And I call on the GOP to denounce McCain for eating cate with Bush when Katrina flooded the streets

So is the hurrican fizzles out will McCain and Bush drop their phony show of concern for the hurricane victims and commence with the bashing of Obama in Minneapolis ?

No Obama would never do things out of popularity, like create a Greek altar as his acceptance speech in front of 80,000+ plus groupies rather than the convention site. Running on change is an old philosophy, we had Carter change and a democratic congress–no change, Clinton and a democratic congress (until the people woke up) and no change, now we have Nobama and will will have no change. Hope is not a strategy.

Why is this important? Yeah the guy was joking, yeah it pokes fun at an impending storm. I don't really see any attack or harm in this joke though. It's not like he said it to the convention or on air — I mean think about any comment you have made in the past and imagine some creep filmed it and put it on youtube. But I guess there's always the excuse: but I'm not a politician….

I thought the same thing. It's funny the GOP evangelicals were praying for rain during the democratic convention and they are the one suffering from a hurricane instead. It's also funny John McCain is now trying to make this hurricane a political stunt by going down Mississippi or wherever he is and now may accept the nomination by satellite. CNN should just cover the Ron Paul convention in Minneapolis. What a joke!

Why dont you report the story that Laura Bush stated today with John Roberts………….Pres Bush met with Gov Sarah Palin on his trip to the Olympics.He made a purposeful stop in Alaska………..hmmmmmmm..makes you wonder who decided on the VP pick……….McCains is just a GOP Puppet

CNN post this

I think it is funny. I think it is even more funny to watch people get their panties in a bunch. Get a life people and realize that the republican party has lost this election

Move along, people…nothing to see here.

George Orwell had it wrong - he thought it would be the government spying on all of us. Instead it is ourselves. Camera phones with audio and video capability are destroying the concept of a private joke. It should be a warning to us all - if you are in a populated place, don't say or do anything you wouldn't want on youtube. People will do anything for their 15 minutes of fame - including posting private conversations.

Some one please tell me how John McCain figures in hurricane
Gustav? Obama can't say a word about the hurricane, unless they'll say he's politicizing the hurricane. Bush and Fema can't do their job for McCain. The only dog McCain has in this situation is rather the RNC Convention will go as schedule. Other than that, I don't see where he figures in this hurrican. If there's any one politicizing the situation it's McCain.

I take issue with several statements here and I am an indepenent:
1. Asking it to rain during the acceptance speech is vindictive and wrong, but it doesn't come close to measuring up to being glad a hurricain is hitting the gulf coast during the republican national convention.
2. The comment on stronger more frequent hurricians is inaccurate - please see stats on national weather site for the last couple of years.
3. The person that thinks a gov. needs to be at the airport 2 hours early is misinformed. Don't think that is required.

Please, the three folks that make comments like this are brainwashed and it concerns me that they may be pulling a lever in Nov

WOW Obahama just plain stinks. Very sad day for us all.

Wonder what Katon Dawson would say about McCain's little ditty, "Bomb Iran. Bomb, bomb Iran."

How life is full of surprises. Imagine the prayers of many GOPs led by a prominent pastor from the group FOCUS ON THE FAMILY. They wanted God to rain down on the Dems convention. Well frankly we all saw that God smiled on the Dems.

Be careful what you wish for. God is not like man because the seeds that you sow, you shall surely reap. I wonder whta that crazy Republican pastor who thinks he is some kind of god is thinking now.

God doesn't play politics.

The NEW Obama democrats are indistinguishable from their hated "REPUGS"… worse actually in that they declare themselves the good guys and the inclusive ones.

I am disgusted with the cutthroat tactics and vitriolic direction taken
by my own once-democratic party under the tulelage of Obama.

His message of hope, change and unity is just rhetoric. His actions of dirty politics and strong-arm tactics to force his own "win" speak louder than all his words.

I am not liking the new direction of the new democratic party under this new change.

Mike- The majority of people in Louisiana admit it was their own Democratic leaders that were incompetent during Katrina. Notice their new governor is a Republican.
As for Iraq and Afghanistan, can you remember the last terrorist attack on this soil? Hussein and the terrorists are responsible for those deaths and the retaliation; we have a right to defend this nation.
We can't do anything in Darfur because then the Democrats will say we are getting inbvolved in something we shouldn't.
I'm glad our children are being "brainwashed" into abstaining from sex before marriage; a much healthier choice which should prevent the extermination of more unplanned babies.
Do you think the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a fairy tale, have you ever read the story, or do you just pick and choose which parts of the Bible are true? God is just.
Do you own a business that was competing with Haliburton? If you worked for their company I'm sure you wouldn't have broght that one up.

CNN how about some balance here?

He has an excuse!

P.O.W.

If it works for McCain, why not for Fowler?

Was it a joke? Yes.

Does it show that this person is completely out of touch? Yes. Aren't the Dems supposed to be the party that "gets it"?

No one who witnessed Katrina first hand would *ever* make a joke about a potential second-coming of that storm.

What about James Dobson and the like that told their followers to pray for rain and stormy during Obama's speech in Denver…..I say whatch what you pray for?

just a thought… instead of trying to score political gains off of gustav… BOTH mccain AND obama should come together, and say, "hey… this is a natural disaster… we're going to put politics aside, and JOINTLY do what we can to help, to raise money, and to inspire charity for those affected…"

that good will could go a long way to increase american confidence in government, and would show both mccain and obama to be able to 'reach across the aisle' when it's important.

doesn't matter who comes up w/ the idea, one of the two (mccain or obama) should approach the other… agree to terms behind the scenes, and agree that neither of them would ever take credit for suggesting the bipartisanship drive to help those affected by the hurricane… and put the focus on HELPING… not taking more political pot shots!!!

Raining on a parade is NOT the same as thanking God for the "perfect" timing of a horrible disaster.

How disrespectful to the poor African Americans of the region under peril.

The radical right wing christians were told to pray for rain on Thurs of the Dem convention! God is on the side of peace for all man kind. I'm a lutheran and I feel I am a good christian but the radical right wing of the republican party is destroying our country. ALL MEN WERE CREATED EQUAL!!! They seem to think they are better than everyone else. Sooooo sad for the republicans that they follow this direction! And I was a republican for 50 years. NO MORE. The democratic party encompused ALL people and believes in the words of Jesus: What you do to the least of these you do to me!!!! God help our country to choose Obama/Binden!

If "God" is so "on our side," why doesn't he just divert the freaking hurricane? Why does everybody pray to the "all powerful" who apparently chooses to do nothing? He might as well run for President.

Oh, for pete's sake, people, this was an offhand remark never intended to be a public policy statement. Honestly, now, how would YOU look if every comment you ever made was captured by some sneak with a camera phone and broadcast all over the internet? Haven't you ever made a tasteless joke? Oh, you have, too — don't lie about it.

Falwell, on the other hand, was perfectly serious when he made his stupid remarks, as was Dobson. They intentionally said them in public, and on the record. Now THAT'S sick.

Stop equating a call for rain to impede a celebration (the DEM convention) with gloating and joking and praising God for a natural disaster that displaces- and possibly brings death and destruction- to millions and their entire lives.

The Obama ti-for-tat ers are a sorry bunch. This is taking the moral HIGH ground?

Sorry, but the democrats have devolved into a vitriolic bunch of ANTI-American polarizers.

And you all thought HILLARY did that? Look at what has happened within the party ever since Obama was allowed to deploy cheating and threats and stealing as a means to a slight political victory.

UGLY is NEVER right… and God IS watching.

typical obama tactics , send someone to do the negative comments or attack for him. And then do not condemn them. Obama is a fake and the more people get to know him the more they dislike him.

It is true. God works in mysterist ways. Maybe does wish the Republicans not to speak since they have distroying this earth and have divided the people of this country and a nation.

wait one second….i do not recall any of this self righteous indignation from you Repo-ugs when that idiot prayed for rain on the DNC convention, i do recall the pack of you saying how we should have a sense of humor…now the hypocrites are offended? lol, how pathetic…when you sling your vicious brand of hate its "funny", you say it was a joke and how we should get a sense of humor? yes we all are praying for those people, those Americans who have to go through this all over again after Katrina 3 years ago….but dont dare to post your "how dare he", and "i am so offended" comments on here…you only look foolish. IF YOU WANT TO BE OFFENDED-be offended by the fact that the day Katrina hit, McCain/Bush were celebrating, be offended that 4,100 soldiers are dead in the Bush/McCain war, 7,000 home are lost each day, 500,000 jobs have been lost this year…be offended by John McCain's "joke about an Ape rapping a woman or McCain calling his wife the c-word….
Flower only said what we have all been thinking…that may be God is trying to tell you (repugs) something

Geez CNN…. you ran this story last night, now today, will you run it a few more times so everyone gets sick of you and the story?

MCCain is so wonderful… stopping the first day of the RNC. He reminds we of a….. GRANDFATHER!

Vote Obama and get someone who doesn't do things out of popularity, like, say cancel a convention.

Oh Brother! Is this all cnn can come up with against the dems.
How about a revue of the last 8 yrs of repubs. Now Mcsame will
stand on the aftermath of the storm, as bush stood on the 911
destuction for their own benefit and cnn will say they heros.
Pathetic!

nobama ever.

But What about the GOP joke being played on the U.S. about Palin
Fact, the Alaskan political arm of Govment is a part-time legislation. 90 days a year. So how does 2 90 days sessions give Palin executive experience. Since Palin has been Gov. The Alaska's sates operating budget has in creased by 6% or twice the rate of inflation. In the last budget session, it took and extra 45 day on top of the 90 days to finalized the 2008 budget. 45 days late!, 5/30/8. either the GOv. can not get her homework in on time or she had an extremely had time dealing with the state legislators and career govment executives. And now she want to preside of the U.S. congress? The 2008 $4.3B state budget, had only $4.5M dollars in cuts by Palin's veto. You call this being fiscally conservative. The Gov. Budget spends almost $7M dollars per man woman and clild in Alaska. In the Peoples Republic of Maryland, the Uber Liberal Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley spends $5.2M per citizen. Yes Gov. Palin did cut property taxes. It was paid out of Alaska's budget surpluses and rain-day fund; which today is clocked at $3.5B dollars. So Palin spend the legacy of prior Gov.'s that collected and banked this surplus, and pretends and misrepresents herself, that, the property tax cuts was some type of political accomplishment, Lastly, the Federal and U.S> Supreme Court ordered the Bush administration to put the Polar Bear on the Endangered Species list. On 5/21/8, Palin signed an order, to have the Sate of Alaska sue the U.S. Department of the Interior for listing the Polar Bear. So much for the GOP platform for tort reform and stance against frivolous laws suits.

Just another Dumbocrat being stupid. We've come to expect this from a Congress that has done less than any Congress in the last 20 years. Thanks Pelosi and the rest of you clowns!

This rain-on-my-parade tiff and its story is ridiculous, and the subsequent apology more so. On the other hand, the emphasis should be placed on the Obama/Biden sexist remark about Sarah Palin. "Not sexist," blogged so many of their supporters. Well, how many times have you heard Obama or Biden, since they began their respective race for the presidency, refer to a MALE counterpart as "good looking." Joe Biden should know that once Governor Palin became his political opponent, personal remarks about her physical appearance were automatically off the table. Now I know why so many people said, in essence, that Joe Biden will wreck the Obama ticket because he can't keep his mouth shut! Perhaps "gorgeous" Joe should consider an apology to Sarah Palin and her supporters as well.

Hey nerakami, Your comments "…the 3 years anniversay of the Republicans most incompetent governance after Katrina made landfall…" you forget that it was a Democratic Mayor and a Democratic Govenor who screwed up. They we're told days in advance to get those people out of there and they left them to their own devices. Keep drinking the Kool-aid.

I don't normally blog but the last couple of days, I have to. Look, The republicans have a convention this week and they put it off so John Mccain can use this hurricane for politcal gain. Why do I say this? Let me explain. George Bush is the President and should be keeping his eye on the Hurricane not john Mccain and now he wants to make his acceptance speech from the Galf Coast, Why! So he can make it look like the republicans didn't drop the ball this time. I have to say, John Mccain is really showing his true colors!I do not hear Obama politicizing the hurricane. John Mccain think americans are stupid.

This was a very poor joke. Asking to pray for rain is one thing but saying a hurricane is God intervention is another. If he had kept his mouth shut, he would have shown he was better than Rep. Dobson. Now both he and Moore just show how stupid they are. I don't think he really meant it when he was apologizing. He seemed to blame everyone else both himself.

I hope the people of the gulf coast remember this and vote Rep.

The Republicans continue to prove that they will politicize anything!!! Run on some issues, why don't you!!

Spin, Spin, Spin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Rethugs are probably dancing behind the scenes, Dubya and Chaney no shows. More time to regroup!!!
As for the CNN poll, people are not buying it THIS TIME. Keep the polls close so DIEBOLD can once again steal the election. Not going to happen. The people are paying attention this time!!!!

ENOUGH…………………………………………………………………….

What about the Republican fanatic religious group that actually prayed for rain during Obama's speech at the convention. Tell me how this is any different . They both do and say ignorant stuff during an election. People need to stop being so sensitive and whiney.

What should Fowlwer have said,that thank god there is at least one Republican who knows where New Orleans is?All the republican hypocrits who didnt mind seeing the black part of New ORLEANS destroyed by KAATRINA while Bush was on vacation are now hand wringing in sanctimonious grief about the potentail harm to this great city while they delayed its reconstruction in order to fatten their pocketbooks thru tried and true republican scams.
It must have been a very difficult decision for Bush-Cheyney to decide whether to attend the farce called the republican convention where they play the role of lead buffoons or the tragedy of NEW Orleans where they play the role of lead villains.
These characters actually believe that America has forgotten what they have done to this great country.Not this time.

Smooth move, Democrats. How much longer will people drink your bigotted Kool-Aid?

Typical Democrat response: Oh it was a joke - When will America see that its always in jest when the true Democratic spirit shines through - that being they really DONT care about the hardships Americans face - only about winning. It wasnt a joke by him or Michael Moore - this is the average true self of democratics, only concerned about how the storm would effect Repubs - not how it would effect many many Americans. They have no desire of helping Americans - only themselves

As a proud Obamacrat I think that Fowler's joke was completely innapropriate, just as Jerry Falwell's was about 9/11 and Pat Robertson's was about Hurricane Katrina.

Obama will have the leadership and wisdom to rebuke and distance himself from this and get us all to focus on helping our fellow American's affected by the storm.

If anything, this storm is a sad reminder of the tragedy of Katrina, when the Bush Administration initially ignored the plight of those who were affected, It remains to be seen if our governemnt get it right this time.

God Bless America and the Americans affected by the storm.

Obama-Biden '08

Don't be so naive to think that the Republicans are not taking advantage of Gustuv. What a convenient way to distance themselves from Bush/Cheney, down playing the fact that in comparison McCain can't give a speech without reading something written for him and or course once again the presumptuous candidate is playing president. Yes, it was a dumb comment, but don't be fooled.

The outrage of some posters here is telling. Where was your outrage when the religious right were praying and calling for rain last week. It's alright for religious leaders to call for prayer and a disruption of the opposition's convention and speaking opportunity; but when the opposition makes a stupid remark, they are called out for it, demanding an apology. Why hasn't the religious leaders been asked to retract and apology for their remarks? It's unfornuate that you attribute this all to Obama, but nobody calls the religious leaders out for McCain….that those were stupid and insensitive remarks. The hyprocrisy in all this is unbelievable. Nobody wants and hopes for destruction of homes and human life, it is reqrettable that the republicans seem to pounce on anything that is said and attribute it to the democrates policies and platform. I would like to see a debate on whether the oil platforms are going to hold and what happens if there is major oil spills after this hurricane. What about debating the environmental issues that hurricanes can cause. Much better than this debate here,

Since the Bush era people can't have any privacy, you are talking to a friend and you find yourself making the headlines. The press don't even take the times to ask you what you are thinking, taking people words out of context is more easy.

Modern technology is WONDERFUL. The Democrat Party can no longer hide their deviousness. Karl Marx must have a frown on his face at this moment.

Typical Dem response…
Nothing but rude haters. Keep it up. Wishful thinking from a FAST sinking ship!

McCain/Palin '08!

I HAVE TO AGREE WITH SOME , CNN WILL PRINT. ONLY WHAT SHOWS THEM IN A FAVOR OF ANY COMMENTS.

FRIST SIGN , SO YOUR COMMENT WILL NOT BE PRINTED IS . TO FIND FAULT WITH THERE , MEDIA AN ABC 'S DARLING . BUT JUST TRY AN BRING OUT STRAIGHT FACTS , NO IT WILL NOT BE SHOWN .

FOR WEEKS NOW IT HAS BEEN KNOW THAT BARACK HUSSIEN OBAMA IS NOT A CITIZEN OF THE USA . HE WILL NOT PRODUCE A VALID BIRTH CERTIFICATE . WHY FOR HE DOES NOT HAVE ONE .
FOR FUTHER DETAILS GO WWW,AMERICANFREEPRESS.COM

SOONER THAN LATER ALL THIS WILL COME OUT . HAVE A NICE DAY CNN , ? HAVE YOU JOINED ABC , AN REMOVED YOUR ;APEL PINS IN SUPPORT OF THE MUSLEM ???

Hold on, didn't someone say that Katrina happened because NO was having a pride parade? And that is okay? Did CNN post it the same way when that schmuck, a republican, said it? WE're going to keep each other divided if we keep dividing ourselves…thank CNN and thanks to the others who maintain the status quo. I'm sure none of you have ever made such a joke.

Invoking the Name of God for political expediency- a page out of the Islamist play book.

God willing… all my enemies will meet with hardship and death.

Way to go… democrats.

Whatever this guy said can no way COMPARE TO THE 8YRS of HELL under the BUSH/CHANEY Administration.

I think he said what a lot of people are thinking. The laughter was probably over the irony of the timing; not laughter at those impacted by the hurricane. Again, republicans here are grasping for straws to make up for McCain's lack of specifics on what he will do as President.

This site on encourages this type of behavior. CNN will do best as reporting on the Hurricane and New Orleans people who are seriously harm with so many hardships.

People first and Politics last.

KARMA

Dem apologizes for joking about hurricane?! Why don't you just say Obama made a joke about the hurricane or all democrats. Don Fowler is the FORMER Chair of the DNC from 11 YEARS AGO! This guy does not speak for the rest of us, certainly not for the democratic party.

I think the title of this article is misleading. Without using Dem in the title there is no story.

The sad joke is that Bush was to speak on the same day Gustav was to make landfall.

The GOP realized that the LAST thing they needed was a reminder of Katrina, right on the day of the GOP convention. So they are making sure that the response this time will be gold-plated, scripted, and choreographed.

So Bush willbe flying helicopters over the devastation and appearing live on jumbotron in Minneapolis, you can count on it.

More political theater.

I am one very disappointed democrat!

I am also ashamed of the DNC. They picked obama to be the nominee a number of years ago, which means that our votes didn't count.

My vote for McCain/Palin will demonstrate my disapproval with the DNC and for obama, his inexperience, his arrogance, and his arrogant disciples.

Velmeezee- you consider raining out a convention on the smae level as thanking God for a dangerous Hurricane that impacts the LIVES of millions?

Shame on you. Equating the Raining out of a frivolous Rock-star acelebration vs Thanking God for a National catastrophe?

You know,
it's funny how some McCain supporters are saying that the OBama supporters are full of hate. Well…

We will never forget how Bush's government let Katrina victims suffer and die for days before giving a lukewarm response. Remember?

We remember a war over oil, CIA leaks, and many other corruptions that were thinly covered up.

Look at the American dollar.. It used to be worth something in other countries. Now it's worth less than nothing-Europe laughs at us.

We look at how big oil now runs this country, and EVERYONE (except the rich) are suffering for it.

Many have lost their houses because of the Bush administration's neglectful and corrupted eye.

Global warming is now on an unprecedented scale because Bush's administration choose to ignore it.

The list can go on and on. We all love this country very, VERY much, but many of us are baffled. Why was Bush elected a second term in the first place?
Well, everyday folks who are Republican are hard working, honest, loving folks and it has been in the family tradition to vote republican. I can understand that. I get it. We made a mistake by bringing Bush back…
But now, we are about to elect another Republican whose record supports Bush. His campain has the same spin and marketing that Bush had- and FOLKS ARE FALLING FOR IT all over again!!

It is so frustrating to know that folks out there still haven't learned any lessons from this and vote for McCain. We've suffered too much already and many have even died, but folks will vote for him anyway.

We are angry and wish that America would stand up and do the right thing.

I got the comment as slap to the GOP not the residents of the gulf, but I guess only the GOP can make comments on "god".

Thank you Mr. Fowler!

This shows how dangerous democrats are, just as our former speaker once said on Fox, "Obama can easily and dangerously win the Presidency."

May God bless America and may God bless Mr. Fowler and his family.

Michael N.
Houma, LA (presently in Houston with family from mandatory evacuation in Terrebonne parish)

i know you will probably not post this but at least I will be able to get it out of my system. CNN - this is not news of any kind. I have been a subscriber of yours for the past ten years. I feel stupid because it has taken me this long to realize that you are not really interested in reporting anything substantial regarding real politics and real news. Unfortunately, I now compare you to the National Enquirer. Not that it makes any difference to your news organization, but i just cancelled my cable at my cottage and house. I have been able to find online much more responsible news reporting. I am a Canadian, do not really feel you bias for Republic or Democratic, you just try to inject division and sensationalism.

McCainiacs - Wasn't it your God people who were praying for it to rain in Denver last week…and now they have their answer - Katrina's big brother Gustav is bearing down the same way during your Republican sham convention? How is it that the religious in Europe seek greater social services to protect the children that ARE born and the "religious" in your party only seek to protect them to birth and could care less for children beyond the womb? How many of those “right-to-lifers” have taken in minority foster children from our ghettos? How many of them would vote for a tax hike to pay for pre-and post natal care for all those aborted fetuses?

How trivial. Who cares!
Also, we can do with out the pathetic apoligist 24-7 news coverage of Gustav. Many storms have almost completely destroyed the North Carolina coast but you don't hear their residents whining for years. This is RACISM AT IT'S FINEST!

This is just stupid. We have huge problems with the economy, war, healthcare, and we're talking about some senseless comment by a party funcionary? Look at the big picture, folks! Who's got the better solutions? Who has the most vision? Base your vote on that. It's your country, and your future. These are serious matters. Let's get serious.

And of course the dems on the website are saying get a sense of humor. Hypocrites! If it was reversed you would be crying!!

What would the response have been if a R said this about the D's?

All h e double hockey sticks would have brken out. Dems(especially the atheist dems) would scream how dare you use religion to divide blah blah blah

the hypocrisy in politics is absurd!!

Hey, what else would one expect, the guy is a top official in the DNC.
By definition that gives him license to lord over just about everyone. Demoncrats love to tell us what we should be and look down on upon us at the same time. After all, they know what's best for us.

The democrats under the awe-inspiring leadership of the divisive uniter, Obama are becoming reprehensible disseminators of hatred, scorn, derision and antipathy towards fellow Americans.

HRC and all her supporters were the first to feel the wrath of the insulting, mocking and berating supporters of Obama.

All under the banner of hope, unity, change and a new day.

Thanks… but NO thanks- now that Hillary has been eliminated from the scene, the democrats have lost the vote of many TRUE democrats who believe in tolerance, respect and inclusion- not to mention fair elections and the democratic process.

Choke on your charismatic dictator and his lofty rhetoric implementing change via venomous means.

I said "God must be Rep. b/c after the awesome Dem convention there was no way the Rep. could pull that much support or have that much fun. There convention was going to be an embarrasement."

And I am NOT apologizing to anybody!!!!

This is unbelievable to make such a big story. I though the same.
Long time ago McCain did something stupid and nobody is talking about this today. # Remember : "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran# This was not very smart too.

WHY didn't the Republicans attack the FOOL who asked people to pray for rain during Obama's speech…… BOTH of these so called jokes are STUPID. Put your focus on how UNSTABLE John McCain is. McCain put HIMSELF before our GREAT COUNTRY by choosing Palin as VP. We needed Elizable Dole or Kay Bailey Hutchingson.

Hey it's O.K. for right wing evangelical ministers to pray for rain on the Obama acceptance speech but not to joke about God being on the Democrats side? We need to focus on the many serious problems we face as a country most brought about by the Bush/Cheney corporate fascist regime that Mcsame enorses and voted with 90% of the time. Vote Change!

Overwhining ,overtaxing Dems are still making blunder news. When will the Dems get a legal and legit candidate?. If Obama and Biden are as good as you get ,then the party is in real trouble. Obama may not even be legal. Know what to do with them!!!!.The Comment is a typical Dem statement . He needed a teleprompt to tell him what to say. McCain and Palin will win for its the only answer.

Who was the Republican minister who asked his congregation to pray for rain of biblical proportions on the night of Obama's outdoor speech? Let's talk about the issues, not this stupid stuff!

Also, I wonder how many of you "offended" folks were offended by the Republican handling of the Katrina Aftermath? How many of you are offended that John McCain is going to try to exploit the event for political gain. His going to the disaster area to give a campaign speech is the equivalent of Bush's "Mission Accomplish" landing in his flight suit. So save the righteous indignation for something that actually matters. Like people withering on rooftops, and drowning in flood waters 3 years ago.

Why do people try and "explain" their comments? Their explanation ALWAYS comes off as even more ridiculous than their original remarks.

Yup — Democratic poor taste made light of the potential suffering of thousands as Gustav makes landfall. With Katrina, though, Republican incompetence and cronyism DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTED to the suffering of thousands. I'm ready to see the Dems in charge, even if one of them or another spits out a stupid, smug comment every once in a while — what we've seen from Republicans remains several orders of magnitude worse.

I think it would be in the best interests of the country if both the McCain and Obama campaigns agreed to donate half of their TV advertising budgets to hurricane relief efforts. This would help those in need and spare the rest of us the tedium of so many TV advertisements.

As an American living in Canada, 63+White Catholic Female, I'm ashamed of the so called rhetoric about a silly human remark, understandably wrong but human error.
When a so called self righteous Christian minister and family group would pray towards the DNC Convention and this is taken on the record and asked for apology?
It just go to prove what a totally double standards some people will take without concerning what and where the real attention should be placed on.
God truly doesn't take sides! The free will given to us is what makes or breaks us!

And Obama nation says McCain is out of touch.
Lets hear what Obama and Biden will say

Fowler obviously made a bad joke, but it has absolutey nothing to do with Obama. I am so sick of these desperate Republicans trying to attribute other people's statements and actions to Obama. Besides, Fowler's statement does not even begin to compare with that wacko evangelical who urged people to PRAY FOR RAIN during Obama's outdoor speech. Why did no one call for McCain to renounce that statement. The Republicans will do anything to distract Americans from the real issues.

CNN POST THIS — This is my second time attempting to comment on this story.

Honestly, this hurricane is a test to see if we all are more prepared for catastrophic disaster than the last tme around. By the looks of it, government has learned many lessons about handling such events. The people are safely out of harm's way, funds have already been requested for relief efforts, action procedures are already in process, and our leaders are down there doing what they should do rather than campaigning full-time. That gets pretty high scores with me. We, as the American family, have another chance to see how much we have learned about being there for each other. Hopefully the hecklers here will be volunteering along side the FEMA and church groups who already are in full swing helping these people, rather than using this event for spitefull reasons. Americans are hurting today…..and what are you doing?

I don't apologize….I thought the same thing. It's funny the GOP evangelicals were praying for rain during the democratic convention and they are the one suffering from a hurricane instead. It's also funny John McCain is now trying to make this hurricane a political stunt by going down Mississippi or wherever he is and now may accept the nomination by satellite. CNN should just cover the Ron Paul convention in Minneapolis. What a joke!

"i don't believe in a God that is vengeful"….this is a silly and uninformed statement. God is a God of Wrath and a God of Love, read the Old Testament if you don't believe that.
He is also not a respecter of parties, republican…democrat. its all the same. they are a necessary evil.

ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ASK MY FELLOW AMERICAN'S:

DO WE REALLY WANT TO INVEST IN "DRILLING FOR OIL"?

GIVEN THE ENVIRONMENT WE NOW LIVE, HURRICANE'S– TORNADOES–EARTHQUAKES, AT IT'S WORST. . .

I WOULD CALL "DRILLING", A VERY BAD INVESTMENT!

"Everything's Cool? They are making jokes about the possible death and suffering of untold thousands, and it's funny? Obama and his divisive politics have turned the Democratic Party into cutthroats concerned only with gaining power, by any means necessary.

EVERYTHING IS NOT COOL! This is SHAMEFUL."

Umm… no, they're not making jokes about the possible death and suffering of thousands. The guy said the hurricane's timing at the RNC was proof that god was on the dems side. He didn't say god is on our side because he sent a hurricane, he said (and obviously joking, but that is clearly lost with some imbeciles) it was because of the timing. A hurricane barreling toward somewhere is inevitable, so your argument is pointless.

And how is this about Obama and HIS divisive politics? He has nothing to do with this story… was he in the video? No. You're clearly just a mindless drone trying to make comparisons that end up proving you have no idea what you are talking about.

I'm not going to say YOUR ineptitude is proof that the GOP is idiotic, because that wouldn't be true. Your ineptitude only proves that you - as an individual - are incapable of simple analysis. But oh, I forgot, I'm a divisive dem… because of Obama….

p.s. I hope the hurricane dissipates quickly!

Good grief. A man made a comment on an airplane and now the comments are about Sarah Palin lying about her baby? Not sure I understand that one.
I don't like what Fowler said - but he wasn't making a speech to the public. He thought he was having a private conversation and it sounds like he was just trying to be funny. Bad humor but I don't feel he had to apologize to the country. Who was it who was basically spying on this man and had a camera on him? I'm shocked that people aren't outraged that it now appears to be okay to hide cameras and record everything anyone has to say.
This is the part that's scary. I'm a Republican and could also make a big deal over this as a political issue, but I don't think we're quite understanding the issue here.
Be afraid. Be very afraid and watch your back. You never know when someone is recording you. Does this person also stick his camera under the stall in the restroom?

Yes, our God is an angry God, and a vengeful God. It says so in the Bible. In this case, God was taking his vengeance on those who took his name in vain by praying for torrential rain to flood on Obama's speech.

I take issue with several statements here and I am an indepenent:
1. Asking it to rain during the acceptance speech is vindictive and wrong, but it doesn't come close to measuring up to being glad a hurricain is hitting the gulf coast during the republican national convention.
2. The comment on stronger more frequent hurricians is inaccurate - please see stats on national weather site for the last couple of years.
3. The person that thinks a gov. needs to be at the airport 2 hours early is misinformed. Don't think that is required.

Please, the three folks that make comments like this are brainwashed and it concerns me that they may be pulling a lever in Nov.

Stick to the subject people……This jerk, could CARE less about the people in N.O. At least McCain is talking about the people's situation down in LA, haven't heard ANYTHING from Obama YET….

Does this matter in the political debate?

Mm, I would have to say "no"

But this does

Palin backed 'bridge to nowhere' in 2006

"I told Congress, 'Thanks, but no thanks,' on that bridge to nowhere," Palin said Friday in Ohio, using the critics' dismissive name of the project. "'If our state wanted a bridge,' I said, 'we'd build it ourselves.'"

While running for governor in 2006, though, Palin backed federal funding for the infamous bridge, which McCain helped make it a symbol of pork barrel excess.

And as mayor of the small town of Wasilla from 1996 to 2002, Palin also hired a Washington lobbying firm that helped secure $8 million in congressionally directed spending projects, known as earmarks, according to public spending records compiled by the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste and lobbying documents."

(from USA Today)

It's nothing to joke about and you should be shipped to New Orleans right now to ride out the storm and see first hand what they will go through there. Shame on you, even if you were just joking around.

Bad enough he said it, an off the cuff joke gone bad. But to justify it by referring to comments made after 9/11 is an absolute pathetic ploy to transfer the blame back to the GOP. Pleeeeeease, say it was a joke gone bad, take your medicine and move on with your day.

Common Sense! –it's one thing to pray for harmless rain in Denver, it's entirely something different to pray for a Cat 3 hurricain to hit New Orleans (which is still recovering from Katrina) with the memory of 1500 deaths still fresh in their minds. All that to try to ruin a convention in St Paul. Sounds pretty dispicable as well as desperate. I'll get a sense of humor, when you get a life!

Joke or no joke… He put his foot in his mouth and should probably step down from his position. A politician should be a positive thinker and not say that GOD has taken sides. That comment was disrespectful and uncalled for.

Barack should fire anyone that says anything so stupid……

Though a bad joke and not a responsible one.
But I wonder where we wnat to direct our thinking in this greaty country.
Bush and Cheney have collectively destroyed our fabrics and hopes and day in day out working hard to make it worse.
Those are who we need more apologies from after we denouce this political joke.
I hope the democrat do not mess this golden oppotunity up, as republican should be burying their faces in the mud for drawing this great country backward almost about two decades ago.

I am sure they (Fowler and co) are not happy for possible re-occurence of Katrina.
God bless America. America shall be great again with blessings and prosperity. Amen.

I dont hear the Repub. .appolizing to Dem. about a certain candidate keep referring to President Ragean when be begain his campaighn in phil. miss. and turn back the road to Demoncy in this country . Synbolicism is alive and well in this country.

Sounds to me like this guy needs to be fired. After all, if a Republican made that joke, Congress would have them up for impeachment or investigation, whichever they could get more mileage out of. I will be praying for the people of the Gulf Coast. May God be with them.

Who is to say he is wrong with his comments. The "Good Christian" republicans were told to pray that a deluge would hit Denver last week. It didn't happen. If you are one of those good christians who think that God punishes "bad" people and brings them justice - then maybe God answered their prayers - he might just think they are bad people.

At least what Fowler said was joking. Where is the apology from the right wing religious radicals who told their sheep to PRAY for rain on Obama's speech? And that was not joking - they were serious! Goes to show what religion does to people these days - and why I haven't been in a church for over 20 years.

Chairman Dawson take a chill pill. Where we you last week when Dobson prayed for it to rain on Obama? Where was the outcry then? How about using your energy to pray for those affected by Gustav? Call on Bush and McCain to apologize for Katrina and using this as an opportunity to bring light to the fact that a storm may kill but our leaders will be there for them. I'm outraged that the Republicans can say anything and their leaders can laugh it off (Remember the woman who called Hillary the B word and McCain just laughed?) These times call for our leaders to be in tune to the American people whether Democrat, Republican or Independent. How about sharply criticizing that.

PS–Obama is not the daddy of the Democratic party just like McCain isn't the great grandfather of the Republicans. It's not that deep!!

Where's the story about Dobson asking people to pray for rain at Obama's acceptance speech?

THE GUY IS RIGHT AND I TOO BELIEVE IT'S A SIGN FROM GOD TO RUN THOSE NASTY REPUBLICANS OUT OF TOWN.

I PRAYED FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL GULF COAST RESIDENTS.

GUSTAV, LISTEN TO ME RUN THOSE REPUBLICANS TO HELL!!!

Give me a break will ya? CNN when are you going to give equal coverage of all the stupid things McCain and his supporters spew out. You never even mentioned his draft remarks until after it was reported by a couple other networks. I honestly believe you are doing this on purpose for ratings. You jumped Fox with the Hillary coverage and now you think you can repeat with the same type of coverage for McCain. This is an Obama supporter who is not Obama. And if you read it. He wasn't being malalitious. He was having small talk with what was supposed to be another supporter. I am curious who this other Democrat supported in the primaries.

I know why he picked Palin. Most women in this country know why. I am not fooled, and neither are oh lets just say 18,000,000 other women. I'm at the point where it doesn't matter who gave birth to the child, just take care of it!! Mother nature decided to bring on Gustov, not Obama. Let's quit all the b.s. and decide who's best for our country. 4 more years, or change we can believe in? I worry about health care, education, mortgage's, gas, food prices, global warming. How's it working so far? It's not! McCain and Palin can ride off into the sunset for all I care. I don't have a need to tear them apart. Obama/Biden represent change, huge changes. Who cares what color a persons skin is. Here I am lets say average white american, of course lets not forget I'm 1/4 american indian, austrian, german, and what ever else my ancestor's were. What I was taught was that we are all god's children and each have a right to be here. If nothing changes, nothing will change!
God Bless America

This is a bogus event. This is a joke that any of us could have made. It is a one-line parody of the comment made by evangelical Christians that God sent Katrina to New Orleans to punish gay people, who were to have a parade on the day Katrina destroyed the city. It does not mean that the speaker did not care about the people and city of New Orleans. It is just a mean spirited way to generate an issue out of nothing. It is also a reminder to all of us that we re always being recorded.

The real truth, as all good vegetarians know, is that God is punishing the pork-eating South, which continues to ignore God's condemnation of the eating of pig.

The Religious Right prayed for rain during the Democratic Convention. They got a Category 3 hurricane during the Republican Convention. I believe this is what is known as "instant karma".

Were all these fools born with one foot in their mouth?

I am a Dem and wonder why these idiots cant keep their mouths shut? Like Thumper's Mom said "If you cant say something nice about someone, then don't say it at all."

Fowler apologized?! What a disgrace…why apologize and posture and lament and explain…to Republicans…give me a break.

Eat crow Republicans. (and take the celestial hint.)

August 12, 2008 -

Focus on the Family Action has pulled a video from its Web site that had asked people to pray for "rain of biblical proportions" during Sen. Barack Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field on Aug. 28.

The political arm of Focus on the Family pulled the video Monday after a number of complaints from Focus members.

Stuart Shepard, the director of digital media for the group, wrote and starred in the video that he described as "mildly humorous."

In the video, Shepard called for Christians to pray for "abundant, torrential" rains during the Democratic nominee's acceptance speech in order to disrupt it. He had asked Christians to pray for rain that would create flash flood warnings and "swamp the intersections."

South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson sharply criticized Fowler's comments, saying, “. . . . I call on Barack Obama to immediately denounce Fowler and Spratt and demand sincere apologies from these members of the Democratic leadership.”

QUESTION: Did S.C. GOP Chairman Katon Dawson asked the same of "Focus on the Family's" Stuart Shepard for asking its members to pray for "rain of Biblical proprtions" on Senator Obama? No - - I didn't think so! HYPOCRITS!!

Recall that the religious right was praying for rain on Obama's speech Thursday at the DNC. God does answer prayers, he was just 4 days late is all.

Republicans are a disgusting mess of warped individuals that pander to peoples fears, and create an atmosphere of despair about anything they talk about. Now they're out there trying to milk a natural disaster for all it's worth, just to get some media attention. And for that miserable crab to try to link these statements to Obama is truly reprehensible. The Repubs have nothing, they offer more of the same.

Don Fowler made a stupid mistake and his apology is sub-par. Having said that, this pales in comparison to the right-wing slams that divide the United States on an almost dialy basis.

What Obama speaks to is true. It is time to change how politics is done is this country so that it is not such a destructive force. You can't blame Obama for this. We all need to understand that we are on the same team and we have more in common than our differences. I love this country and that is why I am voting for Obama.

JUST STOP WHINING YOU DUMB REPUBS.

OBAMA………..08

Why doesn't the reporter mention that Dr. Dobson, of Focus on the Family, had a video on-line last week praying for a rainy night to ruin the DNC outdoor gathering? It was "pulled" after complaints. There's plenty of religious shallowness to go around.

The hypocrisy, humorlessness, and overreaction of the GOP is predictable. Maybe the Colorado "reverend" who started all the rain praying needs to apologize for trivializing religion..

The rest of us will pray for the people on the Gulf.

Stuart Shepard of Focus on the Family, led by James Dobson, one of America's leading evangelical groups, was shown in a video filmed at Denver's Invesco Field, where 75,000 are expected to cheer Mr Obama on Aug 28, asking Christians to pray for "torrential" rain.

"I'm talking 'umbrella-ain't-going-to-help-you rain

I grew up believing that Christians were good people who cared about their fellow man. That perception has been turned on its head in the past 8 years.

If you can believe or even tend to believe all the garbage some of the bloggers write, then you are as sick as they are. They don't need facts all the need is a twisted mind

These posters are disgusting. The story and the comments here really do represent the left in this country. It shows just how hatefull they are and that they will do and say and demonize anything and anybody who dares to disagree with them.

Congrats to you dems, I hope McCain wins by a landslide.

This gentleman does not need to apologize for his comment. He is absolutely right. Memories are short in terms of republicans. It was just recently that an evangelical leader (Dobson) asked the Nation to pray that rain or a storm ruin Obama speech at the stadium. This Senator is right. The media appears to be bias. Anything that Democrats say is placed under a microscope. Whereas, republicans can do or say anything and it is not highlighted in the media. You think this is a sign from God. If you republicans continue to highlight evil in the name of God, I'm sure this is just the beginning. This man spoke the truth.

James Dobson, eat your words: "Lets (evangelical christians) pray for rain of biblical proportions during Obama's acceptance speech" What an awful thing to say, and a karmic response by God!

The problem is seldom the comment, it was how Fowler shamelessly expects his loud comments to go unnoticed and then when they are exposed blames it on a right wing nutcase. How pathetic is this lowlife in running from his comments and focusing on blaming others for his actions. Fowler has not grown from the adolescent blame everyone else mentality. Unfortunately the Dem's are so hateful they focus on anything negative to get an upper hand, this forum is about Fowler's comments and the Dem responses are from Bush, Cheney to Tyrone's sickening comments about Gov. Palin and her heroic struggles in life, how pathetic Tyrone cannot admire the strong.

Amazing that the GOP gets so selectively offended. They think they have a monopoly on "God" and start crying anytime a liberal plays the same card they do everyday. Could you imagine if Anne Coulter was a democrat?

and now ladies and gentlemen….THE OPPORTUNIST…mc c…to give his speech from the gulf……just stay away from that region, you wouldn't care before, WHY NOW?

nobody wants you there mc c…….also, who is tending to Ms. Palin baby who dearly needs her more than the albino hulk does…

I am a democrat. I understand the humorous irony, but when peoples lives hang in the balance you shoudn't make jokes.

Can't we just get along people. Obama/Biden will be our next POTUS/VP and the good times will come to us all even all the fear/hate people.

Vote Democrats only this time and true/real change will happen.

DO IT!

I think the comment made in fun was not intended for the public to hear i'm sure that on Mc Cains team there have been jokes and comments toward Obamas speech how ever politics will be politics, I don't think it was that serious that the two men on the obama campaign should be fired I think they need to watch wat they say and whom they say it around for this is the most sensitve political campaign in political hisory you have a 72 year old senior citizen, a woman who was picked for vp who came from out of no where mind you shes under investigation and you have a african american man who will over come all obstacales in his path its time for a washington white house cange he deserves and has earned this opportunity .

There is somting fishy about this woman.. Mac is back in a crazy way but he won't be around for long. McCain is doing a disservice by selecting this woman. Thowing a overly ambitious woman whom he hardly know into the spot light and a heartbeat away form the presidency. This is not a reality show.

I call on the entire Republican slate of nominees to refuse to allow McCain to become the nominee in light of his support of torture and needless war and rejection of equal rights and environmental responsibility.

Won't happen? Didn't think so.

Alan Colmes of Hannity & Colmes made a similar comment regarding rain being expected at the convention. Dr. James Dobson succinctly pointed out that "it rains on the just and the unjust". I couldn't have responded better!

WOW! When Dobson, a so call Minister of GOD! Asked his flock to pray that the DNC Convention be destroy by weather. Where are those to stop and think, WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE OF GOD, who would state such a negative act against another group of God's People?

Remember, God really doesn't pick sides!

The levees in New Orleans are about to top.

Looks like Focus on the Family's prayers have been answered!

Note to Donny… humor is not humor when you have to explain that you were joking. Keep your mouth shut from now on.

terrible, stupid, insensitive thing to say. michael moore said the same thing on TV and it made me gag. i'm a die-hard obama supporter, but OF COURSE i don't approve of these sorts of sentiments. at the same time, it wasn't the obama campaign, it was the DNC. so to try to hold obama accountable for having said them is ridiculous, unless those trying to hold him accountable will also hold mccain accountable for everything everyone says, as well, including jerome corsi, the ayers attack folks, and heck, the RNC itself.

i'm sure obama is appalled by the statement. it was deplorable, for sure, but trying to hold obama at fault for it is a sign of stupidity, ignorance, naivete, or all three.

Nothing surprising here. Typical ignorance and arrogance by the DIMocrats. Liberal scum……..

Vote McCain or join the insane

I tire of inappropriate remarks …Focus on reality of how your party will do what you say you want to do…with the congress being such an argumentive body of well to do democrates..you as a party have little to complain about…who has made the rules for the last 8 years?????

And again McCain lies, Country first?? He was not thinking of
country first when appointing Palin to be a hear beat away frm
the presidency. She's not qualified, and he knows it, but he's going
for the women voters. Anything for the vote, and it shows that he
thinks if women were going to vote for one woman, he'll just put
another one in and grab those votes. It's the issues, issues,issues.
McCain was not even thinking country first with this selection.
and not to worry. America has a great memory of what the dems did
during Katrina vs the republicans . Sorry, this soundbite just won't]
work

Is it January yet? Thank God I've been independent for 20 years. Everybody always wants to point the finger, some"mostly democrats" with hatred! We are AMERICANS, land of the free. Show some respect. We have had everything, and we are losing it because of hatred towards the ones who are in charge, we need to unite and come back together as one and show respect to who ever is in charge "Mark". We need to forget if their is a "D or a R" behind someones name and support who ever is in charge no matter what! And to the people of Gulf coast, God bless you and good luck

Republicans Unite…… in your vote for Obama/Biden 2008!

Look, even John McCain wants Obama to win. Just think about it, he went from one of the most admired, a "Maverick", to a seemingly senile man, Bush hugger.

He even went so far as to purposely pick a horrible candidate for Vice President. Of all the qualified Republican options out there, even among women, he picked Palin?

I'm convinced that McCain is handing this one to Obama on purpose, he will even vote for Obama!

The Polls show you that among likely voters that Obama will win, but when you factor in the younger generation that are not factored in, we will have a landslide win.

Obama/Biden 2008!!

I thought there is no such word "God" in liberal world ?

Democrats in their ture color

Let's face it — if Katrina hadn't happened the Republicans wouldn't be giving Gustav a second thought. Sad that McCain is trying to make political hay out of this when he and Bush were humiliated three years ago. Hats off to Obama for showing true leadership by staying out of the way and letting the first responders do their jobs.

What goes around, comes around. I recall there was a wish for rain when Senator Obama was to give his acceptance speech.

It would be nice if the media provoked discussions of IMPORTANT ISSUES…………..

BRING ON THOSE DEBATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA / BIDEN 08

the repubs prayed for rain to ruin obma's speech
and yet a hurricane fell on their day
what does this say?
nature loves obama!

Republicans were coached to say a prayer it rain for obama's speech,
this isn't here say, it was all over television. How can we avoid
the irony that we have a hurricane during the rnc??
And believe me, the democrats are not laughing, we are praying
for what we should be praying for, that all the people in this hurricane
are safe,and I pray the don't have to rebuild what they've already done.
God Bless all of you that you are having to go through this again,
and God bless our neighbors in Iowa and Fl. as they recover.

I'm sure he did not mean it…that's the whole point of a joke…now that Gustav has become serious, and the fact that he was taped while making that joke, the least he could have done is to apologize…

I wonder how many of us would apologize if we have been taped everytime we joked or said something (in private) not nice about someone! That's life, and they are politicians in the most exciting election ever…

Chill out and move on!

why do I get the sense CNN and others are trying to create a wedge. Please report real news. Obama didn't say this. I didn't blame McCain for that "Focus On The Family" deal that prays for rain on Obama's speech. Media is getting too involved in creating the news. These are serious times. People are hurting.

And who prayed for rain on the DNC… please…the american public hopefully now is a little smarter than when they elected Bush.

The democratic party as well as Sen. Obama lack character!

Fowler should not apologize. He made fun of a unfortunate segment of the population that actually believes that kind of crap. He should simply say that just as any rational person laughed at the absurdity of Falwell, they would understand the humor in his hurricane statement.. There is no need to apoloigize to people who do not understand because of their own ignorance.