Someone made a good point this morning re: curtailing the GOP convention

[book_worm]

It was that this is the first time this was ever done. Thru out all of the wars this never happened. In 1944 during WWII we held our conventions without any delay, though FDR did accept the nomination from San Diego (the convention was in Chicago), on an inspection tour, but nobody knew he was there due to war time security. In 1968 the Dem convention went on without any curtailing even though everybody knew that the streets would be overrun by protesters and police. Even during the civil war the convention of both parties weren't delayed. This really is all about politics and McCain is doing his best to cash in on "looking presidential" and try to erase the monumental ineptness of the govt. response to Katrina and put the distance with Bush. Hmm, maybe that is it altogether. Bush and Cheney were going to speak tonight and now they both are scrubbed.

[DarthDem]

1. Excellent Point

I didn't think about whether there was any precedent. Thanks.

[EV_Ares]

8. Excellent point and there was no way for Bush & Cheney to get out of going to the

convention. Not many wanted them there so this gave them an excuse they are using. Also, the republicans really have no message, no enthusiasm, nothing to really offer so they had no way other than this hurricane of not holding the convention. Have to say, they found an excuse.

How all this will play out for them remains to be seen. I would think McCain could overplay his hand especially if he does his speech where all this is going on. Talk about using a disaster for yourself and politics. Oh well he has already put politics first over country with Palin.

[hisownpetard]

2. As Dana Carvey would say, "How conveeeeeeeen-ient!" n/t

[whistle]

3. Normal political patterns suspended, what comes next suspension of election?

[RC]

12. There will be elections, but

the change of administrations is in doubt, regardless of how the elections go.

[CJCRANE]

4. I don't think he had even prepared for it

judging by the fact that the Palin selection seemed to be a last-minute decision.

[baldguy]

5. They can't have pics of partying GOPers next to those of Americans dying in their homes.

Not again.

[sandnsea]

6. Was there ever any doubt

They are thrilled to be able to suspend their convention and capitalize on the storm. They're craven opportunistic slime.

[Sugarcoated]

7. But Gustav reminds people of Bush

and his ineptness and "You've done a heck of a job, Brownie" . . . and Friday McFudd showed America his own Brownie moment choosing Gidget for his backup. I don't think it matters what McFudd does from here on out. It's about judgment and "more of the same". It's Obama's to lose.

[me b zola]

9. Politics on a couple of different levels

Yes, there is the Katrina/Gustav trying to appear concerned issue. Then there is the issue that there is absolutely no excitement for the republicans, and in the wake of the huge success and excitement of the Democratic convention. IMO, the republicans were looking for any excuse to explain why they would look pathetic it the Dem's wake.

[yardwork]

10. Republicans cut and run.

[DeepBlueC]

11. I think it is a lucky break for them

They don't have to give speeches that will inevitably be compared unfavorably to the heady stuff at the Dem Convention. They have an excuse to keep away the toxic Bush and Cheney. Their sad little affair will be underwhelming "out of respect" etc etc. It's the excuse they needed. As long as Gustav does not turn into devastating event, McCain will begin to take credit on behalf of the Republicans for meteorological management. Katrina, of course, will be dismissed as part of the Clinton legacy. Party insiders will be referring to Saint Gustav, I'm betting.