Republican Convention Schedule Changed for Gustav

Frank James at the Swamp reports:

“BLOOMINGTON, MN -- Sen. John McCain tore up the Republican National Convention schedule today in response to Hurricane Gustav, which is churning through the Gulf of Mexico and drawing a bead on New Orleans.

(For more information on the Republican convention go here.)

“With concerns rising about the potential devastation the storm could produce and with the shadow of the Bush Administration's poor response to Hurricane Katrina still hanging over Republicans, McCain decided to abbreviate the convention's schedule.

“Instead of the full schedule the convention's Republican planners had hoped for, the delegates will meet for at most 2-1/2 hours tomorrow to conduct essential business only. For instance, they must adopt rules, elect officers and adopt the party platform before they can nominate the party's presidential and vice presidential nominees.

“There will be no evening session. Party and McCain campaign officials will decide each day precisely how much of the convention can proceed as they watch to see how the hurricane and its aftermath unfolds.

‘"I want to thank all of my fellow Republicans as we take off our Republican hats and put on American hats,’ said McCain who spoke to Republicans at the Xcel Center by live satellite video feed. ‘And we say America, we're with you... The time for action is now.’
“Republican officials also said that the convention would quickly pivot, transforming from what was supposed to a celebration of the Republican party and its soon-to-be presidential and vice presidential nominees, McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin, respectively, to a fundraiser for hurricane-related charities.”