If the GOP *does* decide to turn their convention into a Gustav-a-thon

[Franks Wild Years]

Democratic leaders and politicians should ask for a place on the bill, making pleas for help alongside their conservative counterparts. Afterall, this sort of thing would surely be more effective if high-profile figures from *both* parties are trying to do their bit.

If the RNC refuses, they're using Gustav for political reasons. This can be clearly documented.

If they accept, any 'aww, shucks, aren't they nice...' bounce is nullified.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

1. If they do this, let's call and see if they also try to get campaign donations.

I wouldn't put it past them.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

15. Just remind them it was the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Friday

In Hurricane Katrina Bush and his McCain let people drown.

[GoesTo11]

2. Great point!

[Franks Wild Years]

3. I've think I may just have established an idea for a...

...political homerun here. There really is a first for everything... ;)

[GoesTo11]

5. It would also be the right thing to do and the right way to do it.

Just as it would be inappropriate for the Republicans to campaign during that time it would also be for Obama. So if it's right for them to do a telethon, it's right for Democrats to join in. No politicizing national disasters.

[Franks Wild Years]

6. Absolutely.

That goes without saying. The thought of them trying to make this disaster their own makes my skin crawl. Despicable.

[BlueIdaho]

4. If they do - Jerry Lewis will be PISSED! That's his racket. nt.

[tinrobot]

8. This is also his weekend.

[npincus]

7. NO ONE will be watching the GOP convention on Mon & Tues

they'll be tuned into the weather channel or the cable channels covering the storm.

[jenmito]

14. All the cable channels will have a split screen showing both. n/t

[annabanana]

9. I'm sorry.. Is the storm track now over St. Paul?

(confused)

[Franks Wild Years]

11. Haven't you heard?

One of the ideas floated by the McCain campaign is to turn their convention into a Gustav telethon!

[GoesTo11]

13. It looks like it could be devastating

It's not just politics. If another Katrina hits, of course all the attention of government should be on ensuring safety. And of course it would be the wrong call to have a national party going on. If it's a big hurricane but without levees breaking and New Orleans flooding, it will still be bad, but in Minnesota, the Republicans can get back to business a day or two later. Hopefully neither side will try to milk this for political gain.

[jenmito]

10. If they do, and even if they don't, we should run ads with the pics of McCain & Bush celebrating his

birthday as people were drowning in New Orleans. At the end of the ad, have the question, "Country first?"

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

12. Charity should be be non-partisan...I like it...K&R

[Franks Wild Years]

16. Indeed!

There's no way the GOP can be allowed to co-opt a natural disaster as anything approaching 'their' issue. It's an issue for bi-partisan humanity, heart and hard work.

[tannybogus]

17. They will do something!!

There are 4 Rethug governors who could use brownie points.
Jindal, Riley, Barbour, and Crist plus Perry in Texas.

When Katrina hit, Karl Rove cared less because of Dem governor, senator
and mayor.

[Franks Wild Years]

18. So McCain has now said it's a telethon.

Democrats must respond to his grave trampling and make it a bi-partisan affair.

[TexasObserver]

19. they're going to try to showcase GOP governors and officials

since they have the gulf coast states covered with GOP officials, their ploy is to show how GOP officials are all over this problem

They'll restart their old "blame Dems Nagin and Blanco" meme for Katrina.

[Franks Wild Years]

20. And that's exactly why...

...Democrats should get the big hitters there too, or at least buy a chunk of prime-time TV to do appeal ads.

We know how the GOP exploit stupid people with this shit. Sadly, it's essential to do the same back.