GOP to replace convention speeches with hurricane “service program”?
posted at 5:50 pm on August 30, 2008 by Allahpundit
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If they do nothing they’ll be slammed for callousness and if they do the right thing they’ll be slammed for exploitation, so there’s no reason whatsoever not to do the latter. Oh, except of course that it meddles with God’s plan to help Obama win by wrecking New Orleans.
It’s not just the fringe types like Michael Moore who are advancing that “argument” either, do note.
John McCain and the GOP are considering scrapping political speeches and turning their St. Paul/Minneapolis convention into a “service” program to help victims of Storm Gustav, The Post has learned.
Sources told The Post that McCain himself might visit the Gulf Coast during the week of the Republican National Convention, which begins tomorrow. McCain is not scheduled to make his nomination speech until Thursday.
The contingency plan – a worst case scenario if the storm devastates coastal areas – would turn Republicans into Red Cross-type volunteers who would help collect donations, food and goods to help storm victims.
It’s almost a Category 5 already. Presumably all the speakers will be asked to spend the week around the Gulf and fly into Minneapolis for one day only for their speech, with lots of cross-cutting between the two locations to remind viewers that they have a foot in both places. I doubt they’ll abandon the set pieces altogether since they’re planning to push McCain’s POW experience hard. Let’s just hope he doesn’t oversell it with heavy-handed hurricane analogies. (“Americans are suffering tonight — and I know suffering. After all…”) The one bright spot in an otherwise big mess of bad? It’s ample excuse to cancel Bush and Cheney. Exit question: Should they just postpone it entirely? If so, for how long? The Gulf won’t look much better two weeks from now than it will by next Thursday.
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Bobby Jindal is on the ball
William Amos on August 30, 2008 at 5:53 PM
I called IT!!!!!
Schmidt you magnificent bastard!
Go JUAN!
“we’ll skip the Acropolis and put the country first thanks!”
SARAH!
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 5:53 PM
If they cancel it how do they get equal time coverage from in the media?
Isn’t that a requirement of campaign laws?
Chakra Hammer on August 30, 2008 at 5:56 PM
I think it’s a great idea. After the convention McCain and Palin can go and help out or something. Well McCain do any heavy lifting because of his arms, but I saw Palin on that fishing boat and she can carry a few boxes or so.
coolrepublica on August 30, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Every GOPer who get’s on TV needs to make this point…
ninjapirate on August 30, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Again, risky — but it is in line with the whole Maverick thing. Also, juxtapose convention as aid relief with convention as narcasistic ego fest.
Disturb the Universe on August 30, 2008 at 5:58 PM
80,000 volunteers vs. 80,000 spectators. I could live with that headline.
Ronnie on August 30, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Put McCain at the controls of a C130 as it delivers relief supplies to the area, then have him accept the nomination on live tv, complete with the background noise and visuals of the aircraft.
Show Palin in the door of a Blackhawk with a scoped rifle, picking-off looters one by one.
Outrageous, yes, would I immediately send the campaign fifty thousand dollars, yes.
Bishop on August 30, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Dem official: hurricane is God’s gift to Dems (yeah, God kills people and damages property to influence US politics)
Wethal on August 30, 2008 at 6:00 PM
The way it looks right now, there may not be anybody in NO by the time Gustav gets there.
But Wednesday might be good timing for McCain to go to NO and if that is the play, I’d book that now before Obama pushes him out of that day.
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 6:01 PM
They can’t postpone it entirely. They gotta suck it up and do the best they can. Hopefully they have PR spinmeisters who can give them a good face in all this.
Or…Gustav can suddenly veer west. Stranger things have happened. After all, the skies did suddenly clear up over Bastogne, allowing the Alllies to assist the defenders of that beseiged town.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 6:02 PM
God working in mysterious ways, it actually made a Democrat admit that there is a God.
Chakra Hammer on August 30, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Who says “equal time” has to be entirely in a convention hall?
Moving caravans of aid workers to either the refugee staging areas for water and relief disposition or the clean-up zones in immeadiate aftermath is PR you simply cannot buy.
The donkey party wanted to make this an issue?
Ok mules we’ll play.
This is precisely why I am staying and not running BTW.
The GOP will not be blamed on my watch as much as I can prevent it.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Well, folks…we may just see New Orleans flood again. Not to mention all the other damage, and don’t forget the oil rigs and refineries.
I think postponing it isn’t a viable option, given all that goes into these things. A more somber convention? Could work…
Let’s just hope damage is minimal from this hurricane. And no loss of life. But damn, it doesn’t look good.
JetBoy on August 30, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Wethal on August 30, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Good God, that dude is actually happy that a hurricane is about to splash ashore. The people out of house and home or worse, and that’s a good thing?
Bishop on August 30, 2008 at 6:04 PM
If we postpone it indefinitely then we risk losing a bounce, but we must put our country first, bounce or no bounce.
And Jindal has been a symbol of preparedness and independence (from the federal government). On FOX he systematically listed, for what seemed like 3 minutes, how many School buses, greyhounds, airplanes, etc. they had on hand to help accommodate those without the means to leave. It was impressive.
Cardiganfox on August 30, 2008 at 6:05 PM
I hate this Headline turns into post thing. Import the comments!
malan89 on August 30, 2008 at 6:05 PM
I like it.As a GOP I can say “We saw the Democrats give speaches in Denver. We are in New Orleans helping. It shows the democrats are all talk and we are all action”
William Amos on August 30, 2008 at 6:05 PM
An ad explaining the change in the convention due to the hurricane should include this Fowler clip. While the Dems gloat, we come to the rescue.
Disturb the Universe on August 30, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Drag the story out for the next three years like they’ve done with Hurricane Katrina.
The Race Card on August 30, 2008 at 6:06 PM
I appreciate that he is openly honest the he wants my family to be a political bludgeon, and I, for one, welcome him to come join me in dinner anytime.
I’d love to talk to him about it.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Sven, you magnificent bastard. You are correct, of course. What many here are despairing as a wet blanket on the Republican convention may very well be the opportunity for it to shine.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 6:07 PM
a source of pride for the volunteers…of which I’ll be one and a perfect silent rebuttal to “hope’n'change”
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:08 PM
What’s a “hurricance?” See the headline.
laelaps on August 30, 2008 at 6:08 PM
“While the Dems gloat, we come to the rescue.”
EXECUTED PROPERLY, this would be a best case scenario and could be a huge plus not just for john, but for the gop. Do it right, fellows!
Buckaroo on August 30, 2008 at 6:09 PM
Let’s just really hope that Juan does not let his true feelings come out and say, “What are those whiny folks in a mental depression #itching about now? So they get a lot of rain. When I was a POW most of the time I didn’t even get enough water to drink!.
MB4 on August 30, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Allah said he was going for the hard stuff…..lol.
ctmom on August 30, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Somewhere out there, Rick Blaine is smiling. See you in Brazzaville.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 6:11 PM
I love the sneer quotes around “service” in the excerpt.
Purple Fury on August 30, 2008 at 6:11 PM
So, what do they have to say about it crossing Cuba?
Spirit of 1776 on August 30, 2008 at 6:12 PM
True, I think the best thing John could do to get his point across one time and crush O’Bama for it in perpetuity is to set up the Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony during his speech.
and be done with it.
McCain has gravitas in metric tonnes, Barry has “activism”.
Screw O’bama
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Nothing, of course. Cubans – like anyone else – are expendable as far as the Democrat Party is concerned. Just ask Elizabeth Edwards.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 6:14 PM
I don’t think they should cancel it. These things are hard to predict but the latest is landfall of the eye on Mon AM. probably a cat 4. It’s big and gonna do alot of physical damage. Then up thur eastern Texas and more damage. It can’t be avoided.
I’d just have Bush on a feed from the WH with his speech with apologies that Gustav canceled his trip. Then they can get live feeds from Jindal on Tuesday about the wonderful job everyone did preparing. The McCain can do a live feed with the LANG while in the swing of relief ops.
They look to be so well prepared from what we are seeing here, I think they should use this as an opportunity to showcase the changes that have been made in preparedness. The destruction is not avoidable but I don’t think we will be seeing people airlifted off rooftops, so there is only going to be the spectacle of wind and water.
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 6:14 PM
I don’t want us to look overly eager to show up in front of the cameras doing anything down there. Wouldn’t want it to look like a contract year MVP or something. Cynical Lib: They are just helping New Orleans because it’s beneficial this year.
Cardiganfox on August 30, 2008 at 6:15 PM
and in the end with prepared people who have sense…that is all it is.
Wind and Water.
I still think it would be genius to have an ad hoc mobile “convention”……
the nation needs reminded we care and give…just without the federal middleman ideally.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Dems thrive on misery and disaster.
TheBigOldDog on August 30, 2008 at 6:16 PM
We don’t have to put unprepared people on scene. What we can do is highlight Republican emergency ready teams on scene and have Republicans all over the country working to help the displaced.
Lynn2008 on August 30, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Go figure.
Jeremiah 23
maverick muse on August 30, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Yup…I didn’t mean to imply “come on down” to the 37% of the nation that is GOP….a token force of say 25,000 Republicans would work fine…..add in the local Churches GOP party officials and such we’ll be fine…..
BUT
McCain could meet openly with Jindal and ask if there was anything he needed that he could address in his capacity as a Senator.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Actually, everybody needs to stay away from there after Gustav goes thru. There will probably be no elect no water, no a/c, roads closed and trees down to be removed for weeks. Showcasing preparedness is the best plan.
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 6:19 PM
The Libs are going to be cynical no matter what. (Look at MB4.) It’s the average voter who isn’t high on the Kool-Aid that matters. As long as it is handled well (real assistance not just camera ops) it could sway some undecideds. Besides, it is always wise to do the right thing and let the chips fall where they may.
Disturb the Universe on August 30, 2008 at 6:20 PM
I agree, with a question “Is this what they were really thinking during Katrina?
Topsecretk9 on August 30, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Oh yeah and no place to stay or eat and probably no gasoline pumps working.
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 6:22 PM
a lot of us already live here….
*wink*
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:22 PM
to help them politically
Topsecretk9 on August 30, 2008 at 6:23 PM
From the Book of Jeremiah. Heh..ironic.
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 6:23 PM
There should be no ” storm victims “. These people, AGAIN, have a week’s notice this storm is going to bust down their front door. If they chose to stay there and wait for it to kill them, they deserve it.
tx2654 on August 30, 2008 at 6:24 PM
I have to take the contrary view here.
Are you suggesting that there is no one else in the country who can deal with the potential disaster that might happen along the Gulf Coast and that only John McCain and the republican delegates to the convention can deal with that possible disaster?
Of course not. Obviously, then, the republicans send representatives of the affected area out in front of the TV cameras to report on the relief efforts which can not begin until the storm is over.
Meanwhile, leaders in the areas most likely affected, had better be making preparations now. In fact , those preparations had better be already well under way.
So have the convention, give the speeches, and before each major speech, put in front of the convention delegates, video reports from republican leadership on the scene.
Make the hurricane relief efforts part of the convention rather than shutting down the event.
rockhauler on August 30, 2008 at 6:25 PM
life;s full of choices…The main criticism I have is that they are being awfully hesitant to officially call of school and say “go run and come back”…..part of the reason I decided to stay.
The strict rules on attendence coupled with the Donk theatrics means I will stay until I hear it is worth my time to go.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:26 PM
I think I realized that you did, but I think sometimes those who have not been thur a hurricane can understand the aftermath. It’s miserable!!!
And .. Hey Neighbor, I’m right there with ya if Gus takes a westward turn.
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Possibly a betetr idea….have signs”Aid Gustav”…..
I’d also keep an eye on Hanna.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:27 PM
In New Orleans, no shelter from Hurricane Gustav for those who stay
But of course the Bush haters are only concerned with LA. The destruction in TX, MS and maybe AL will go unnoticed this time probably because those local govs and state governors know how to prepare, unlike LA’s local and state in 2005 who decided to use Katrina as a political weapon.
It’s amazing to me that FL was undergoing 4 sweeps of TS Fay and not a peep out of the Dems convention!
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 6:32 PM
I agree sven, it’s going to be tough to compete with the coverage that a hurricane gets these days. Take the wind out of the dems sails, again!
4shoes on August 30, 2008 at 6:33 PM
This is a useless gesture. Assuming that it turns out to be a devastating storm, a bunch of politicians doing anything like this will just get in the way of people who actually know what they are doing.
What I’m not so sure if is whether this is a politically smart useless gesture, a politically stupid useless gesture, or if it the positive and negative offset each other and it turns out to be a politically neutral useless gesture.
I’d bet it ends up being neutral, but I wouldn’t put much money on it either way.
Let’s just hope and pray that the question becomes moot, because the hurricane fizzles out before it does any damage.
LegendHasIt on August 30, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Who says its going to N.O. and not Lake Charles or for that matter, Mobile ? After it crosses, the west end of Cuba we’ll have a much better idea of what it’s likely to do. Katrina reached Cat 5 status at the midway point in the Gulf between the Florida tip and the Louisiana Coast, but by the time it brushed against Plaquemines Parish, was down to a 3. They told us at the time, that they don’t sustain at high levels for very long so the worst case scenario would be, as with Camille, a strengthening as it is approaching land. This I’ve been told, is unusual as currents flowing with relatively cooler waters, tend to butt along the coast which in the past, as with Katrina have served to weaken storms on their approaches, Camille being the exception.
Then there is the habit of Gulf Hurricanes to hook east as they near land and this does scare me some as the current projected path, has Gustav making a B-line for New Iberia, well to the west of New Orleans. That said, in my own memory, there just hasn’t been a hurricane that didn’t wobble mightily on its way, much less stick to its projected path.
All this said, in regaurds New Orleans, in that event, the important thing will be the locks and levees and pumping stations. Has enough shoring up been achieved? As you all will remember, the intial damage dealt by Katrina itself to New Orleans was fairly minimal. Wind-damage-wise, Betsy was far worse, and at a time when there was significantly more wetlands to the south, to act as buffer.
Of course, as always, you prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Lets just not get a head of ourselves on this.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on August 30, 2008 at 6:35 PM
But that’s because you are prepared and I really have no pity for those that stay without making preparations to go if they need to. And I didn’t have any sympathy for them during Katrina either. We had Rita down our necks and it tore the hell out of the Beaumont/Orange area all the way up thru Lufkin (which was totally unexpected). Not a peep in the MSM about it.
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 6:36 PM
well we weren’t the right color or party to get that “extra sympathy”….
if an alien were looking at it from space they would have thought the press was saying N’walins was a special education camp…
I’m with you-if you live on a coast below sea level you *might* want to fear a rainy day.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:41 PM
I trust Gov Jindal …
tarpon on August 30, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Research recap.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican traditional Christian with a legitimate dream for all Americans to see each other without bias based upon pigmentation.
Jesse Jackson may as well have pulled the trigger on MLK, certainly having mutilated his ideal dream into corruption.
Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. is a Marxist black Liberation Theology supremacist whose ambition is to destroy the American Constitution and enslave the world’s population beginning by shackling American citizens, submitting to our worst enemies.
The Kennedy Klan Klique promote the Progressive DNC conversion into their own dynastic Socialist party to rule the masses themselves from on high Mt. Parnassus.
Meanwhile, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid combine forces to revise religious understandings to suit the shifting sands of pop culture and CHANGE, leaving life as nothing more than the moment; no history, no future, just complete taxation, global warming hype, poverty, hunger and abortion.
Eh, I think I’ll support Palin.
maverick muse on August 30, 2008 at 6:46 PM
But where? Everyone is going there already and cities most likely already have convention like events already scheduled after this. Besides they need to get out of the primary and into general election campaigning.
I say stay on course but change the tone to relief efforts, add in a telethon effort and then get back to work.
Dusty on August 30, 2008 at 6:50 PM
so do I
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:52 PM
LOL… yeah, I had similar thoughts while that all was going on along the lines of .. how long have you people lived in a fishbowl below sea level? Canals … levees.. hello!!
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Amen!
SouthernGent on August 30, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Not to politicize what is about to happen there (as though we can avoid it, politics being the dirty whore it is), but the big message here has *got* to be that this time will be different.
They should shorten the convention, and as the centerpiece of a slogan of “Country First”, should be the vow, “Never Again.”
Yeah, I know the Katrina mess is largely the fault of the general idiocy and corruption of the Democratic Louisiana government and Ray Nagin, but the electorate has had it drilled into their heads for three years now: all Bush’s fault. So throw it back in the faces of the Democrats. Use that clip of the DNC Committee chair declaring this a sign that “God is on their side.” Get McCain, Palin, and Jindal visibly involved in preparations. Hell, get Bush and Cheney involved; make the Thursday of McCain’s acceptance speech look like the goddamned Weather Channel War Room. Demonstrate through actions, not words, that this is important and the GOP takes it seriously.
And do it without the requisite photo-ops of high-up GOP leaders filling sandbags… nobody really takes it seriously anymore because people in general are cynical of politicians.
But either way, the convention cannot go as planned without appearing callous, and it can’t be simply canceled so the GOP can grab photo-ops. Proving that McCain takes an event like this seriously, particularly when compared and contrasted with Obama’s “Tribute to Me, Myself, and I” at Invesco Field, is what people want to see.
E1701 on August 30, 2008 at 6:54 PM
again…Crist is on the wrong team for them to even acknowledge it….
for a good time ask a southern democrat why Florida and the rest of the gulf can take an impact like it is nothing but N’walins needs its hand held.
“ChocoCity”
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Good plan…I did say “does not all need to be in a hall”….
show we’re active, show we care, and HIGHLIGHT AND SHOWCASE BOBBY JINDAL’S ROLE NOT JOHN’S!
We need to get strong face time for the party’s 35-45 something’s leaders.
We can make this crap work FOR US not nail us.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 6:58 PM
MM,
NOBODY is buying that “MLK was a Republican” nonsense. He was called a communist, a Marxist, a traitor, a pedophile, and a lot of other things, but not a Republican.
okonkolo on August 30, 2008 at 7:01 PM
Maybe Obama could go down to La. and raise his arms and turn the hurricane around then olbermann and matthews could both get a thrill up there leg.
thmcbb on August 30, 2008 at 7:02 PM
So, what are they going to do? Stand outside with microphones and rain coats and tell us it’s really windy and rainy? Man the phone banks for donations? lol!
Blake on August 30, 2008 at 7:03 PM
This makes me very nervous.
This thing is gonna’ stir up all kinds of lib talk about reminding us of the perceived failures of the Bush admin during Katrina.
Think anyone’s gonna’ explain the true state and local government failure to the nitwit robot Michael Moore Spike Lee public?
Don’t hold your breath.
Gustav .. LEFT FACE, AND TROUBLE US NOT!!
cgoode777 on August 30, 2008 at 7:04 PM
he’ll just blow back and dissipate the hard winds while vectoring the rain to drought relief in georgia….
Lightworker works in mysterious ways.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 7:08 PM
The fact that he was called those names by people within his own party yet can still be somewhat of a figurehead is a testament to his legacy.
The Race Card on August 30, 2008 at 7:10 PM
No Brainer. Glenn Reynolds is on board. Just do it. Sarah Palin and John McCain should help any way they can. McCain would be smart to invite Obama to help him and all Democrats (not to St. Paul mind you, but to help whereever this storm hits through donations, volunteerism, etc.). A big storm is a national effort that does not distinguish between parties.
Katrina was supposed to teach us all a lesson. Did we learn it? Let’s see.
Mr. Joe on August 30, 2008 at 7:11 PM
Don’t look at me. The last thing I need on this web site is another obsessed “fan”.
BTW, I am not a liberal. For someone to think that I am requires them to close the eyes of their mind and keep them shut by force.
MB4 on August 30, 2008 at 7:16 PM
No S&^%! That really chapped my youknowhat! Damn FL was almost washed away and nary a peep from the ONE!
I agree we need to make this work for US but we’ve got to get John and Sarah before we can get Jindal and Sarah in 2012. Canceling won’t do that. Really there is not going to be anything for media but wind and water in NO because of Jindal.
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 7:17 PM
Yeah, because he would certainly have been in the same party as Byrd, George Wallace, and all the other Southern Democrats.
- The Cat
P.S. You aren’t a sell out if you study history.
MirCat on August 30, 2008 at 7:22 PM
well the main reason I am saying that is it takes away their teeth on “cynicism?” if John is just shown to be a concerned weapon in Jindal’s arsenal….
Hell have Bobby give the opening speech ala Barry….even over VTC…make it shorter and more powerful in what it says and doesn’t say.
Use the word “we” not “us and them” in it…dunno….
I know John is the candidate I also know if victorious John WILL run again health willing….
Palin/Jindal 2016
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Obama said that he hoped people learned the lessons from Hurricane Katrina. They sure did, baby. Bobby Jindal is the direct result of the people of Louisiana learning the lessons of Hurricane Katrina.
I kind of doubt that’s what he meant though.
mjk on August 30, 2008 at 7:28 PM
If McCain and Palin are the real deal, and we know they are, they will Put America First… hmmm, the convention slogan. So the campaign and the Republicans needs to come up with the actions that make sense in this situation that Puts America First. If that means putting aside speeches and aiding in the effort, do it. If that means accepting the nomination on Thursday in a pseudo fashion, do it. But make certain the American people know why and what the campaign is doing on behalf of this effort. That is the one of the biggest shortcomings of Bush, weak communication to Americans. McCain was exceptional during the Russian invasion, he can manage this. Put America First.
EyesOpen on August 30, 2008 at 7:31 PM
quoted for truth…
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 7:31 PM
Sorry Dems, even though Nagin is going to **** up royally again, unlike Blanco, Jindal isn’t going to dilly-dally on getting support and readiness there. He’s probably already got the National Guard down there, just waiting for the order outside the city limits.
BKennedy on August 30, 2008 at 7:35 PM
No I don’t think this is the wrong move, does Anyone remember Spike Lee’s criticism of the Katrina Response, and the conspiracy theory? I do, All Johh McCain has to do is quote Spike Lee we are going to “Do the Right Thing” and then pan to an empty spot with a chair that has Spike Lee’s name on it.
Dr Evil on August 30, 2008 at 7:39 PM
I think Jindal was on the agenda to speak so I’d expect that arrangements are made for him to speak via linkup.
I’m not sure that John will run in 2012. That is going to depend on Sarah because the GOP is not going to go thru this again in 2012 without an incumbent. So Sarah has a really good chance of being the 1st woman POTUS and maybe the youngest? in 2012.
Jindal has said he wants 2 terms and as a neighbor who have watched what has gone on over there for many years.. I too want Jindal to have a 2nd term. But I’m selfish that way. :)
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 7:44 PM
[BKennedy on August 30, 2008 at 7:35 PM]
I saw a Nagin vid on Lehrer News Hour and all they showed was Nagin saying to the effect of “will see if other will get it right this time.” Nothing about whether he’s gotten his act together this time, just him sitting around doing his ‘wait on me’ routine.
Jindal already has the evacuation process up and running, all the various types of needs identified and addressed, the step by step process of evacuation defined as the hurricane gets closer, and over 1500 National Guard troops prepping to occupy the city of NO to prevent looting. Other than the fact Gustav could lay waste to the area, Jindal is on top of everything that can be humanly done to minimize it’s effects.
Dusty on August 30, 2008 at 7:50 PM
And Posse Comitatus has been amended to allow for coordination with the DoD in times of natural disasters. That’s why the DoD is already on the ground in NO.
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 7:53 PM
My guess is this is a whole lotta worryin’ about a whole lotts nuttin’. (<The New Yorker’s standard text, of course.)
Minor (or even major) tweaking can be done. But just get on with the stupid convention and let the chips fall where they may.
Tuning Spork on August 30, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Helping out is doing the right thing but if RNC is expecting this to play well with the MSM and Katrina-victimhood-perpetuators, Republicans should remember that no good deed goes unpunished.
mojojojo on August 30, 2008 at 8:06 PM
One thing that has bothered me during all the grandiose preparation for the DNC convention was the cost including reportedly 5 million for the invesco field event. All the time talking about the suffering of those who cannot pay their mortgage or health insurance. Constant appeals for donations from ordinary people to support the extravaganza for the aggrandizement of the ONE instead of helping the people who are hurting.
The convention hall is prepared and I assume the rent is paid. Vendors have stocked up on foods and planned to serve the Republicans needs. Delay will upset the schedule following the convention which is not fair to whatever the upcoming schedule is. Rent for additional days will increase the costs.
Daily reports of the hurricane damage and the progress of the teams dealing with the shelters and clean up after the storm ends . Suggestions on needs identified by the governors of affected areas and how best to deliver assistance should be included. Any funds left before McCain begins his public funding could be donated. Prayers for those who are suffering could open each day.
Let the convention continue so that the hotels, vendors, convention center are not inconvenienced or financially hurt because they planned ahead to make the convention a success.
Pat in NC on August 30, 2008 at 8:07 PM
That’s the William Wonka esq. I know and love….
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 8:09 PM
I don’t know about canceling it entirely, but something like this is not bad. And I also think that cutting Bush and Cheney out would be bad. Whatever the poll numbers might say, they still have support in the party. It looks tacky and they don’t deserve it. Don’t let the media force them out.
Terrye on August 30, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Remember: We here in Texas have the Castle Doctrine now, and we’ll use it.
No one’s bringing the criminal element back here again, and we ain’t so gracious to those who didn’t learn their lesson the first hurricane.
You can come, but mind your manners, because we’re watching you.
madmonkphotog on August 30, 2008 at 8:18 PM
The rest of America feels the exact same way about Texas and the other probationary states, madmonk.
Little Bush did not help your case.
alphie on August 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Ralphie I heard a credible rumor you are allegedly female….
congrats it all makes sense now.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 8:24 PM
“…tomorrow in St. Paul with speeches by President Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Dick Cheney and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
AHNOLD???? WTF?
.
Just don’t cancel “Ladies Night” Wednesday.
.
Maybe the storm focus should place blame where it should be and ALWAYS should have been, on the DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR Landrieux (sic) and Chocolate City Dem RAY “blame everyone else” (sound familiar, barry?) NAGIN.
They are the real screw ups in the Katrina Disaster! Billions of dollars still being mis-spent, or lost even.
.
Whomever can should call your local Red Cross.
Help will be needed, if the storm hits big, for their phone banks and for other dept’s of the Red Cross.
shooter on August 30, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Hey Ralphie how’d that posit of yours work out???
I suspect you were more enamored with Silky than you let on.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Put me in the skeptical mode. You can’t postpone conventions — there isn’t any way to reschedule this venue, the flights, the hotel reservations, and so on. Two months ago, maybe. Now? You have to either hold it or cancel it. There isn’t a third option.
John McCain and Sarah Palin don’t have any role to play in an emergency effort. Bush and Cheney do. Let them cancel their appearances and go to NO instead, and the convention can help raise funds for the Red Cross.
Ed Morrissey on August 30, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Haha, sven,
What’s a “credible rumor” to someone like you?
See it on a tortilla shell?
Or a grilled cheese sandwich?
You guys are born suckers.
alphie on August 30, 2008 at 8:28 PM
erm I’ll relent from manners.
sven10077 on August 30, 2008 at 8:31 PM
There, fixed!
Texas Gal on August 30, 2008 at 8:36 PM
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