NPR: McCain: Republican Hats Off, American Hats On

McCain: Republican Hats Off, American Hats On

The Republicans have suspended most of the convention activities scheduled for Monday, in light of both Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna. The only activity that will occur is "essential business," including adopting the party platforms and electing officers.

At today's 4:00 p.m. briefing on the state of the Republican National Convention, Sen. John McCain said that "The time for action is now." He used the briefing to also call upon fellow Republicans to dial back political attacks, while "we are facing a great national challenge and the possibility of a great national natural disaster." McCain expressed concern about the ability of emergency responders to communicate with each other, but said that, "I'm happy to report to you that the coordination and the work that seems to be happening at all levels looks excellent."

"I want to thank my fellow Republicans as we take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats" -- John McCain, on the need to focus on the potential disaster from Gustav and Hanna.

Campaign manager Rick Davis added to McCain's comments, saying that the convention would meet the minimal required functions to nominate the candidate. Davis said that the speculation that McCain wouldn't be there for the nomination was just that.

Davis said that all speakers are still expected to still speak at some point. Presumably, that statement doesn't extend to Pres. Bush, VP Cheney and Gulf Coast governors.

-- Michael Olson

4:14 PM ET | 08-31-2008 | permalink

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Reacting to Hurricane Gustav, candidate John McCain offered a fascinating insight: "I want to thank my fellow Republicans as we take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats." (Aug 31 2008)

In the nation I grew up in, we were all Americans and only Americans. It is telling that the GOP sees itself as sometimes American and sometimes Republican.

My friends: Real Americans don't have to change hats.

Sent by Diane | 7:14 AM ET | 09-01-2008

Could it be that this potential disaster is a fortuitous circumstance for a campaign beset by unclear expectations and a complicated relationship with different factions of the Republican Party? President Bush and Vice President Cheney's presence promised to be as painful as their absence. In the wake of a very successful Democratic Convention, the expectations for the McCain campaign are complex and high. The three or more Republican factions can bypass their conflicting messages for the time being, while the media are expected to modesty refrain from critical analysis. Who would have thought McCain could be served such a perfect political storm.

Sent by Ethan | 1:19 PM ET | 09-01-2008

McCain shows his 'black and white' thinking in his Republican hat/American hat comment.
We don't really want this dullard elected, do we?

.... and Bush goes to Eastern TX, since the Katrina problems were centered on LA- now that makes sense, doesn't it??

Meanwhile Palin's 17 year old daughter gets pregnant.
So much for the Religious Right message of Abstinence.

What hypocrites.

Sent by Donna | 9:34 PM ET | 09-01-2008

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