Politicians Shift Focus From Campaign To Coast

Hurricane Gustav looks to be putting a damper on the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, which began on Monday.

The GOP says it's already scaling down its party plans to essential business only. First Lady Laura Bush was set to speak Monday night, but that's been cancelled. She's still supposed to make a televised plea for help for hurricane victims. She did spend the day at informal meetings with delegates.

Mrs. Bush, Cindy McCain and vice president pick, Sarah Palin, went to breakfast today with the Louisiana delegation.

"Our hearts and our thoughts are so deeply with you and everyone in the Gulf Coast," said Cindy McCain.

President Bush was also scheduled to speak. That too was canceled.

President Bush was also scheduled to speak Monday night, along with Vice President Cheney. Both are cancelled.

Mindful of the botched response to Hurricane Katrina, McCain has been the driving force behind the revamped convention schedule.

"We have to, as you know, put our country first. We will put aside our political hats and put on our American hats," said Republican Presidential Candidate, John McCain.

Congressman Tom Cole was set to talk on Monday, but the opening night program has been curtailed because of the hurricane. Cole says Senator John McCain made the right call in abbreviating the opening-night schedule.

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn is scheduled to speak on Tuesday.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett is set to speak Wednesday.

U.S. Representative Mary Fallin will speak Thursday about an hour before John McCain accepts his party's presidential nomination.