While I agree on this course of action for Bush, for once, I do think it works to the advantage of the Republican party to keep him away from the convention. Let's face it, he's a political albatross for McCain and the whole party.

Sent by TJS | 3:21 PM ET | 08-31-2008

In an ironic way, this hurricane will give McCain and Bush an opportunity not to have to "play nice" in public at the convention. It may also help Bush redeem himself from the disastrous handling of Katrina.

Sent by texasnative | 3:58 PM ET | 08-31-2008

Golly, Bush is going to do yet another fly over to see the destruction which we all see on the news.
Whatever will our All American Hero and the Queen of Alaska do without his presence in St. Paul?
I've lost count of all fly overs he has done regarding Katrina - sure must make the affected people feel ever so much better. Maybe "Hell of a job" Brownie should parachute down and let the people of New Orleans have a word or two with him.

Too bad he and his buddy Cheney still can't off their asses and deal with the still lingering consequences of the previous hurricane before the impending one hits. This smirking bastard makes me want to puke.

Sent by Art Wegweiser | 4:09 PM ET | 08-31-2008

I feel certain that the RNC and their members will again do "one heck of a job" during hurricaine Gustav.

Sent by Jack B. Ogun | 4:43 PM ET | 08-31-2008

This must be the most fortuitous disaster for the Republican Party since 9/11. Now the RNC doesn't have to make up a reason to keep George and Dick away from their shindig. Politicians make the misuse of others' misfortune seem so easy, so natural. Perhaps, in thanks, this time they can bring timely aid to the folks who will lose property and livelihood due to Gustav.

Sent by jyg | 5:10 PM ET | 08-31-2008

Let us all hope (and pray, for those of us who do such things) that Gustav becomes a nonevent and the worst that happens is the political parties are inconvenienced.

Sent by kgdee | 7:02 PM ET | 08-31-2008

The claim that Hurricane Gustav is the reason the Repubs don't want Bush and Cheney to be seen at the convention is hilarious.

And what's up with offering to fly delegates BACK into the path of the hurricane?
Just when the authorities in those states are desperately trying to get everybody out of there?

Sent by Gary C. | 7:42 PM ET | 08-31-2008

Well this is too bad! Maybe President Bush and VP Cheney will still be able to make it to the convention, after they BOTH take care of Gustav. How could the convention move forward without the Republican top bosses? McCain and co. should postpone the event. It is a matter of respect for our dearest leaders. How can the RNC not see this?
Maybe they could just attend for a couple hours on a single day, huh? Please President Bush. I fear that if you miss this most important event Senator McCain and Gov Palin might lose the race.

Sent by PSimon | 8:06 PM ET | 08-31-2008

Yes.... a predictable and cynical move once more by the Republicans,.. bravo! first they choose the ultra-extremist Palin as the VP candidate, to prey on those who want progressive change (read: non-white males) and to play the gender card (where were such "enlightened" choices by the WASP's over the past two decades since Ferraro?), then they use others' pending misfortunes as an excuse to keep the pair of inept hypocrites Bush-Cheney away from what is just a replay of the past 3 decades of the Republican playbook.

Sent by ggs | 9:26 PM ET | 08-31-2008

This is truly a joke - another photo op for the BushMcCain'ts. A great marketing ploy to keep the flop of the century away from the convention. I'm glad I won't have to see either Bush or Cheney.

Sent by Bonnie Snyder | 9:35 PM ET | 08-31-2008

got lucky mccain man and his hot vp. if cheney and his assistant bush do not show up, it will be a huge shot in the arm for mccain. as long as they can avoid cheney and bush, this campaign can talk about bringing change suddenly to washington after being hand in glove for past sick 8 years.

Sent by whocares | 12:03 AM ET | 09-01-2008

You know how sometimes things happen that make you feel a sigh of relief even though you KNOW others will be suffering?
Well, this weekend I'm near the upper Texas Coast, but so far, out of Gustav's path of wrath.

And Sen. McCain must have said some kind of irony prayer of relief for getting a pass on Bush and Cheney appearances at his convention.

Sent by Diane King | 2:16 AM ET | 09-01-2008

The nation looks on. We hope for the best to those who are directly affected by the storm. As trite as it may sound - may this administration find a response that is more noble than it is political. Although I continue to soldier through my nation's tough times, I long to be proud of its capacity to actually help the people who need it most.

Sent by John G | 5:18 AM ET | 09-01-2008

Since when does Bush care about New Orleans? Give me a break! Bush just wants to distance himself from McCain in the hopes of giving McCain the advantage. Nice try.

Sent by anonymous | 5:32 AM ET | 09-01-2008

Will your news organization be covering the lavish fat-cat parties the GOPers will be throwing for themselves off the convention floor and out of the eye to the TV cameras?

There would be nothing more typical of Republican hypocrisy than to continue to party in secret while the Gulf Coast drowns.

The big Tiki luau and pig roast of took place last evening is just an example.

Sent by Steve G | 6:46 AM ET | 09-01-2008

I cannot believe there are people who will not see through the fact that the Republicans are using Gustav to their advantage. They know there is no way they can compete with the historic value, the charisma, the change factor or just the raw sense of destiny that was at the DNC. They also know that they will not get the same viewer #s SO they are using Gustav to make it look like it is of their own design. It is amazing to me how blantantly manipulative these Republicans are, more so, that people believe it. Let Bush stay in TX it will only highlight eventually how little has been done since Katrina.

Sent by shnow | 7:42 AM ET | 09-01-2008

During Katrina, a person of religion suggested it was for the sins of the people.
Could the timing of Gustav be for the sins of the party?

Sent by Mark C. | 9:37 AM ET | 09-01-2008