Yesterday, a day on which the temporary flurry of excitement over John McCain's selection of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska as his running mate died down, the Republican Party decided to make a new play for publicity. So they announced that the Republican National Convention, scheduled to open tomorrow in St. Paul, Minnesota, might be cancelled because of Hurricane Gustave([link edited for length]). The immediate reaction, of course, is "What?!!!"
Any news that might have come out of the Republican convention has, of course, already come out. We have known for months that John McCain will win the Presidential nomination. Since Friday we have known that Sarah Palin will be given the Vice Presidential nod. Unlike the Democratic Convention, where "the candidate who wouldn't give up", Hillary Clinton, was allowed to speak, we know that the Republlican convention will not feature a speech by "the candidate who wouldn't give up", Ron Paul.
But a lot of good Republicans have spent outrageous amounts of money to attend the convention as delegates or alternates. They have traveled from all corners of the country to participate in the meaningless ritual of the convention as a reward for, and an expression of, their commitment to the Republican Party. And anyone with a minimal knowledge of geography and weather patterns know that the hurricane poses no threat to St. Paul, so there is no safety issue involved. It is the Mayor of New Orleans, not the Mayor of St. Paul, who has issued an evacuation notice.
The first explanation that was issued is that Hurricane Gustave might hit New Orleans, and a celebratory event such as the Republican National Convention was inappropriate in a time of tragedy. Why a potential tragedy in New Orleans, distressing as the thought might be, should call for immediate mourning, as opposed to the ongoing tragedies of the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan, is not clear. Nor do the Republicans make it clear whether they expect the NFL to cancel today's scheduled games and all American families to stay off the beaches and off the golf courses. Having a group of unhappy delegates moping in the convention hall or in their over priced motel rooms will do nothing to help anyone.
Having apparently realized that redirecting or cancelling the convention might be mistaken by cynical observers as political exploitation, the leadership added the reason that Senator McCain might feel obligated to travel to New Orleans.
And do what? Stand on the levee and command the hurricane to bypass the city? Bring his supporter John Hagee with him to lecture the residents of the city that their sins had brought on the divine punishment? Say that President Bush followed the wrong policy after Katrina, but that he is now going to follow the policy that John McCain had favored all along? Blame the disaster on Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid? Ask all Americans to donate their stimulus payments for the relief of the city? Announce that in the future all gasoline tax collected will be sent to New Orleans?
It disaster does strike New Orleans again and Senator McCain believes that it is the duty of the federal government to respond, he should be going not to New Orleans but to Washington. He is, after all, collecting a salary to be a United States Senator and set government policy, a job he has been neglecting this year.
Whether or not Gustave hits New Orleans, the officials and the citizens of the city have enought woes without being exploited by cynical politicians for a little publicity.
©2008 rtbohan, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Sunday, August 31, 2008
Last modified: Sunday, August 31, 2008
The views expressed in this article are those of rtbohan only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. rtbohan is solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
Report violation by rtbohan of Nolan Chart LLC's terms of use policy.
| More Articles By rtbohan |
Reader Comments:
Posted By: Walt Thiessen
Date: 2008-08-31 07:08:13
Well, they also have a more immediate problem. Legally, the Republicans' own bylaws require that the candidate be nominated at convention. Even though we know the outcome already, the actual act of voting in convention has to take place, by law. Otherwise, legally, McCain can't be considered the nominee of his party.
Posted By: Ashamed of GOP
Date: 2008-08-31 18:32:52
Perhaps McCain is attempting to make amends for the widespread photos of his "Birthday Celebration" with President Bush during the Katrina disaster 3 years ago (complete with lame sheet-cake).
The RNC was shaping up to be a huge embarrassment to the GOP. Well, many of us know the GOP is an embarrassment already, but with all the media attention on the RNC, there would no longer be any doubt among the cluless hard-liners. Especially after the gala that was the DNC last week!
I didn't think anything could further worsen my opinion of McCain and his handlers (BushCo.), but this latest attempt at face-saving strategy really puts the icing on his nasty birthday cake.
I hope that all those in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area for the RNC who are now wanting for something to do/see/learn will take advantage of the festivities, conferences, speeches, and live concerts that are being offered the Campaign for Liberty- a true conservative Republican outfit.
Posted By: bruce
Date: 2008-08-31 20:25:53
I know how McCain can show some sympathy for the victims of the hurricane.
He can give some of his fundraising money to the poor victims of the disaster. That would really be showing compassion as opposed to using his convention delay for political gain!
Better yet, with all of the money spent on the convention, he could have already built hundreds of houses!!