CNN

I find it pretty funny to see McCain next to a monitor that is measuring his windage as he speaks. Pretty impressive!

McCain is thankful for this time...you can tell things were spinning out of control after this VP pick-now he get to take a breath-he gets rid of Bush & Cheney-it gives little miss sinshine to prepare for the question portion of the pagent-remember now you can't use "I want world peace".
Him and his peeps were being bombarded this morning with question re vp-stopping the party, stops the spotlight

McCain being in the Mississippi area is pointless show-boating. He can't do anything at this point. Even as a Senator. The evacuations and preparations don't need his authority to proceed or get any more done. It doesn't show that he cares more than others that he went there. That was simply show-boating.

As others have said, the McCain website has no mention of the hurricane at all. The Obama website has news on who you can contact if you want to help as well as contact information if you live in the area and need help getting out.

Altering the RNC Convention was the right thing to do though.

I find it disgusting that McCain would say it was time to take off his Republican hat and put on his American hat. He is making it seem like when is Republican hat is on, he is not American. Obama seems able to keep his Democratic hat on while still being a caring and concerned American.

YOU BRAG UP OBAMA NOW ABOUT KATRINA. HE SURE DIDN'T GO THERE EARLIER THIS YR. WHEN THEY WANTED HIM TO. HRC DID. YOU NAIVE LOST MINDED O.B. SUPPORTERS FORGET SO SOON. HIS EXCUSE WAS TO KEEP GOING IN HIS RACE. HRC WAS LOOSIN AND STILL WENT TO THEIR SIDES ,AND A FUNERAL FOR A FELLOW OFFICER. SO YOU MORONS DONT COME WEAK AGAINST MCCAIN. WORRY ABOUT YOUR CANIDATE. HE IS SO FULL OF B.S. ,AND YOU ALL KISS THE GROUND HE WALKS ON. THERE IS A SAYING .WHAT GLITTERS IS NOT ALWAYS GOLD THINK ABOUT IT .

While John McCain was beginning to express concern for the situation two days ago, all O-blah-blah could say, " Well, I hope they don't make the same mistakes this time." And what, exactly, did O-blah-blah do to help during the Katrina disaster?

McCain/Palin - to bring respect and sanity back to this great country!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why does McCain read everything. Even with a simple introduction he seems unsure. He!, the next President..?. Come on McCain..you can do better. Can you?

McCain is doing the right thing by limiting the Convention and paying attention to the Gustav INSTEAD of celebrating his birthday with President Bush during Katrina.

IT'S JUST VERY UNFORTUNATE that it takes McCain running for President for him to really care this time around.

God, please watch over all those in Gustav's path!

I guarantee you John Mccain will use this hurricane to his advantage... he'll do anything to make himself look powerful and noble and strong, and to get a vote.
I don't trust him, and his choice of candidate for Vice president makes me question his judgement even more.
Our country is doomed if he and Palin win this election.

I am praying for the people in the Gulf Coast States. I hope everyone makes it out safely.

Did anyone see the video of McCain in Washington PA yesterday? He had to read from a card the name of his vice president and where she came from.....oh my god. He doesn't even know who his running with him.

As far as the RNC, they should just make a post on CNN or at the convention center which reads: 2008 Republican National Convention..... please refer to the 2004 and 2000 convention for more our stance on the issues and what we are going to do for the country!!

Go OBAMA/BIDEN.!!!!!!

The Dems are not politicizing Gustav, but the Republicans certainly are. Because Bush decided NOT to initially visit the Katrina damage, it has made his handlers nervous whenever a natural disaster has befallen any region in the US ever since. It shouldn't preclude him or Cheney from making a brief appearence at the RNC, however. Aren't they supposed to work with one another anyway? The simple "inconvenient truth" is that Bush and Cheney's appearance, even early in the convention and as distant as possible from McCain's acceptance speech, will still serve as a reminder of the blunders of the current administration. McCain's handlers would have liked nothing better than to avoid that stigma, and now they have an excuse to do so. As our thoughts turn to those who are in harm's way, I can't help but believe this is less about them, and more about distancing the presumptive GOP candidate from the reminders of a failed president and his policies.

Look up McCain's voting record for the Katrina investigation.

Some americans still remember seeing images of americans drowning on tv and the disinterest of both Bush and McCain – it was all about THE WAR ON TERROR IN IRAQ. Where are those WMDS? Meanwhile americans struggle for life.

Let them eat cake. Brother...give it a rest repubs. You can't take the high ground with such bankrupt ethics and morals.

I'm in full support of the RNC for making this decision. It's in full accordance with the RNC position on service to country. Instead of putting all of our hopes in Washington, we should put more trust in each other and serve each other. This decision is perfectly in line with the Republican philosophy of neighbor helping neighbor in times of need. Forget Washington for the moment! Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work on this problem on the Gulf Coast. Thanks, RNC.

Remember, Bush and Cheney decided not to attend the convention first, then the whole show was abbreviated. This was a quick way out for a very unpopular president.

No one prays for a hurricane that can hurt people, but McCain and company are actually very lucky to have a reason NOT to try to defend the Bush policies for four days.

Ollie Member of PUMA - McCain was having birthday cake with Bush during Katrina that is a fact look it up. This has nothing to do with Obama supporters and everything to do with how phony republicans are.

May God be with all the people od Loisinia and any other cities/sates that may be effected by this terrible storm. To all the people who will have to stay during the storm: the sick, the firefeighters, the police, the volunteers, doctors, nurses, and all others please be safe and know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many people Be safe and know that you are cared about.

CONTINUED EXPERIENCE.........WHO DIDN’T KNOW? The July firing of Alaska Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan by Gov. Sarah Palin, who was announced as John McCain's running mate on Friday, has unearthed a stream of soap-opera-like details about Palin, her husband, her family and top state appointees. The controversy has also cut against Palin's reputation for holding an ethical line and standing up to colleagues in the Republican Party over matters of principle. Monegan, 57, a respected former chief of the Anchorage Police Department, said in an interview with The Washington Post's James V. Grimaldi on Friday that the governor repeatedly brought up the topic of her ex-brother-in-law, Michael Wooten, after Monegan became the state's commissioner of public safety in December 2006. Palin's husband, Todd, met with Monegan and presented a dossier of information about Wooten, who was going through a bitter custody battle with Palin's sister, Molly. Monegan also said Sarah Palin sent him e-mails on the subject, but Monegan declined to disclose them, saying he planned to give them to a legislative investigator looking into the matter. Palin initially denied that she or anyone in her administration had ever pressured Monegan to fire the trooper, but this summer acknowledged more than a half a dozen contacts over the matter, including one phone call from a Palin administration official to a state police lieutenant. The call was recorded and was released by Palin's office this month. Todd Palin told a television reporter in Alaska that he did meet with Monegan, but said he was just "informing" Monegan about the issue, not exerting pressure.

EXPERIENCED IN WHAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

McCain IS politicizing Gustav with his useless visit to an evacuation site as if that makes a different, his constant media getting attention of his silly announcements all day and now claiming he is the one who wants NOT to politicize it. You people just fall for his BS all the time.

Obama is being a true leader by constantly keeping in touch with the people on the ground, letting the commanders do their work and standing prepared to give them whatever they ask for to be successful.He was also the forst one to call for bipartisan support.

The hurricane works for McSame. His blunder for a VP choice can sneak into the race without standing up and making a complete fool of herself. This will happen in her debate. What worries me is the report they are going to speak FROM the storm area. How stupid. McSame is NOT the president and will only get in the way. John, Go home, have a birthday party, invite George and eat cake and leave the real work to the people who have been hire to do it.

what do u think obama is doing talking to homeland security its the same thing BOTH men just want to get elected ok people. obamas also peandering to people what can he really do ? nothing cause hes not in charge so its just smoke and mirrors. just like asking people to donate to the relief efforts smoke and mirrors. same with mccain hes not the presedent so he cant do anything either.

Republicans politicize everything. they use the conservative media as their tool of propaganda as if they care the GOP are no different the fascism.

Of course, the Republican hypocrits are going to use this tragedy to their advantage. Why wasn't McCain's response to Katrina so URGENT? The only way that this Convention would have been better than the Democrats would have been for Jesus to descend from the clouds with a flask of wine and some fish for the partygoers. If that doesn't happen...BORING!!!

Wildwood Crest, NJ

McCain-Palin in 2008!! Experience you can believe in.

McCain just cancel your campaign all together you tool

To NClaw411 – Just because Alaska is so close to Russia does not give Palin foreign policy experience. Neither is attending a few PTA meetings before becoming a governor that is not even 2 years old. Why all of a sudden does experience not matter anymore to you right wing tools?

I will take a good speaker with good ideas any day before I take a lousy speaker with no ideas.

To all of you people on this blog who do not have good judgement and believe Palin has the experince to lead this country if anything happens to McCain are not being truthful.

McCain has put the lives of all americans in danger by picking an unqualified woman on his ticket. He is 72 yrs and and has suffered from cancer. He may not make the 4 yrs. This woman is going to lead this country and become the commander and chief.? I really don't believe the American peole are this stupid.

I am really scared for America, and its future. Obama does have more experince this this woman. Who is she ? Most of the people have never heard of her? I am from Washington state and I have heard is she is being investigated. Like Charles Barkley said,and I agree. " I have never heard of this woman Palin but I know she is in trouble".

We women are not stupid, she is no Hillary Clinton!. She will not get my vote!

The REAL Americans are the ones who have made trips down to New Orleans and the Mississippi Coast (on their vacation time) to help residents clean up and rebuild or relocate. If it weren't for churches (across the theological spectrum), rebuilding would be far behind where it is. The Bush administration has been largely unhelpful on the clean-up/rebuild. As one person who has gone to Lakeview, Gentilly and E. New Orleans to help homeowners, I am heartsick at the thought of similar damage being done again, and praying for the residents there. It is hard to understand what these folks went through unless you have a chance to hear their stories firsthand. And it's incredibly hard to think about it happening all over again.

Perhaps it is time to rethink which parts of the City ought to be rebuilt. If storms like this are going to happen every three years, then maybe the "buildable" parts of the City need to be above sea level and buffered by the (now filled in) wetlands.

Quite the irony...the RNC was praying for rain during the DNC convention!!!

These Obama supporters have no shame. Your fellow citizens are in need and all McCain says is get together and help our poeple. You guys use this opportunity to make a political jab against McCain?
If this is the attitude of you people, I really hope Obama goes down the drain on the election day.
Shame on you indeed!

And again, where is obambi ??? Serving self interest again ??? Just like he was when he skipped the BLACK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS 2008 in New Orleans. Just like he skipped the MLK DAY in Memphis. Now can my fellow Black Americans see who this guy really is ???

President John McCain 2008 !!!

And I was never even in the military, but I just have much more common sense than the average joe. Do you really need a college degree to see right though a farce ??? No. You need common sense. And let me tell you first hand, you can only learn that from one place...life !!!

Obambi is that used care salesman, with a lot full of lemons...ON STEROIDS !!!

The RNC will use any excuse to cancel their convention because they know that nothing McCain says will deliver like Obama's speech did.

McCain makes a gesture not to politicize Hurricane Gustav, and the libs here politicize THAT!!

As for Palin, she has more experience, by a long shot, than Obama, and she is only running for VP. If the worst were to happen and McCain were to die in office, wouldn't Palin get to choose a VP, just as Obama has done? She would not be on her own.

Finally, if anyone is politicizing Gustav, it is Obama and Biden, who have no valid interest in the issue. Neither is from New Orleans, and neither has any experience at FEMA. It is they who are pandering.

God and Gustav are trying to tell you something....we'll have our say November 4, 2008....no how no way NO McCain...right now though all of our prayers go out to those fellow Americans who will feel the impact of this force of destruction, i mean the storm as opposed to the GOP... God Bless you all and God speed

Why is CNN giving John McCain and Rich Davis so much air time about suspending the Republican convention in advance of a hurricane that might strike the Gulf Coast? A simple one minute announcement could be given instead of making the Republicans look presidential-looking in the face of a potential disaster. The time should be given to current government officials and weather experts instead of making it look like they are the only good guys worrying about the American people.

He offered the planes for the delegates who wanted to go back to their homes...he didnt send or force them to go. Amazing how libs can try to spin anything.

I must say, I am truly sicked by the degree of cynicism from which a number of people commenting on this story appear to be suffering. It must be eating them alive alive. I mean, we are on the verge of a national tragedy and all they can do is to revert back to counterproductive, political name calling. Barack Obama is supposed to represent Americans moving beyond this type of corrosive cynicism.

So, suppose that "McCain and co." are doing this for show. Is there really anything that they could do that wouldn't cause you to indulge in petty skepticism? No matter what the Republicans do, none you will be satisfied. Imagine what you would be saying if McCain decided to have the Republican convention as scheduled; I can just image the snarky comments and trashing talking that would go on. I recommend a large dose of what you Dr. Obama has been prescribing: rising above cynicism and partisanship to confront serious threats to our country as AMERICANS. You people need to get over yourselves... seriously.

For the comment about McCain chartering his delegates a plane to Louisiana, it was to PICK UP THEIR FAMILIES AND BRING THEM BACK – did you understand that Aliou or do I need to write it in French?

seriously people? For what ever reason he has done it, he has chosen to do the right thing. You folks might hate republicans and think they are evil, but admit it. It was the right thing to do. Does your boy Obama do the right thing? Did he truly try to find away to count Florida and Michigans delegates when it actually mattered if they did? Has he taken to a new style of campaigning? Why hasn't he worked for town hall debates like he said he would? Did he admit the " surge " in Iraq was working when it was with out a doubt doing so or did he choose to keep saying it wasn't, not encouraging are troops? Did he stay committed to campaign finance reform as he said he would? Did he choose Hillary? or did he treat her like dirt? Simple questions

Guess what folks you have been fooled. The man you picked, who ran on a new type politics and that he was not a politician , is exactly what you hate. He is the same old politcian through and through, just really good at it.

New type of politics = McCain ( with a record of working for reform ) and Palin ( with a record of working for reform, though yes a short record )

No change = Obama ( a man who says he is about change, a new type of politics but has run his campaign like and old fashion politician with no real record of bringing change) and Biden ( a veteran like McCain but his record shows no reform, no working with the other side )

Not saying you have to like the republicans but you have to admit you have been suckered by your guy. And my Guy just did the right thing.

Ok, so McCain is "political" for postponing the RNC, but then you would say he is putting politics before his fellow citizens if he didn't cancel the RNC. What's he supposed to do? Maybe he should have promised ice cream for everyone like Barry O did at his little speech last Thursday. You Obama libs are hilarious. I've never seen such a big group of whiners in my life.

I was wondering when the idiot dems would respond to this. I am surprised they did not blame the storm on Bush, that somehow he created it to make him look good. The liberals would never say anything good about Republicans, no matter what. Bush is responding because he now understands his priorities, and so does McCain. If this was the dems, their convention would have went a\on, will all the pompus fanfare and would have blamed Bush for using military action to create the storm. What is sure, is that the dems that respond in the negative, always, are the are the same braindead people who voting for Obama.

Bush, no matter what you feel everyday, every minute, with liberals who can never say anything good about you, who probably have a tremendous amount to be thankful for, they are at least 60 million in this country who appreciate you, and appreciate the fact that I and my family, and my neighbors have not been blown to pieces from terrorists.

May God give you the strength to continue to protect us, take care of the storm victims, and this country in this time of need, no matter how much the liberal media and the the other braindead millions who spend their days bashing our Commander-In-Chief, because they sit on their big fat butts, in their big cars and homes complaining.

By the way, I can't even afford a home, and I can't make a single paycheck stretch to the next one, but this is not your fault, we, as the people of American have forgotten how to be responsible for our neighbors, and use the government as a scapegoat for all our problems.

The Last American, who still loves this country...

Give it a break LIBERALS! What would the Dems and Obama done if the storm had hit last week. You can't blame everything on McCain or the Administration. Guess you'll say anything negative at this point. Your party has no clear plan on how to handle anything...just blame everything on someone else. The folks in New Orleans (local authorities) learned a tough lesson with Katrina. Bet they will listena dn get out of town this time!

Obama and Biden are up on a roof top somewhere in Ohio right now discussing how good looking they are... Presidential material? NO!!! .. .McCain and Palin are telling the fund raising event organizers at the RNC to raise money for the hurricane victims instead of for his campaign. Enough Said.

You bloggers are pathetic. The convention is an event to nominate a nominee to run for POTUS. McCain must make decisions as to the direction it will take. Guarantee there won't be thousands of dollars wasted on fireworks, and Roman pillars.

McCain I will never forget the Republican's reaction and neglect during Katrina. Please do not use this storm as a photo-op. It was your party that prayed for a torrential storm last week. You just did not get it when you wanted it, but don't take advantage of other's suffering. It's disgraceful.

I am amazed at the complaints from people, who I guess are supporting Obama, as I am, that what McCain is doing is just political theater. There are times when we are American first and Democrats or Republicans second.

I do find what is happening now in New Orleans interesting. I lived in New Orleans in 1965 when Hurricane Betsy came through. 76 people died. The damages were 1.65 billion (in 1965 dollars). There was no evacuation. Evacuations are a new thing.

We will see what happens with this storm in a few hours. If things are now handled well there will be plenty of time then to asign blame. Now the thing we should be doing is praying for the people of Louisiana.

When all is said and done, they will see these conventions as follows

Dems, all party with God-like Obama-opolis show at the end.

McCain will be a strong leader and help the people of Louisiana and turn his convention into a community service event raising money and giving help where needed.

AJ Knee

The reason why the polls are messed up because most folks uses a cellphone and polls are only conducted by landlines.

This Gimmick McCain Joker should keep thinking he's close in the polls so when the news after Nov 4th breaks he can make that crazy face for another photo op.

"Over"

I find it remarkable and a bit disturbing how truly Wrathful Obama supporters seem to come across as..

Senator McCain wasn't responsible for the horrendous support Katrina Victims received.. President Bush was..

Turn the tables around.. Can you truly say that "Mr.Change" would have brought down his "TEMPLE OF OBAMA" in the DNC should he been in this situation?

This isn't a game. . When Gustav plows through the gulf it will leave behind a wake of destruction across the south. At least McCain can recognize what kind of negative message celebrating at a time like this can have.

I wouldn't wish another Katrina on anyone. I hope the people in the path get through this safely and their property unscathed.

But after the GOP preacher was enticing people to pray for Obama's event to get rained out and after Bush & McCain celebrated McCain's birthday cake during Katrina the last time, I won't have much sympathy for McCain if weather takes out his "celebration". Though unlike the preacher, I don't wish for it and will be a little disappointed if they don't have it.

Where was all the Republican/Mc Bush heilp during Katrina. Oh, yeah, they had a bithday party-seeing as it was not before an election!

It is rather ironic that this harricane happens just when Republicans are having their convention. You remember that they were praying for rain on the day when Obama was going to have his speech in stadium, but they got the best weather and a had a wonderful time. God surely is punishing Republicans for their ill will against Democrats.

I disagree with other commenters. I believe all of them have full of hatred that they can not change. I thought you guys looking for change? Will you comments the same way if this was during the DNC?

He is not the President says: Why is he holding a press conference on the storm like he is the President??? He is pandering on the National news!!! In his opinion, all is going well??? So he watched CNN like everybody else about the progress of the evacuation. What does that prove??? We were not impressed.

Hello in there!!! I believe Obama had a press conference early in the day as well?! McCain was letting people know what would be happening or not happening at the convention as a result of expected events....how is that taking on the presidents role? Do you realize lots of people hold press conferences?

You can never please some people....if he had proceeded as normal, he would have been criticized for not caring. God help us all....this is getting so ridiculous....people never give their opponent any credit for just acting human.

That's right Obama supporters, keep making your hateful remarks about John McCain and saying that you are running a different kind of campaign. OBAMA FOR NO CHANGE

Nice of the Obama guy LAUGHING about the hurricane....really nice...
This will absolutely prove who has the leadership to run our country. Certainly NOT the Obama crew.

GO McCAIN/PALIN!

Pandering this time does not erase the memory nor make up for the obscene Bush McCain fund raising bash they threw themselves while Katrina devastated the gulf coast.

I agree Sara. If McCain didn't make the trip down, all the comments would be – How can he NOT go. I think he and the GOP look very good right now and have made a sacrifice by cancelling their convention and putting their efforts toward fundraising for the victims. To that point, I haven't heard anything from the Obama camp about giving any of their millions or mobilizing any of their supporters to help this cause. I guess he prefers parties and speeches.
As a former Hillary supporter, I vote McCain.

Typical liberal comments here on the CNN site! McCain would be damed by most of you no matter what he and Sarah Palin decided to do right? He is doing the right thing by placing the spot light where it needs to be, which is this storm approaching our gulf coast line. What really bothered you in what McCain said, was it the part where he said we should "pray" for the best? You are going to be so suprised when your man Obama loses to the "old" man and the "inexperienced" female, who will really bring about change to our country by taking the pork out of bills coming out of congress, instead of just being the same old stuff that Joe Biden offers to our country. Palin and McCain have both fought for reform and less spending, tell us what kind of reforms that Obama bought about in Chicago, not a thing becaused he refused to buck the system there!

I'm sure that McCains advice came from his very experienced and internationally renowned VP pick Sarah....what's her name. What's a republican to do! Your message will not be seen or heard, It;s being drowned out. What goes around....comes around!!!

Come on guys...Can you let go of your anger and pray?

I'm totally against McCain , however they are acting appropriately and pandering in this issue no more or less than the democratic side.

I think if McCain would have a good judgement, he would cancel the RNC altogether before it turns into another republican disaster – didn't they have enough disasters over the pas 8 years already?:
Bush/Cheney/9-11/Iraq/Katrina/economy/healthcare/McCain/Palin
It's a shame!

mccain you can say whatever you wanna say,we did not forget about katrina yet.

I think it makes total sense to hold off on things until this blows through. I live in Texas and hurricanes are truly dangerous and scary things. I am in the possible path of this thing and shame on all of you who think this is a joke. If the RNC turns the convention into a fundraising effort, more power to them and all the more reason for me to vote for them. After reading what's been written here, I'm going straight ticket – something I've never done.

What the RNC is doing makes far more sense than what we witnessed last week – what amounted to a bunch of searchers or something praying to Obama in front of a temple. Right now, it's not even about politics, it's about Americans and their well being in the face of something that could be devastating – until you have walked in those shoes, I would suggest keeping your thoughts to yourself rather than attack someone who is trying to come up with a solution.

Thank you George W. Bush, John McCain and the RNC for all that you are doing.

We are all concerned about the fate of the residents of the Gulf Coast and especially the beautigul cityof New Orleans. But, for John McCain to make this a political speech, which is exactly what he was doing, regardless of the altruistic theme, he was doing what normally the current president would do if he were competent at all, is inexcusable. I hope the Obama campaign demands equal time to express their concern for our fellow citizens. McCain was not even needed to make a statement. The RNC and it leaders had that responsibility. This was nothing more than political grandstanding on McCain's part. Shame on him and shame on CNN if it doesn't offer Obama equal time.

Check out his voting record on funding for Katrina Relief. Actions speak louder than words.

all the best

obama-biden o8/12

McCains records on Katrina, what has changed? Oh wait its election time!!

' Forty Senators and 100 members of Congress visited New Orleans before he [McCain] did; he finally got there in March 2006. He voted against establishing a Congressional commission to examine the Federal, State, and local responses to Katrina in med-September 2005. He repeated that vote in 2006. He voted against allowing up to 52 weeks of unemployment benefits to people affected by the hurricane, and in 2006 voted against appropriating $109 billion in supplemental emergency funding, including $28 billion for hurricane relief.

McCain's False FEMA promise:

'In the Senate, he consistently voted against more funds for FEMA [the Federal Emergency Management Agency], against making it an independent agency as it had been in the 1990s, and even against the creation of a commission to investigate how the government failed after Katrina. That indifference to learning from experience and adjusting accordingly is a central characteristic of movement conservatism.'

Walk the talk or get out of the way

Cancelling this shows McCain cares about our country. The people in LA need our prayers and support. I waswaiting to see who I would vote for and the VP sealed it. I approve of McCains choice. I usually don't vote repubilican but this year I will.

McCain truely has no idea what he is doing. He has no chance of winning. He is trying his hardest but he is failing miserably. Can you imagine being a republican right now? How hard must it be for these guys. They have an incompetent leader, a VP choice who even McCain barely knows, and a convention which they have been preparing months and months for, down the drain. Gah, you republicans have my sympathy... I would never vote republican, but both parties deserve proper leadership... if McCain were picked 8 years ago when he ran in the primaries against bush, I don't think he would be perceived as the misguided individual he has become.

I am glad that the RNC has chosen to be appropriate during this time, and the Democrats are not using this time either to make this time political. However, it disappoints me that people that place these comments would do so at this time. If the RNC had not done this we would hear "they don't care about anyone." Let's stop complaining about what McCain and/or Obama are doing at this time and worry about those in need. This is a storm that neither party created . We need to work together

All for political reasons only. Bush and Cheney should suspend their attendance, particularly since they are a ball and chain on the party anyway. However, there is no reason to suspend the rest of the activities, since there is nothing that can be done by any of the attendees anyway. Entirely illogical, and unfortunate that these decisions are based not on altruistic reasons but political ones. Quite frankly, if New Orleans is hit again so be it. To rebuild a city and the famous "Lower 9th Ward" in the same place and same manner as before was lunacy. Maybe someone will wise up this time. I'm sorry they are going through it again, but I'm not able to drum up much sympathy considering they could have rebuilt somewhere else.

I have great faith in Senator McCain's leadership abilities. His ability to work across partisan lines to put the well-being of the country first has earned him my vote.

Jen, Former Hillary Clinton Supporter

From North of the Border,

Everyone's a critic. I wonder what Obama would have done if this had happened last weekend?

Can't let a natural disaster steal the spotlight . . .or more likely spotlight this administration's epic failure to do anything to restore NO after Katrina. Especially during their little celebration to highlight all their stunning success during these past 8 years.

Now he want's to turn it into a sideshow in the name of helping storm victims. Where was the fundraiser and "acting like Americans" when it wasn't an election year? Pathetic.

I just read this on one of the other blogs on the topic of "How McCain chose his VP"…it touched my heart…

…..Obama picks people based on merit… If he wanted the "sure fire win",.. he could've picked Hillary. But he's not looking for who's the most popular… he's looking for who's the best person for the job. Once again… McCain's personal ambitions are shown to be more important than the good of the country….

My prayer is that I hope God is involved in this election so the right person wins!!!

Josh

GOP – you are so fortunate that the voters are spared having to listen to Bush et al.

I think I will watch the GOP convention in small doses as McCain and Palin are hard on the ears.

I am sure McCain welcomes the opportunity to sneak Palin in without any press!
This is exactly we we CAN NOT have off-shore drilling platforms. Think people. McCain/Palin are wrong on this.
May God keep all Americans in the gulf states safe as they sure can't depend on the current administration to do that.

Call it an opportunistic gesture if you must.

But it is the right thing to do, regardless so lets just concentrate and send positive, caring sentiment to our fellow countrymen, women, children and their beloved pets who matter right now the most.

I will give the Obama campaign the benefit of any doubt and believe that the gala last Thursday night would have been postponed and/or cancelled too. It's only fair as he hasn't had a chance to prove me wrong.

Shouldn't McCain and the Republicans be Americans all the time?

I pray for the people of New Orleans and appreciate any effort made by anybody to help. As far as Sarah Palin, what I've seen and heard, I like her. Reminds me of Marisa Hagarty of Law and Order, SVU. Very pretty and smart. I can't wait to hear more about her. McCain is not another Bush. I trust him more then I trust Obama. I wish Obama was a heartbeat away, rather then the nominee. She has more elected service then Obama. She has made major changes in Alaska. Change, you can see. Obama has been a US Senator a mere 3 years and during that time a majority has been used running for President. What legislation has he sponsored? How many meetings as chairman of the sub-committee on Al Qaeda in Afghanistan has he convened? Oh that's right, he left all that up to Biden. Why is there a sub-committee if it is not needed? Do Senators make more wages if they head a committee? McCain did not need to bolster his experience by choosing a VP with tons of experience. As far as how many times Mccain and Palin met, 20 years wasn't enough time for Obama to get to know someone. Let the debates begin!!!

8 is Enough

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!

Louisiana residents can dial 211 if you need shelter, residents in other states should dial 1-866-438-4636.

Red Cross Phone Numbers:
Hattiesburg, MS – 601-582-8151
Jackson, MS (Central Mississippi Chapter) – 601-353-5442 Southeast Mississippi Chapter – 228-762-2455
Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter – 228-896-4511
Northeast Mississippi Chapter 662-842-6101
Oxford, MS – 662-236-1282
Natchez, MS – 601-442-3656
Gulf Coast Chapter – Mobile, AL – 251-438-2571
RC of Central Alabama, Montgomery, AL – 334-272-3038 Birmingham, AL area – 205-458-8282
Atlanta, GA – 404-575-3730
Nashville, TN – 615-250-4300
Memphis, TN – 901-726-1690
Little Rock, AR – 501-748-1030
South Arkansas Chapter – 870-863-8196
Northwest Louisiana Chapter – Shreveport – 318-865-9545
Greater Houston RC – 713-526-8300 (866-526-8300)
Dallas Area – 214-678-4800

I really pray they get it right this time! I will never forget the horror and shame I felt for how the people were treated!

Keep safe everyone!

You people simply cannot be pleased.

Even god is telling the republicans to stop being so hateful and negative and to move aside and let change happen. Yes, we can.
My prayers are with New Orleans and all the Americans of the Gulf.
Reverend Gina Fields

McBush today chartered planes to send delegates from Louisiana back home to ..... get this ...... Louisiana.!!!!

While the authorities are doing everything to get people out, McCrazy is telling those who were already out for the convention to go back into the danger zone.

Guess what/ They told him no, but thanks no!!!!

That makes one question the judgement of MCSame!!! More over, What help did Ms runner up contribute to this decision to charter planes to send Louisiana delegates back?

A display of opportunism and indicative of a lack of substantive material for opening day at the Republican convention. A dishonorable manipulation of people's concern for the citizens of NOLA, drawing the lion's-share of attention away from them and onto the "magnanimous" gesture of canceling the first day. Perhaps its a backhanded way of apologizing for the Katrina rescue disaster by the Republican powers but more likely its a Rovian strategy to make points with genuinely caring people who are undecided on the presidential election.

Well some things should be cancelled. Like parties. But they will probability go on. They should still have the legalities performed. There is nothing wrong with that. Then they can turn a lot of parties into donating money to the people who might need help.

I will bet 1000000000000000000000000000000000 dollars that obama would not have cancelled his acception speech that someone had written for him.

I don't understand how the poles are showing McCain and Obama so close. McCain is running a horrible campaign full of blatant pandering and he's given absolutely NO insight into exactly what he plans to do the next four years. He's done noting but copy Obama from day one of the campaign.
Are there really so many racists in this country that would put their own welfare over petty skin color? Or is it that people want someone in office that has no forward momentum so they can feel better about themselves? Or maybe the numbers are being bought out, so that the candidates stay close enough to create another nightmarish election day similar to 2000 and 2004. I really don't get it.
If anyone has insight please e-mail me. I really and truly want to know what people are thinking.

McCain is PATHETIC!

I’ve seen what Lt General Russel Honore can do in a crisis and John McCain, you are NO Lt. General Honore! You don’t even know what to do besides tell the Republicans to take off their Republican hats and act like Americans

Over?

Yeah, this game is OVER!

does anyone around these blogs ever actually pray for people

Now this is a real leader!!! He knows when to go to work and when not to put on a show. Dems on the other hand only know how to put on a show – that's all they are – all show – no go!! Good job, McCain!!!

They should cancel the convention until the storm has blown over. That would be the best thing to do–A week later will not make a bit of difference in what is said or who will talk.

This is so political it's downright shameful. Oh what a difference an election year can make. Too bad Bush and The Republican Party didn't show as much concern and compa s sion when Katrina hit. Their lackadaisal, slow response is one for the history books and thousands of lives were forever changed because of it. Many survived, many did not. It's three years too late for them. Republicans, your time is up.

My biggest concern is if Mrs. Palin, Republican VP choice has to take the over of the Presidency , is she experienced enough to handle terrorism, the Iraq war, Iran, Russia, China, economy, education, military, or a pandemic! I don't think that she has enough experience to be handed our country's future. I hope McCain has thought about this, if he loves the country like he says, why would he take the chance? What if a disaster happened, is this the person you would choose to take it over and guide our great nation through it? Scarey stuff. After all Mr. McCain is 72 years old and will be closer to 80 when his term ends.

Why is he holding a press conference on the storm like he is the President??? He is pandering on the National news!!! In his opinion, all is going well??? So he watched CNN like everybody else about the progress of the evacuation. What does that prove??? We were not impressed.

I watched his whole message. I don't know who he thinks he's talking to. Possibly the "perfectly receptive to John McCain" being in some other dimension. Most people can listen to that and think "This guy is really trying to manipulate me."

He will probably use this as an excuse to cancel the entire convention after his latest blunder in picking his VP choice. No convention at all will be better than one with the line up they had in mind....Bush, Palin, McCain.....talk about bad press......

McShame they say first impression is always important when katrina happened what you did is what you really are. Now you want to use this event to your advantage, it's not going to happen.

That press conference was a waste and distraction. I had to change the channel I was so annoyed. Can we focus on getting people out???

It took my mom 12 hrs to get from New Orleans to Houston, a 6 hour drive.

Way to go McCain for already acting and appearing presidential. It continues to be shown that it's "Country First." I commend you for being on the ball. If this is what we can expect from you as POTUS, then I'm proud to be casting my swing state vote for you!

Oh, and to those that are bashing him, remember this point. Experience is about learning from events that have happened. Both positives and negatives create experience that is needed. McCain has that experience.

McCain/Palin '08

geeze people - you guys will complain about anything - no matter what mccain and camp would have decided to do, you would have criticized it.

no one will forget katrina - hopefully the actions of our leaders this time around shows that they have learned something from their prior mistakes.

I think the RNC & McCain are doing what is appropriate. They are in a difficult position.
I find it offensive that anyone – on either side of the aisle would try to play politics with the hurricane.

Obama has my vote, but I respect what the GOP is doing with the convention.

Although I'm sure the cancellation, etc is pure political theatre and would never consider voting for McCain, I do kind of feel sorry for them. They are kind of between a rock and a hard place. I'm sure the St. Paul area is absolutely crushed – they have been planning this for a long time and have spent tons of money. Oh well, Mother Nature always wins.

... and we want these people in charge for four more years? I dont think so.

This is just a ploy. Shame on John McCain!

I agree with the other commenters, in that I believe McCain and co. are just doing this to show that they and their party are just pandering to show that they're the only ones who can respond to an emergency. If the Democratic convention occured during the same time and there's was help, I'm sure the GOP would be up in arms. I'm glad that they're putting the focus on the Gulf Coast residents, but as another said, especially the Bush reaction to Katrina, it seems a bit too fishy. :-S My vote still hasn't changed.

You can cancel whatever you want, McCain. It won't erase a single memory of the Katrina fiasco from our minds. Can you say "criminal negligence"? Yeah, I didn't think so.

My thoughts are with the Gulf Coast residents. Be well and be safe!

it's a shame. He does not have any substance, the GOP and the RNC would note have either, so let's do as if you would like americans and make it a fundraiser... come on, where was their fundraising idea 3 years ago?
uuh right at McShames B-day party...

i don't buy it, they just fundraise to help the people that are in need. They simply fundraise to win an election despite not having a good Presidential candidate nor a good VP-pick nor the ability to change something in America for America.

PANDERER IN CHIEF _ JOHN MCCAIN!!

Wow! all for show. Do we have that picture of Mccain giving Bush a cake during katrina celebrating something? Now Bush and Cheney who never wanted to go to the convention so Mcsame can't be seen in the same bed with them get an excuse not to go. If there wasn't an election Bush would be on vacation like during Katrina. Mccain you are just an evil person and im surprised the race is this close. Oh yeah news for Palin clinton put 18million cracks in the ceiling for president not vice president. (Im glad we are seeing the only reason shes on the ticket though)

He has no idea what to do.