An uninvited guest

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: September 3, 2008

National political conventions are the parties’ way of explaining to the nation what they stand for. Think of them as an informercial for the Democrats and the Republicans.

But when it looked like Hurricane Gustav could cause the same kind of damage to the Gulf Coast — and especially New Orleans — that Katrina did, presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain, seized the moment by recommending big changes to the Republican National Convention’s first day.

“We are deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of the residents of the Gulf State region,” Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain 2008, said in a release. “Our top priority is to assist those who will be affected by Hurricane Gustav. This is not a time for politics or celebration; it is a time for us to come together as Americans and assist the residents of the Gulf states.”

Fairly or not, McCain has been tied to President George W. Bush this year.

The president has historically low approval ratings, in part for botching the federal government’s response to Hurricane Katrina three years ago.

It would have been unseemly for Republicans to party in St. Paul, Minn., as New Orleans got pummeled. At the same time, the party has to hold its convention to officially nominate McCain and get his name on the ballot.

But it was sheer political genius for McCain to call for changes to his party’s party as Gustav roared toward the coast.

So as the Gulf coast states braced for Gustav, the convention’s Monday schedule was stripped of ceremony and celebration. McCain’s wife Cindy spoke alongside First Lady Laura Bush about the need to help people affected by the storm. The convention’s Web site (http://www.gopconvention2008.com/) included easy-to-find links for people who wanted to send aid to the Gulf Coast, along with information about things that were being done for delegates from the affected areas. Even at convention parties, money was raised for Gustav’s victims.

McCain has long been known as a political maverick for working with Democrats and taking stands that are unpopular with some members of his party.

Scheduling a political convention around a hurricane may seem like a no-brainer. But it shows McCain not only learned a thing or two from President Bush’s mistakes three years ago, but he also was willing to deviate from the script to do what’s right.