Gustav's Visit Unwelcome for G.O.P.

J. Jennings Moss writes from New York: This isn't turning into the party John McCain was hoping for.

On Sunday, with Hurricane Gustav headed for New Orleans, Republican officials dropped most of the activities set to take place on the first day of the party's convention in St. Paul. It was a move McCain agreed with.

McCain was in St. Louis on Sunday and spoke to Republicans via satellite. He said it was time for them to "take off our Republican hats and put on out American hats."

President Bush and Vice President Cheney had already announced they would not be in St. Paul on Monday. They were scheduled to speak on the opening day.

Of course, Bush and the Republicans have an image problem when it comes to hurricanes, and especially hurricanes about to hit New Orleans.

Convention officials said they would have a better sense of the situation on Monday. But they're already getting ready for the prospect that their presidential nominee might not be in attendance to accept the honor.

J. Jennings Moss