Bush, Cheney Will Not Attend GOP Convention

Bush, Cheney Will Not Attend GOP Convention Due to Hurricane

[link to elections.foxnews.com]


DEVELOPING: President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will not attend the Republican National Convention on Monday as scheduled because of concerns over Hurricane Gustav, the White House announced Sunday.

The convention schedule had the president set to speak on opening night Monday St. Paul, Minn. But those plans have now been now canceled due to the monster storm that could make landfall along the Gulf Coast as early as Monday. First Lady Laura Bush, however, is still expected to address delegates on the opening day.

In addition, GOP presidential candidate John McCain, along with his wife, Cindy, and running mate Sarah Palin intended to travel to Jackson, Miss., on Sunday at the invitation of Gov. Haley Barbour because of concerns about people threatened by the storm. They were to receive a briefing at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency — a permanent operations center monitoring hurricane response.

Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino says the White House is working on possible alternatives that would allow Bush speak to the convention by video. Bush is expected to get an update on preparations for the storm from disaster relief officials and state and local representatives late Sunday morning. After visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s operations center, the president will make a statement about the situation, the White House said.

Right...why do I not believe that??? He sure wasn't around for Katrina. Maybe some of the Ricin they are mixing up in St. Louis was meant for him.../sarcasm.