September 1, 2008
Posted: September 1st, 2008 04:08 PM ET

From
Duncan gaveled the 2008 Republican Convention to order Monday afternoon.
Duncan gaveled the 2008 Republican Convention to order Monday afternoon.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - National Republican Committee Chairman Mike Duncan gaveled his party's 2008 presidential convention to order Monday afternoon, starting a scaled-back day of events as Hurricane Gustav washed ashore on the Gulf Coast.

Duncan told the party's delegates the session would be an abbreviated one, and appealed for delegates to help with hurricane relief in the coming days.

It remains unclear if the party will resume a full convention schedule on Tuesday.

Watch gavel-to-gavel coverage on CNN.com/live

Filed under: Republican National Convention


Voter   September 1st, 2008 7:19 pm ET

You mean the Republican soap opera launched its pilot show.

tim baker   September 1st, 2008 6:31 pm ET

I also wanted to add that those blogging here don't seem to be aware that we have a Democratic Congress, and they(the bloggers) are givingthe President way more authority and power than he accually has.

By the way, the same people giving John Edwards' wife such a hard
time, are coincidentally the ones that said Bill Clinton was just 'human'
when he got a bj in the oval office! Oh those two-faced Dems.

jean alex   September 1st, 2008 6:15 pm ET

sarah as vice president a heart beat away from the presidency is very scary imagine something happen to mc cain how she s going to deal with vladimir puttin, north korea, iran, hugo shavez, afganistan, china
god help us...

Mike from Indiana   September 1st, 2008 6:09 pm ET

Are those confederate uniforms I see on the Tx delegates?Let me guess,they are a historical society representing their heritage.

John S   September 1st, 2008 5:40 pm ET

The RNC is suspending events because they feel they aren't supposed to celebrate when thousands are suffering and possibly dying? Well, millions of people are suffering the consequences of the Bush/Cheney policies, and thousands are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. How about they just cancel the whole convention?

Steve   September 1st, 2008 5:36 pm ET

It is kind very funny how the Republicans add posts saying they were Hillary supporters but have switched to McCain since he nominated Palin.. Do they expect anyone to believe that any of Hillary's supporters will support Palin just because she is a woman?? PALIN IS THE EXACT OPPOSIT OF HILLARY!! While I was a Hillary supporter who considered switching to McCain, his poor choice of a VP nominee has cemented my support for Obama.. Right now, there is absolutely nothing that could make me vote for McCain.. I truly believe that he would be an even worse President than Bush, and up until a couple days ago, I never would have thought that was possible...

John F. Kennedy   September 1st, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Seems ironic that a hurricane is putting a damper on the republican convention.

Tru Conservative   September 1st, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Another proof of "Conservative Republican" HYPOCRISY. Palin, an advocate of abstinence-only education advocate (preaching no sex until married) , has a seventeen year old pregnant child at home? If that is not hypocrisy i don't know what IS.

Paul   September 1st, 2008 5:15 pm ET

The Republicans are using Hurricane Gustav as an excuse to dump Bush and Cheney from the convention. They get to avoid looking like more of the same while also avoiding any bad press from dumping Bush. This is a much smarter strategy than in 2005, when McCain and Bush literally ate cake while the nation watched New Orleans drown.

happytoday   September 1st, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Looks to me like we have some really genuine people running for the Republican party. Their walk matches their talk. They don't try cover up their flaws. I like the openess. It is inappropriate for the news media to beat the daughter of the VP nominee though. This should be a private matter– I always thought it was the Democrats that preached privacy in such issues.
wonderful to have someone from Alaska on the ticket. Refreshing! we need new blood in Washington!

steve dumford, Scotts valley ca.   September 1st, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Laughable how people think McCain would dump Sarah Palin because her daughter is pregnant. Shows how incredibly ignorant alot of Obamabots are . WAY too much Kool Aid. Sarah Palin is obviously a proud, honest, strong, capable woman who is facing the same challenges that millions of Americans face. She is fully supporting her daughter and promises to stand behind her. Good for her. She was honest and forthwright about this matter, way better than some Democrats I can think of. The Obamabots should also be ashamed of themselves in starting the rumor that Sarah Palin is not the real Mother of her young infant with Downs syndrome. What nasty, vile haters. Was a liberal independent until I started reading all the nastiness in these blogs by Obmas supporters. Now, I'm voting for McCain/Palin.

santorina   September 1st, 2008 5:13 pm ET

we preach privacy only when its republicans but not with democrats. lets leave the palins alone with teanage pregnancy just as perkins the big jesus follower has said but he will be the first to acuse clinton and call for impeachment when he strayed in the office. christainity !!!!!!

Richard   September 1st, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I really think that tomorrow, the GOP will roll out Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson as McCain's new VP.

Shy   September 1st, 2008 5:11 pm ET

As an undecided voter, I am already tired of hearing about Palin's lack of experience for VP. May I ask where is Obama's, who is running as President?

aliousalam FL   September 1st, 2008 5:11 pm ET

The convention will tell you to live with 4 more years of lies, killings, wars, economic suicide, and more

IF you like that, vote repuks.

IF not, Vote Obama

Matt - Bethlehem, PA   September 1st, 2008 5:08 pm ET

The nerve of you Republicans to say that this unwed 17 year old child of the VP candidate is none of anyone's business....VP Nominee Palin has proudly paraded her ultra-conservative morals and agenda before us all to see because John McCain wants her as VP of The United States. Now this ultra-conservative mom, is in a moral family crisis of her own....if she has no influence over her own children, how will she run a country or deal with international crisis?

Once again it shows how hypocritical the Republican Party is...they want to force their ultra-conservative views on everyone else, but for the sake of this election they'll keep the unqualified, less than moral example of Palin family on the GOP ticket.....That is so sad!!!

Dori in AZ   September 1st, 2008 5:08 pm ET

The Palin pregnancy announcement was orchestrated much like the Edwards' affair announcement.

Let's slip it to them while they're busy focusing on something else!

Kelby in Houston   September 1st, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Dear Lesser evil,
You don't like her politics, but you are willing to hire this person to be a politician. You are voting for this person for a political office. Sure she's got strength poise and blah blah blah. She stands firm on her principals, WHICH ARE AT ODDS WITH YOURS...
Are you serious

Lee from FL   September 1st, 2008 5:07 pm ET

repubs are on the wrong side of history

Gene   September 1st, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Republicans want us to believe that they care about people, and some people 're falling for their election tactics, 3 yrs ago Katriana happened what was their reaction–nothing. Republicans have been in power since 8 yrs–what did they gave us lies, hardship, misery, deficit..........enough alrady.

PHT   September 1st, 2008 5:04 pm ET

After reading these democrats' messages, I know why Michelle Obama said that "this is a down right mean country" Some of you guys are just hateful. Those of you who would change who you are voting for because of Palin's daughter don't know what you are voting for. How about voting for principles? So, you abandon what you believe in and vote based on a pregnancy?I am glad to know that Palin just doesn't talk the talk. She is willing to practice what she preaches even when it isn't popular.

disappointed   September 1st, 2008 5:03 pm ET

As the mother of a 16 year old daughter I am profoundly disappointed with the news of Gov Palin's daughter. This is not a leader I want representing or influencing the youth of America...this is something I have come to expect tfrom reckless celebrities who are out of touch with reality but cannot find it acceptable for Gov Palin to push her pro-life, no options, views on women of America but apparently does not teach restraint to her own children. I cannot imagine where this country is headed if we are unfortunate enough to continue with Republican leadership...it certainly will not be with my support. I commend Obama for taking the high road...cannot imagine he would get the same support from the Republicans if the tables were turned.

beckyofthewoods   September 1st, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Not to worry Palin is going to help the republicans win this election.
She is strikes me as very real and true to her convictions I love it

What a Train Wreck   September 1st, 2008 5:02 pm ET

The McCain/Palin ticket is a nightmare.

We've got a presidential candidate with anger issues, that is subject to angry outbursts, is already 72 years old, and makes jokes about rape and abuse of women.

And the VP nominee apparently has lots of skeletons in her closet – under an ethics investigation, preaches abstinence and other extremely conservative values while her own family ignores them.

And even more allegations might be in the wings.

Unshrub   September 1st, 2008 5:01 pm ET

We need more sex education in schools, especially in the red states. They have a higher teen age pregnancy rate then blue states.

The last three conservatives in office have run up huge deficits and the only time we had a balanced budget was with a tax and spend democrat. I think we need more of these tax and spend democrats.

mary   September 1st, 2008 5:00 pm ET

I want to know how the GOP can say no big deal to the DUI by Palin's husband when it is my understanding the Biden's wife and young daughter were killed by a drunk driver!!!!!!!!!!!!! His two sons horribley injured.
It may be 24 years later, but the look of pain in that young man's face as he spoke at the DNC showed that the pain is there regardless of when it happened
I am shocked that they are downplaying an action that has caused so much pain to so many
Please post this one, it is important that people see both sides of the DUI story

paul   September 1st, 2008 4:59 pm ET

I HEAR THEY WERE PLANNING ON HAVEING MCAIN MAKE HIS EXCEPTANCE SPEECH FROM THE DEVESTATION OF THE HURRICANE GUSTAVE THEY MUST BE ANOYED ITS PETTERD OUT . TALK ABOUT MILK A DISASTER FOR ALL ITS WORTH . MCAIN THE ONLY HAT YOR WEARING IS YOUR REPUBLICAN POLITICAL HAT . WHAT A JOKE . REMEMBER AMERICA THEY DID THIS ONCE BEFORE THE REPUBLICANS WITH 911 THEY MILKED IT FOR ALL IT WAS WORTH AND THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO PULL ON THAT TEET . WAKE UP SAME OLD , SAME OLD FROM THE GOP .

randy from canada   September 1st, 2008 4:58 pm ET

I keep seeing post about democratic "hate" speech. Can someone who is accusing the democrats of this provide a link?

And as for attacking families, wasn't it intimated about Obama that he was a muslim? Wasn't his wife attacked for saying that "for once she was proud to be American?

The republicans are the hypocrites....

NY4Obama   September 1st, 2008 4:57 pm ET

A brilliant disaster photo Op. for the Rep-robates. Good going John Bush.

angleinlet   September 1st, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I respect the VPs daughter for carrying the baby and being out in the open about it. This really is a private matter though. The GOP has chosen a great team to run. No doubt their honesty and patriotism and self sacrifice will help them win this election. McCain is the best.

The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   September 1st, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Obama is risky and he is a roll of the dice

Be sure and go with McCain.

Let's not be lame, go with McCain

McCain will protect our values and our country

mccain   September 1st, 2008 4:55 pm ET

McCain raises $47 million in August, that's news, please put this up CNN, that should quell the Palin story!

Gloria   September 1st, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Let us not be too hard on McCain...He is past the point of desperation and is now gasping for air.
CNN news article did not state how many aid bags McCain packed. Probably just one so he could get his picture taken.

Tristan   September 1st, 2008 4:54 pm ET

What I find funny is that a certain repub backer said he was "praying for rain" on the DNCC... haha, tables turned and now it's raining on their parade....

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael G- Ventura ca   September 1st, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I'msorry- but there IS no ORDER to that party anymore. Unless they have been living in another country, or on another planet for the last eight years- I can see no reason to even listen to their rhetoric. We have the experience of living through what their policies represent.
Thanks, but no thanks.

Nathan Klintworth   September 1st, 2008 4:52 pm ET

What I find interesting is if you don't vote for Obama,some people might call you a racist but if you don't for McCain, people might call you a sexists.What ever happen to voting for someone that just supports your views?

Ricky   September 1st, 2008 4:51 pm ET

it’s so easy to say your pro life out of love in a relationship, but if you’re a 14 yr girl who has been abused and is pregnant by a family member were suppose to deal with it...I will not have my life’s ruined and not have another Childs life destroyed because a kids giving birth to another kid. The choice of birth is up to the mother and that’s it...education and “abstinence” is the best way to stop "UNWANTED" pregnancy’s...and one more thing ask that 16 yr old girl did she know about condoms and did she want kids at 16?

islandhunterbob   September 1st, 2008 4:50 pm ET

I must add more. I've noticed in reading some of the comments that the Obama backers seem to think he will make good choices for the Supreme Court, not very likely unless you want more freedoms and rights removed. Obama even has stated he would do away with the Second Amendment. I for one do not want to live in an Anarchist society. Give me my freedom to make it or break it on my own without Government intervention.

Sarah Palin=Phyllis Schafly   September 1st, 2008 4:49 pm ET

It is good that the Republicans are going to collect money and make other donations.

HOWEVER, they need to do it quietly, not brag about it.

Otherwise it is not much different than walking up and down streets, handing the stuff out, and asking for votes.

Anonymous   September 1st, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Senator McCain’s choice for a running mate is beyond belief. By choosing Sarah Palin, McCain has clearly made a decision to continue the Bush legacy of destructive environmental policies.

“Sarah Palin, whose husband works for BP (formerly British Petroleum), has repeatedly put special interests first when it comes to the environment. In her scant two years as governor, she has lobbied aggressively to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling, pushed for more drilling off of Alaska’s coasts, and put special interests above science. Ms. Palin has made it clear through her actions that she is unwilling to do even as much as the Bush administration to address the impacts of global warming. Her most recent effort has been to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove the polar bear from the endangered species list, putting Big Oil before sound science. As unbelievable as this may sound, this actually puts her to the right of the Bush administration.

“This is Senator McCain’s first significant choice in building his executive team and it’s a bad one. It has to raise serious doubts in the minds of voters about John McCain’s commitment to conservation, to addressing the impacts of global warming and to ensuring our country ends its dependency on oil.”

Sandy   September 1st, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Why are people getting arrested at the Convention? Do they realize there are other matters that come first. I guess they don't know about the Hurricanes or just don't care. The Convention be held back was in good taste.

Seriously   September 1st, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Sharon... it is not about the people choosing to live in thee areas... It is about the response and aid needed to help them. You are truly a sad American to leave others out threre.... dying and suffering like what happened three years ago...

Also, if you ever lived in a area like that, you would understand that it is not the winds or hurricane... it is the floods that come after... Good ole global warming... that Sarah happens to be against is causing this and your tornadoes...

Ken   September 1st, 2008 4:47 pm ET

The biggest collection ever of serial-morons was just gaveled to order.

I plan on watching, just to see what a real waste of space looks like.
With all the news of disasters, natural and personal, that have accompanied the opening of this burlesque show, it had taken on the aura of being guided by witchcraft or even the 'anti-christ'. But now I hear 'he' will not be there; 'he' is flying around LA telling everyone 'his' pilot war stories and reminding them that 'he' is the "decider".

STUPIDITY OF PEOPLE IN USA   September 1st, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Who is interested in watching the republican convention after 8yrs of misery? I haven't seen one close to me OR have we forgotten to quickly that George Bush is still in power?

CAROLYN   September 1st, 2008 4:44 pm ET

I WATCHED PRIOR REPUB CONVENTIONS, THEY ARE CONSERVATIVES, THEY NEVER PARTY THEY JUST SPHEW HATE. AND THAT CONVENTION DONT SHOW THE BEAUTY OF AMERICA THE COLORS OF A .RAINBOW .DIVERSITY.

Nevada dude   September 1st, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Palin's family situation, amusing as it may be, is small potatoes compared to the dangerous implications of her selection of VP candidate. calling up a lightweight from the minor leagues is indicative of the Republican Partys near complete collapse, as none of their seasoned veterans come with unpalatable baggage.

THE POINT STILL REMAINS: THE REPUBLICANS BROUGHT US THE IMMORAL INVASION OF IRAQ, THE KATRINA FAILURE, JOB LOSSES, ENERGY SPIKES, THE HOUSING CRISIS, THE BANKING MELTDOWN, AND CURBING OF CIVIL LIBERTIES.

DO YOU WANT TO GIVE THEM 4 MORE YEARS????

HELL NO!!!

OBAMA BIDEN 08!!!

eugene   September 1st, 2008 4:42 pm ET

i cant believe the media is not talking about the scandal about sarah up in alaska forget about her daughter teenagers do get pregnant,but she tried to use her political power to get people fired,now this is very serious because we just went thru 8 years of this with bush in his gang,the word is she will be indicted very soon

GA for Obama   September 1st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

mc- EXCUSE ME!?!! Obama told his supporters (including me) to back off Palin's family

Loretta from California   September 1st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

This is one convention that I won't be watching. CNN, please stay with what really matters. The people of Louisiana are in our hearts and prayers.

obama all the way   September 1st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

mc,

First- Obama has said he would NOT jump into Palin's family business, so I believe your beef is with the national media.

OR perhaps it should be with your presidentail candidate McCain for making such a poor choice, not vetting his candidate before nomination or having poor judgement in this case.

It is not the media's fault that they have to do McCains work for him.

islandhunterbob   September 1st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

I hope the national news media leaves the fact that Sara Palins daughter is pregnant ,alone. That is a personal family matter that has nothing to do with her pick as V.P. I know for sure the very liberal MSNBC and most likely CNN will jump on it, even tho they can't expose any of the very bad doings of the Democratic candidates. I'm sure many many American voters realise how slanted our new media really is.. Why can't they tell the facts only about the candidates instead of digging up the dirt that doesn't matter anyway.

teddy stevens   September 1st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

i wonder if Hagee will make an appearance for McCain and his vp.
maybe they will make a joint appaerance in New Orleans ?
Hagee and prager will make another annoucement for them .

Ken   September 1st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Oh dear god. Unbelievable! All the neo-moron, neo-religious [R]ightwing media darlings are gonna come out now, and show off their best hypocrisy to spin this as a plus "for their side".

This is the same anti-reality dogma that leads these nitwits to call the failings of the last 8 years a "success", and then request the rest of the [R] lemmings to vote for yet another round of failure.

It would take a real serial-moron to vote [R] this time.

Chuck   September 1st, 2008 4:40 pm ET

PUMA!

Considering the single mother statistics and the crime statistics among registered Democrats, I wouldn't be throwing stones about Governor Palin's daughter and husband!!

As for Governor Palin's lack of experience should she become president.... Obama was "allowed" to boost his experience level by recruiting Biden, why then wouldn't Palin be able to do so?

THINK PEOPLE!!!! Stop voting like this is American Idol!!! This is not a popularity contest, it's about the survival of our country as a nation. Obama will allow the slow dismantling and outlawing of all things American. He is a socialist.

Please THINK!!!

tedious898   September 1st, 2008 4:40 pm ET

mc ,

You can make stuff up as you go. It doesn't mean those are the facts. Who are you calling hypocrites? It sounds like you're saying Palin should be proud to have a teenage pregnant daughter. I'm really thinking that's a mistake and a failure in some regards to the traditional family structure. But I agree with Obama....The kids are off limits. We need not politicize it.

So...let's see if I'm getting this right...you're calling the democrats hypocrits because Palin's daughter got pregnant (i.e. proves she can handle a major family problem – therefore knows what to do about lose nukes?????????) Importantly Barack says "leave her alone" I'm just sorry Obama didn't say how to respond to idiots like you.

Shotgun   September 1st, 2008 4:40 pm ET

HA,HA, HA, NICE CONVENTION NO RAIN BUT CONFUSION.

OBAMA............08

Sharon Schmuhl   September 1st, 2008 4:38 pm ET

The RNC needs to proceed as planned. Gustav is a weather problem, not the entire country's problem. McCain and President Bush are doing their jobs respectively in giving the weather situation attention. The people involved chose to live in coastal areas and know the perils, if not before Katrina, certainly after.
I live in a tornado area, we have alerts all the time. We have high wind and flooding, but it is not the people's problem, it is ours and the insurance companies!

Seriously   September 1st, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Sen. Obama is not recieving an apology for being called muslim... or anything for that matter... when it came directly from the McCain campaign

Obama has not directed any of this attention on Gov. Palin... maybe herself by accepting the VP... He only said to lay off to the media!!!! He is truly a respectable man.

People should be noting this quality... noting the Republicans' ability to be nasty and dirty (also racist and sexist)... People should be noting the poor judgement of the Republicans as we speak...

Oh yeah, Obama is asking everyone over text to donate to the Red Cross... to help these people in the Gulf... McCain is giving a speech and flying back delegates... but not calling off a convention... sad

marsha   September 1st, 2008 4:38 pm ET

I wonder if they will have a speaker about morality and teen pregnancy.
It is a republican event ,oh yeah, I forgot . They don't care about those things anymore.

Virginia Voter   September 1st, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Phantom – nobody cares how many degrees you have, how much money you make, or how many homes you own. The only thing we care about is the future of this country, and Senators Obama and Biden have the right plan for us – hope.

Bonnie   September 1st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

All you Republicans saying that the GOP are the only ones doing anything for the Gulf Coast – think again – Obama/Biden sent an e-mail prior to the GOPs 'grab your cell phone' moment and I, for one, made my donation to the Red Cross. McCain/Palin lucked out with weather – there was no way they were even coming close to the energy of DNC convention.

Bill   September 1st, 2008 4:36 pm ET

As a life time republican I sure hope McCain reconsiders his VP pick.

It will be hard with her on the ticket. Maybe Romney would be a wiser choice.

Way 2 go   September 1st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Bad choice McCain. Every seventy year-old I know needs help with making good sound decisions. Palin has too much on her plate. (Who's watching the kids?) Five kids, a pregnant 17 year old, and a six month old with down syndrome. I'm pretty sure she is a good governor and a good person but she needs to help her husband take care of home. If my child was sick that would be my first priority. Your home has to be in order before you can help others...better yet a nation.

Herman In LA   September 1st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Who cares

Colo Sprgs, CO   September 1st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

One of the worst renditions of the National Anthem I have ever heard. How can they pick such a horrible singer to sing our country's anthem? What a disgrace.

steelworker   September 1st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

So sad that an issue is being made out of a very private family matter. The young lady should be left alone we are not voting for her.
No doubt not having the campaign over Labor Day was a huge sacrifice for the RNC. John McCain is handling this situtation with the a great deal of selflessness and dignity. Hats off to a REAL AMERICAN HERO.

nate   September 1st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Think there will be any distractions?

obama all the way   September 1st, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Lesser evil-

FYI- When you don't agree with a persons policies traditionally you DON'T vote for them. At least that is what intelligent people do.

Spin Begins   September 1st, 2008 4:33 pm ET

The spin should be especially over the top dealing with the Palin fiasco.

D from Ashburn   September 1st, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Is Bush on vacation this week????

Sue   September 1st, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Can't wait to see what Hurricane Sarah blows into Minneapolis next... How about something relating to corruption charges, CNN? Her family is far less of a concern to me than the judges she will surely support, her lack of understanding, even in the face of her daughter's pregnancy, that 'abstinence-only' is not a particularly effective method of sex education, and the fact that she is under investigation after only a few years in public office in a state with less population than most American cities.

But the Reps say she's more qualified than Obama?? For what?

Jeff an Independent   September 1st, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Could be the event of the summer – if McCain has ANY sense he'll dump Palin and nominate someone qualified to serve, without the rolling stories of abuse of power. Will it happen? We have two days to find out!

Sue, MI   September 1st, 2008 4:29 pm ET

It's going to be interesting to see how many issues are able to be addressed during this abbreviated convention. Barack is right- kids should absolutely not be a topic of political debate. However, what IS a legitimate topic of debate now is the need for comprehensive sex education for all our children in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies and potentially life-threatening STDs. Both Palin and McCain would rather see children die than educate them properly.

In addition, another legitimate political topic is the "family values" that are reprensented when a couple gives birth to a Down Syndrome child, and then neither parent (even though they can afford to do so) is willing to stay home to care for and manage the special needs of that child. As the aunt of a wonderful woman with Down Syndrome, I feel the Palins' selfishness in pawning off the care of their newborn to others is unforgiveable!

john derby   September 1st, 2008 4:29 pm ET

This is a naked attempt at trying to trick the american people into thinking the repugs give one whit about the people affected by this hurricane.

why is it that they show this concern only when there is a hurricane about to hit? what about the other 364 days of the year?

Joe   September 1st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Bush to the rescue!! What would we have done without him last time? The gavel should go upside his head. This should be a reminder of how much the "GRAND OLD PARTY" cares about us.

mc   September 1st, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Guess what, you Democratic hypocrites???? The V.P. Palin shows that she knows what happens in the everyday family and she can deal with it!!! Obama and Biden are up in the clouds and out of touch!!! It's taken me time, but I realize that the rich Democrats are OUT OF TOUCH with America!!!! Kennedy, Kerry, Gore, Obama- you all just don't have a clue if you jump on Palin's family business!!!!

Hatred   September 1st, 2008 4:26 pm ET

McCain and Palin are the first Republicans to appeal to me.

They are not perfect- neither was Hillary- but they are sincere and they fight for what they believe in. They do not cover up and lie.

HRC would fight for Universal healthcare...no doubt about it. Obama will do what he always does- plays safe- votes present- stays noncommital to avoid criticism and finally panders trying not to displease people and he gets nothing done.

I'll wait 4 years for Hillary's brilliant plan. Until then... I am voting against the hatred that has infected my democratic party.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   September 1st, 2008 4:25 pm ET

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN... the fascists are meeting

Marie-Lynn   September 1st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

I allready fall a sleep...

Charlotte   September 1st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Hey – the dems had theirs last week – peaceful protestors and all.

CNN is making a big deal of these protestors because there is nothing interesting at the repub convention yet. Bush/Cheney cancelled (altho that IS good for McCain).

CNN will do whatever is necessary to try to get viewers. Let's be real about most of this stirring and spinning.

J.Abrams   September 1st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Seems like CNN is more concerned with covering Palin's family issues, than the GOP convention.

CNN continues to push its liberal agenda. Big surprise.

Dayahka   September 1st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

McCain has made three awful decisions over the past week that show he is unfit for command and should be denied the nomination: the Palin decision, the alarmist decision to postpone the convention, and the decision to collect funds for the hurricane. Of the latter, we do not know for whom the funds are being collected: the people who moved out, local cities and towns, or the oil wells that may have been damaged. Gustav may be bad, but not worth the postponement; how about postponements for the fire in California, or Hanna in Florida? As for Palin, that was a disaster of epic proportions.

Anonymous   September 1st, 2008 4:23 pm ET

I could care less about the RNC, but another story got my attention. Barack Obama is telling the media to lay off of Palin, that her family is her business. Even more evidence that Sen Obama will make a great leader because as you may recall, when the GOP attacked Obama's family even with accusations that weren't true, i.e being Muslim, he asked them to lay off his family, and they refused. In a dirty game like politics, i'm glad to see Obama is taking the high road and respecting Gov Palin as a Person not trashing her as a politician.

Obama/Biden '08

Wayne   September 1st, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Good jog GOP for scaling back the convention and making the hurricane victims the focus.

Canta   September 1st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

McCain/Palin

Yeah!

Hillary Supporter   September 1st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

ts really sad that the republican spin machine picked a day when we are having a natural disaster to reveal this news about Palin daughter yet they want everyone not to politicize it. The McCain camp made this political by the timing of this news. "Hey N.O. is suffering and everyone is watching the hurricane so, lets break the news" wow!!!!!!!!!! McCain, you are shameless.

Steve   September 1st, 2008 4:20 pm ET

You can bet that Palin will be withdrawing as McCain's VIP.. This was all planned from the start.. There is no way McCain would choose a VIP as unqualified as Palin.. Now that they announce her daughter is pregnant, she can do the right thing and conveniently "withdraw" allowing McCain to pick someone who actually has some experience, while still looking good for making a woman his "first choice"... The Republicans are just desparate to look good and attract as many voters as they can..

Lesser evil   September 1st, 2008 4:20 pm ET

I do not agree with the Obama supporters on ANYthing. Their posts are just nasty, vulgar, disrespectful, disparaging. That mocks the message of the party.

I don't agree with Palin on Politics- but I can live with that. I love her character, strength, poise and conviction. She stands firm on her principles. I see no hypocrisy in her.

RapidRay   September 1st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Considering all the good news about Sarah Palin's family values today, I doubt anyone's gonna show up after tonight.

Let's just call the while thing off, see how much money Jerry Lewis is making and finish the barbecue. It's less embarrasing that way.

Marie Canada   September 1st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Who cares?????? The Gustov just saved the GOP face now they have an excuse for poor attendance.

Dolores   September 1st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Who cares...............I am watching the news concerning the storms in the Gulf Coast.

IrishDawg   September 1st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Maybe the ministers who follow Pat Dobson and his ilk who asked their people to pray that the Obama acdeptance speech last week would get rained out in Denver should think twice about invoking the Supreme Being for anything as small as politics....doubt it though...

Irony   September 1st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

I think this year the parties have flipped around.

The democrats, under Obama's example and encouragement have turned hateful, divisive, dirty, vulgar and foul. They have poisoned the legacy of their party and tainted its noble ideals.

The Republicans are now the agents of CHANGE and inclusion.

How ironic

ex Republican   September 1st, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Sorry McCain, I don't trust your party to do right anymore. You lost my vote. Too much drama already.

No Palin Scary!   September 1st, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Sorry GOP!

kescia   September 1st, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Please tell me Palin has withdrawn her name from nomination.

Chris from NY   September 1st, 2008 4:15 pm ET

What convention?

Phantom of the Oprah   September 1st, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Good.

I am looking forward to getting to know Sarah.

Maybe voting on gender will get the point across to the DNC that sexism is no better than racism. My butt is still smarting from that treatment. Hillary fared even worse at the hands of the inclusive fair-minded democrats.

Fortunately, I CAN live with 4 more years... AT 54, my days of fighting for Roe vs Wade and for Civil Rights are over. Let the young take that battle over- they trashed HRC and her women... we were the one's to fight for it. I can live with pro-life. I have never been pro Abortion just PRO-choice but I can live with anti-abortion. A conservative court may teach the disrespectful Obamatrons some manners, civility and respect.

I have 2 college degrees and earn over 115K. I own my home outright. The Media pretended that HRC did not have such supporters- but many of us are older and close to retirement, most of us are highly educated.

Now the NEWbies will pay the price for their hatred, sexism and treachery.

Perusing-through   September 1st, 2008 4:15 pm ET

SARAH OUT! ROMNEY IN!

The Republican Party still have plenty of time to reshuffle the deck, hold a new Republican primaries with the previous top three candidates, and still have a convention RNC nomination before November 4th. No, no, no, forget the primaries. Bring the top three finishers to the Republican National Convention this week and the delegates can chose one of them at that time.

Elizabeth for Obama   September 1st, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Republicans please VET the VP before you approve her. Do John Cain's job for him. He didn't do it.

I was a Republican, but now I'm voting for Barack Obama/Joe Biden.

Bulldog   September 1st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Isn't it great that McCain all of a sudden cares about Hurricane Gustav and the coastal states when just 3 years ago he was having cake with President Bush during hurricane Katrina. Time and time again McCain has been a hypocrite during this campaign. Attacks someone for one thing and then turns around and does or says exactly that same thing. Where is the judgment? He is clearly a follower who has the wrong initial judgment.

Tony   September 1st, 2008 4:13 pm ET

This ought to be good, especially with the skeletons taht are busting out of Sara Palin's closet.

Texico From Mexico   September 1st, 2008 4:10 pm ET

IF YOU CAN HEAR ME PEOPLE!!!!! LETS STORM THE CONVENTION!!!!! JUST LIKE IN 1972!!!! NO WAY, NO HOW, NO MCCAIN!!!!! KEATING 5 AND ABUSES OF POWER IN ALASKA!!!!

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