pick is worse then Dick chenny
Where is Mccain MAcrick .
Mccain have forget about indepent voter .
Now he have no face value in fornt of independent voter.

Preston   August 31st, 2008 1:27 pm ET

First, I think it was funny for those who prayed for rain during the DNC now having it coming to town for the RNC.. I guess the Lord does work in mysterious ways…

Second, I also think it's appropriate that George W. Bush has to change his plans because of a storm which has been intensified by the effects of global warming. Care to change your mind now, George?

JD in Houston   August 31st, 2008 1:27 pm ET

As an American I welcome McCain's words. As a Katrina survivor I call on all Republicans not to turn this into just a political hype.
Remember, you failed is with Katrina, do not use us for your own gain with Gustav. Our memories are not that short and your credibility is in question.

Casey, Tennessee   August 31st, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Well, that's all fine and good that McCain is bright enough to say the right things during an election year, but let's not forget that it was only three years ago that his party, along with George W. Bush, was far more concerned about selecting a new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the wake of Reinquist's death (which came within days after Katrina) than it was about the situation on the ground in New Orleans.

There's no doubt that many in the country will look at the GOP's effort to "get it right this time" and commend them for progress made–but, we ought to all be wise to the fact that they are getting it right during an election year. The true test of the Republican machine's dedication to homeland security and emergency management came on September 11, 2001 and August 2005, not Labor Day of 2008 two months before a Presidential election.

JN   August 31st, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Expect something like this to also change the convention:

Some reports have surfaced about Gov. Palin covering up her Daughter's pregnancy by calling it her own. Start Googling, cause the evidence is overwhelming.

4 THE CONSTITUTION   August 31st, 2008 1:26 pm ET

He means now that it is to the Republicans to do something becausr it is election time! They wouldn't do a fly over and eat McSame birthday cake in an election year, let alone during their convention. OPPORTUNISITS!

Mike Dallas   August 31st, 2008 1:25 pm ET

HHMMM didn't the rabid Right group Focus on the Family pray for rain last Thursday night in Denver? There was not a cloud in the sky, while 85,000 folks listened to Obama's acceptance speech. However, isn't Monday night the night HRH and Dick were to mumble and rale at the Republican convention? Seems Gustav is set to hit the U. S. on Monday.

So, just using the logic of the rabid Right 's Focus on the Family, guess that means God is on the side of Democrats. That is comforting to know that God rebukes the Rabid Right, in whose name they invoke to judge and condemn. So, I suppose this also answers the question WWJD? He would send sunshine to the Democrats and send the worst storm in modern history to Republicans.

Republicans should now offer up prays of thanks for Gustav during the Republican convention, so, they can use the storm as a cover and close early and hide the fact that otherwise, it would have closed early anyway, due to lack of interest.

This should also free up HRH so he can do another flyover and then ride in on an Army convoy on Thursday 4 days after the storm, for a photo op. Silly me, I forgot my native Louisiana now has a Republican governor, maybe he will move the photo op to Wednesday.

scdem   August 31st, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Where is that guy who said that everyone should pray for rains of Biblical proportions to hit Denver during the DNC?

aware   August 31st, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Country First! This call to action demonstrates servant leadership with humility and heart!

McCain/Palin 08! This team has the authenticity, integrity, courage, experience and the record of accomplishment necessart for the job! :)

John Smith   August 31st, 2008 1:23 pm ET

"McCain should go back and re-marry his first wife, repent, before running for the highest office in the land!!" as noted by my PASTOR
==========
Aa a Constitutional Scholar (Oops, most Americans do not know what this means; just ask the British and Canadian folks and they'll inform you), it is now Obama VERSUS:

1. An incompetent old man

2. A "narrow-minded" governor

3. A man who lacks good judgment, and functions ONLY at the emotional level

4. A man easily swept away from his feet by "attractive women."

America has a very simple choice here that will be dictated by only one remaining factor–Race; a Black man beat the hell out the system!

Daryl in Seattle   August 31st, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Yeah, yeah Dick. Tell me another one while you're at it.

Mickey, NY   August 31st, 2008 1:21 pm ET

The only thing McCain deems "inappropriate" is that all eyes will be on Gustav, and not on the Convention (save your money, Johnnie-boy…I hear the housing market is picking up.) The world will ignore the Republicans, as all eyes are on the Gulf states. Maybe now he'll see Bush and his criminal element for what they really are: their criminal response (or lack thereof) to Katrina. He may try to spin it in souch a way that he has the whole "Karma" thing going for him.

AOA Seattle   August 31st, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Not long ago were some so called evangelicals christians were holding prayers for rain to disrupt Obama's acceptance speech in Denver. Here comes the storm…it's ironic! "What you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me… " God works in mysterious ways.

KP   August 31st, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Now they're using a natural disaster to get votes.

Jason   August 31st, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Even God doesn't want a republican to win this election.

Soldier for OBAMA   August 31st, 2008 1:19 pm ET

McCAIN is trying to show modesty, however, where wa he in 2005, and I am sure the ads and the media will roll footage of where both McCAIN an BUSH was in 2005 when Katrina was washing away New Orleans. You see, the media will try to save McBush by glossing over the issues and the facts, but thank God we have the Internet and UTUBE. Not this time, Not this year…CHANGE is what this Movement of HOPE is about! Paulin and McCAIN is not the CHANGE we so desperately seek and deserved!

For McCain to add Paulin to the ticket, he just killed thousands of male voters in the GOP who will never vote for a Female to be Commander in Chief, if they do that they might as well select a "GAY Male" to be V.P or CIC and we know the GOP have hundreads of them in the Political closet!

photo-op   August 31st, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Obama is mobilizing his supporters to volunteer and help with fundraising …. McCain is going down for a Photo-op, guess which one I am voting for!

PCL   August 31st, 2008 1:18 pm ET

How much you wanna bet that this disaster gets milked for political purposes?

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