Hurricane Gustav is barreling toward the Gulf, threatening to swamp New Orleans and the surrounding areas.
Earlier today, President Bush announced that he definitely will not be attending the convention as originally planned.
John McCain headed down to the gulf and the convention has curtailed its program for Monday. There will be no political speeches, only procedural maneuvers required to put McCain's name into nomination. A common refrain heard among delegates we spoke with was "We're Americans first" and therefore political activity at this moment didn't seem appropriate to them.
Out on the streets of Minneapolis, there was still a festive atmosphere in the air. It is a bit more muted, however - kind of like a deflated balloon. Where there had been expected to be a big party and rallying cry, there will now be a more subdued procedural - at least at the start.
Some delegates took a few moments to talk with us about their reaction to the changes.
Further changes will doubtless be made clear once the full impact of Gustav is known.
One thing seems certain: the delegates have some business to attend to, but will be as focused as the rest of the nation is on what's happening down south. Like everyone else, they're watching to see what happens next.
- posted by Jesse Zanger
