Where is Obama? Is he going to New Orleans? Does he need to go or is that too blatantly politics?
Also, what do readers think the impact of Gustav will be politically? Will McCain be seen as being merely opportunist? Or as being Presidential?
Where is Obama? Is he going to New Orleans? Does he need to go or is that too blatantly politics?
Also, what do readers think the impact of Gustav will be politically? Will McCain be seen as being merely opportunist? Or as being Presidential?
3 comments:
I would also wonder if his presence, and the timing of the convention is going to draw attention to past Republican failings. It does give Bush a convenient way to get out of speaking and thus too closely aligning himself with McCain as he is such a liability.
This is a true gift for the Republicans.
1) Bush and Cheney don't speak on Monday night.
2) They can safely downsize the convention and so not to be seen as outdone by the Obama speech last Thursday.
I'm actually a bit bothered that McCain went down to be briefed and give a quick address from Louisiana - it seemed a bit opportunistic to me. My understanding was not that he was staying for the duration.
Bush plans to go to Texas, but McCain was leaving (if he hasn't already) to my understanding. I find it distracting, particularly since his campaign surrogates accused Obama for acting presumptious recently. McCain is not actually President at this point so it is not clear how he helps and it reeks of appearing official for a photo op no matter what he says.
Obama and Biden are not going to Lousisiana at this time, and I don't think they should. Apparently Obama was briefed via phone by Michael Chertoff today about preparations and the situation. He and Biden actually made a point they did NOT want to go and become a distraction from the important preparation work, especially since resources would have to be used to provide security, etc, if they were there in person - as occurred with McCain's visit.
They have changed the Obama campaign website to direct anyone going to it on how to provide assistance for the Hurricane by donating the American Red Cross - which is pretty classy. It is very prominent with a direct link so folks can donate to the Red Cross directly - before you see ANYTHING about the campaign itself.
Earlier today, the McCain camp had not taken that step, but I just checked and they have followed suite with a similar type function to direct folks to places where they can offer assistance. That is classy as well.
Obama has indicated they hope to rally supporters to organize for providing whatever help is needed and can be provided after the storm - including perhaps groups going down to help out. They said they don't want to be a distraction though and will need to assess how they can best provide help after the storm has hit and the situation is clearer.
In the heightened political environment, it is good to see both campaigns focus on what is really important.
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