"It wouldn't be appropriate to have a festive occasion while a near tragedy or a terrible challenge is presented in the form of a natural disaster," McCain told Wallace.

Well, well, well.

Too bad he didn't feel that way 3 years ago yesterday as he and Bush yucked it up during a birthday party for McCain as Katrina hit.

What a pandering hypocrite.

McCain didn't show up in N.O. for weeks after.

Bush not for 5 days - and that was a flyover.

Bush and McCain on August 29th, 2005 as Katrina hit New Orleans:

Isn't that precious.

I bet Sen. McCain really believes he's in charge.

That's Okay. The Democrats from Lousiana weren't around for Katrina either.

McCain didn't show up in N.O. for weeks after.

Bush not for 5 days - and that was a flyover.

#2 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

McCain was the Senator from Arizona when Katrina hit and not even considering a Presidential run at the time. Why would he immediately run to New Orleans? Did all 99 other Senators go there in the days after Katrina?

Evangelical Christians have been asked to pray for "rain of biblical proportions" to fall on Senator Barack Obama as he accepts the Democratic nomination.

it seems God heard them and said "buzz off" and is directing his displeasure at those making this demand, those Evangelicals pissed God off! So they are responsible, the Spaghetti Monster would never do this. Repent righties!

John -- It's good cover and a delay to allow you to reconsider your Palin selection. Declare the Convention postponed tonight! And if Pawlenty bristles at that, then pander to the Minnesota and Louisiana voters by dumping Palin and creating a two for one Vice Presidency (2 veeps for the price of one -- Pawlenty and Jindal!!).

That lets you be a maverick and original twice in the same week! Think of the press! Remember, it's not what you say about a product, it's the publicity it gets! You'll get loads of publicity!

John -- another option to consider, since you might not want to p.o. a babe -- set up a "triumvirate vice presidency". Just add Pawlenty and Jindal to the mix. Make it 3-for-one, and assure voters that if they love Palin, they'd love the trio even more. Go for it, bubba!

there's a possibility that McCain may turn RNC convention into a fund raising for victims, I would tip my hat to that!

The Hand of God is in this. He has shown his displeasure with the Republicans and rained out their little party. Would not be surprised to see Biblical plagues visited on them next.

"The Hand of God is in this. "

Bullshit.

It must be the hammer of Thor.

Dr. Dobson taught it was funny that one of his minions taught it would be funny if the Democratic Conventions speech from Sen. obama was rained upon, so now Michael Moore says it poetic justice that the Republician Convention is rained up by the Hurricane AN THE RIGHT IS TAKING OFFENSE, GET A FUCKING GRIP!!!

"The Hand of God is in this. He has shown his displeasure with the Republicans and rained out their little party. Would not be surprised to see Biblical plagues visited on them next."

Funny thing is if that storm hit Obamas speech that is exactly with the righteous religious right would say, especially after their prayers. Evangelicals have a God that loves to punish, its a hobby I guess. Now since the wrong party is being punished they will drop the topic of God hates Dems temporarily. But it will come up again, it fires up their flock (thats why do they call them sheep)

"thats why do they call them sheep"

#14 | Posted by onna

Yeeeeeeeeeeess!

Sincerely,
Onna aka Yoda

McCain was the Senator from Arizona when Katrina hit and not even considering a Presidential run at the time. Why would he immediately run to New Orleans?

ROB THE A HOLE

Since he was right there WITH Bush, it would have been 'appropriate' for him to have urged Bush to drop the parties and fundraisers for the next few days as people died and do his job, wouldn't it?

Instead, McCain hopped on Air Force One and went to a party with Bush.

Sorry, this sudden concern McCain is showing today is totally at odds with his actions the moment Katrina was killing people and leaving a swath of destruction - without seeming concern THEN.

"'It wouldn't be appropriate to have a festive occasion while a near tragedy or a terrible challenge is presented in the form of a natural disaster,' McCain told Wallace."

Well, McCain better do a little praying, because it would be even less appropriate for any of those Republican-rebuilt levees to fail and flood N.O. again.

I don't doubt that McCain is sincere this time.

I think we can all agree that after the tragic loss of life and utter devastation of Katrina we take these monster storms with a little more seriousness at the governmental level.

Sorry, this sudden concern McCain is showing today is totally at odds with his actions the moment Katrina was killing people and leaving a swath of destruction - without seeming concern THEN.

#16 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

You're putting on him what the President should have been doing then, or what he should be doing NOW. Back then, he was simply, Sen. John McCain from Arizona. There was no need for him to go to New Orleans. But you know that... you're just trying to throw anything/everything at McCain in hopes that it sticks.

No, ROB

I'm saying it was just as inappropriate for he and Bush to party while Katrina hit. I didn't say they should have charged right to NO, but flying to another party, and Bush not showing up for a flyover for 5 days while every federal resource should have been at it, and he at the helm managing the crisis as President, was unforgivable.

My point was McCain should have put a stop to the parties if Bush wouldn't. You'd think a President wouldn't pack him on a plane to go to a fundraise and another party in the midst of that emergency.

sorry Rob, I agree with AmericanUnity. If I was with Bush at the time, I would have said "Hey Katrina needs your attention" and ask him to cancel the party. McCain went to the party, a character flaw I would postulate!

I'm saying it was just as inappropriate for he and Bush to party while Katrina hit.

Why can't the Senator from ARIZONA celebrate his birthday just because a hurricane hit LOUISIANA?

same question to Onna...

And remember people didn't really realize the extent of what was going on in NO for many hours and days after Katrina hit.

You guys are looking back on it, knowing what was going to happen. At the time, nobody knew how fucked everything was going to be, especially the Senator from Arizona.

You can find pictures of McCain celebrating his birthday... big deal. Are you two saying no other senator enjoyed themselves that day?

AU, since you know where one senator not from Louisiana was the day Katrina hit, I'd like you to turn your investigations to the remaining 95 senators who aren't from Louisiana or Mississippi.

Where were they? What were they doing? Did they immediately go to New Orleans after the skies cleared?

All John McCain was in 2005 was a Senator. That's it. So if you can attack him for not being apart of the relief efforts, then you should be attacking the rest as well...

ROB

Bush proclaimed the very same pre-disaster for the Gulf Coast before Katrina as he has now. Now, the national guard and FEMA are there in droves as they should have been before Katrina ever hit land.

They knew Katrina was a monster storm days before it ever hit the Gulf Coast, but they were ill prepared. THIS time Bush ensured they have tons of manpower, food, water, tarps, machinery, you name it. That's the effort that should have and could been made in preparation for Katrina.

It's not like it hadn't been done dozens of times before during other administrations. Katrina wasn't the first huge hurricane to ever hit the U.S. Camille, Andrew ... we've had a lot of them.

Just a different President when Katrina hit who valued cronyism over competence - who had his priorities all mixed up when he should have been making damn sure everything was in place and leading the effort instead of partying.

You can find pictures of McCain celebrating his birthday... big deal. Are you two saying no other senator enjoyed themselves that day?

Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole at 2008-08-31 01:28 AM | Reply

How can you not get it? He was celebrating with cake and with an unpopular president who was busy doing THAT instead of his job!

And those other senators aren't running for prez.

So.... the republicants get to postpone the convention under the guise that NOW they care, and they get extra time to prep the VP nominee on world affairs and life outside her Alaskan bubble. Well, now, isn't that convenient???

the storm was severe and hitting N.O. before they got on the plane to go to a party, I don't personally know anyone listening to the news that wouldn't question that, the news was quite detailed on the storm at the time. when a heavy storm hit us in Oregon, both daughters called us with anxiety. That's all we are saying, so I say a flawed character on both of them and any other high official with them!

"...there's a big storm", "so what, hell with that, let's party"

And, yes, McCain could have recused himself from the festivities. Instead they carried on and McCain flew off with Bush for another party.

"Mr. President, I should let you go deal with the emergency...."

Even if he'd gotten a blank stare from Bush McCain could have exercised good form by doing so...

Does anyone else see poetic justice in Dobson praying for rain to ruin the DNC....

Then Gustav postponing the RNC....

The Lord works in mysterious ways...

Why, yes I do.

Aaaaaaaaaa-men - a

Hey you bunch of pathetic whiny brats. The local and state governments are normally the lead for disaster preparation. The incompetent Dem. Mayor and Gov. were primarily responsible for the fiasco with Katrina.

"Why can't the Senator from ARIZONA celebrate his birthday just because a hurricane hit LOUISIANA?

same question to Onna...

#22 | Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole at 2008-08-31 01:26 AM"

I guess you're right, Rob. The birthday celebration is probably more important. Of course, the celebration could have been postponed (unlike a hurricane). However, one would then probably miss out on a photo op with the President. That would only be a problem if one were planning to run for president in the near future.

Once again, timing is everything.

But, but, but . . .

With "Brownie" in charge of FEMA, George Bush didn't think he had anything to worry about.

And with Chertoff the Secretary of Homeland Security, Bush definitely didn't think he had anything to worry about.

Boy! Was he ever wrong!

The perils of cronyism.

For those who have scoffed at my comment "The Hand of God is in this" I call them what they are: Heretics, enemies of God, America haters and traitors to Our Great Nation.

Question the actions of God and thou shall be sent "down to Sheol in grief."

If this works for Cons I don't see why the Dems can't use it too.

Mr. President, I should let you go deal with the emergency...."

the what?

I find this to be a little self serving that they will now postpone the RNC party because of a hurricane.

I find it fricking hilarious that the idiots like Dobson were praying for rain to ruin the DNC and here rain is going to do just that to the RNC.

Poetic justice.

Just proves that God hates neocons.

Now the party of compassion is concerned with the great darkness to fall upon the city of the dark skinned, "chocolate city" or whatever the mayor called it. Too bad a Katrina like disaster didn't fall on Pebble Bch, Palm Bch, Newport Bch, etc., you get the idea.

Politics are now kissing cousins of TV garbage. "Just how will it play out in the press?" is the major consideraton for all political candidates. But then Americans are too freakin dumb, numb, lazy or uninterested to turn off "Dancing with the Whores" and make a political judgement. They nod to their preachers in agreement, not knowing what they are agreeing to. The Whore on Terror, that's the best joke yet.

"Oh Homeland Security, my neighbors sprinkler is getting my patriotic flag display all wet, can I blow their heads off? I heard that one of their relatives from a billion years ago was a Muslim of sorts. Can I take that as a Yes?"

Oh wait we have that media loudmouth Judge Judy to decide for us.

Republican strategists are planning a full on show of compassion and caring complete with plenty of photos. George Bush has now canceled his appearance so that he can be ready to deal with any disaster which may occur. Probably the right thing for him to do but sad that it is primarily because his administration has such a poor reputation. The same party that will outsource your job and let health care be unaffordable will not pretend to give a crap when your house blows apart. The saddest part is that some naive Americans will still believe this campaign gimmick.

Would not be surprised to see Biblical plagues visited on them next.

Look at all the crap God Wrought since 2000-9-11, Iraq, afganistan, tanked economy...

Isn't that precious.

I bet Sen. McCain really believes he's in charge.

#4 | Posted by TrueBlue

Not near as funny as the ears thinking he has the experience to run thes great country. Have a nice May Dat MF.

"Not near as funny as the ears thinking he has the experience to run thes great country. Have a nice May Dat MF.

#41 | Posted by Sniper at 2008-08-31 10:27 AM"

Well, since you put it THAT way, I'm now convinced you're right.

You "Have a nice May Dat MF", too.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

And those other senators aren't running for prez.

#26 | Posted by Alexandrite

Neither was John McCain when Katrina hit.

HEADLINES
"Focus on the Family" prays for the evil party's convention be disrupted, Prayers ANSWERED, news at 10

They knew Katrina was a monster storm days before it ever hit the Gulf Coast

Come on AU, stick to the facts, Katrina hit as a Cagtegory 3 storm. That's not a "monster" storm. If the Levees in New Orleans hadn't failed Katrina wouldn't have really been all that big of a deal. It was the levees, not the storm that destroyed New Orleans.

Can anyone explain to me why the Senator from Arizona who wasn't running for President can't celebrate his birthday? I still don't get it... the only way it makes any sense is if you lie and leave out that he wasn't running for president. If he was, then yeah, you're right he should have been in the region immediately (Like he will be for this storm).

Already did, Rob in my post above:

#33 | Posted by TrueBlue at 2008-08-31 06:58 AM

Ignore it if you want to, tho'.

In case that wasn't obvious enough for you, both THEN and NOW Senator McCain's actions are (understandably, but not commendably) being driven by a desire to get a favorable photo op in order to win the presidency.

Rob, you do realize NO was bad, but Katrina wiped out much, much more than NO. Right? It was massive.

"McCain may give speech from diaster zone." in other words the GOP convention....

hahhahhahahahaha

WTF??? Did you really expect Bush, McCain, or any other sane person to fly into New Orleans as the hurricane struck on 8-29? I don't think that any flights, other than NOAA hurricane trackers, would fly in those conditions. And how could anyone have known how bad it was actually going to be?
I'm a middle of the road guy that has cast a vote for both mainstream parties in the past, but it is strings such as this that demonize the liberal mind set. And with each day that passes, I am finding it more uncomfortable to sit with the Obama supporters.

Ignore it if you want to, tho'.

Didn't see your reply.

Senator McCain's actions are (understandably, but not commendably) being driven by a desire to get a favorable photo op in order to win the presidency.

#46 | Posted by TrueBlue

Not commedable I agree, but also not something he should be attacked for. It wasn't his state, he wasn't running for President. All another Senator down there in the aftermath would do is get in the way.

Rob, you do realize NO was bad, but Katrina wiped out much, much more than NO. Right? It was massive.

#47 | Posted by YAV

Yes of course it was a large storm, but let's not kid ourselves into thinking that it was another Andrew or other massive (or as AU puts it "Monster") storms. If Katrina were a strong Cat 4 or fuck a Cat 5, I'd be shocked if anyone would be living in New Orleans today. It hit as a strong cat 3 storm, which is nothing to sneeze at, but is also not a "monster."

WTF indeed and if the only alternative to having a photo op celebrating a birthday during a disaster would be to "fly into New Orleans as the hurricane struck on 8-29", that would be reckless, useless, and stupid (if not impossible). I don't think ANYONE was suggesting that.

"All another Senator down there in the aftermath would do is get in the way.

#50 | Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole at 2008-08-31 11:16 AM"

But once he declares his candidacy for President, it's OK (especially if he brings the VP candidate too)?

Please explain!

Neither was John McCain when Katrina hit.

#43 | Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole

He was the ONLY senator with Bush when Katrina hit and, even though there would have been no reason for him to go to NO, he should have had enough good judgement to know that a celebratory photo op with Bush was uncalled for at a time when a confirmed deadly storm was ready to hit an unprotected city and should have advised Bush to take care of the emergency instead of going to another fundraiser

But once he declares his candidacy for President, it's OK (especially if he brings the VP candidate too)?

Please explain!

#53 | Posted by TrueBlue

If Gustav hits New Orleans as a massive storm, its going to cause a ton of damage that probably will still need fixing by the time either Obama or McCain takes over. They should be seeing what they may be up against. I would think Obama will be there too...

He was the ONLY senator with Bush when Katrina hit and, even though there would have been no reason for him to go to NO, he should have had enough good judgement to know that a celebratory photo op with Bush was uncalled for at a time when a confirmed deadly storm was ready to hit an unprotected city and should have advised Bush to take care of the emergency instead of going to another fundraiser

#54 | Posted by geezer1

And of course you've hammered the other 95 Senators for going about their daily lives that day since their states weren't hit by the storm.

right?

Rob,

$125 Billion for Katrina.
Andrew was $15.5 Billion (21B today).

"Katrina was an extraordinarily powerful and deadly hurricane that carved a wide swath of catastrophic damage and inflicted large loss of life. It was the costliest and one of the five deadliest hurricanes to ever strike the United States."

oh come on, it's just a little rain.

"And of course you've hammered the other 95 Senators for going about their daily lives that day since their states weren't hit by the storm.

right?

#56 | Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole at 2008-08-31 11:38 AM"

Frankly, Rob, I (and you too, I suspect) have little idea what all the other (99) senators were doing around the time of Hurricane Katrina. I AM quite sure they were not having a photo op with the President, tho ;-)!

Rob,

$125 Billion for Katrina.
Andrew was $15.5 Billion (21B today).

#57 | Posted by YAV

Katrina, or the Levees? If Katrina had taken the same path as Andrew I doubt it would have cost 15.5 Billion to clean up from.

It wasn't the storm that caused the majority of the problems in New Orleans.

Frankly, Rob, I (and you too, I suspect) have little idea what all the other (99) senators...

#60 | Posted by TrueBlue

I'm pretty sure we know what the 4 senators from Louisiana and Mississippi were doing so that's why I left them off the list. 96 Senators had nothing to do with Louisiana and Mississippi... we know what McCain was doing. The bastard actually had the nerve to celebrate his birthday... what an asshole. the other 95, must have been flying/driving/handgliding to New Orleans... and that's why you guys aren't hammering them.

However, given the logistic realities of a presidential candidate (and their entourage), I think it would be more prudent to assist from another location rather than being (adding?) to the problem.

#58 | Posted by TrueBlue

So when McCain WASN'T running for President, you hammer him for not responding to Katrina. Now that he IS running for President you hammer him for responding to Gustav.

That's not political hackery at all.

I think the issue was about McCain's judgement, why the question of other 95 senators, when I am asked about his judgement I don't whine about all those others. I think McCain had bad judgement then and his pick of VP shows bad judgement now. If others also had bad judgement doesn't mean didley, it's McCains judgement I am critical of, got it!

LOL! Well, Shrub and Darth Cheney have just cancelled their plans to appear at the Glop - er, excuse me, I meant GOP convention. Looks like this is gonna be a stellar turn-out, no doubt about it. Everyone is SO excited about McBush's VP pick they just can't WAIT to show up - er - never mind....

Looks like some of the Holy Rollers had better revisit the old saying "Be careful what you wish for...." cuz boy, they got it! Just not QUITE the way they envisioned......

The GOP can turn this into a "we care about the people" moment.

"So when McCain WASN'T running for President, you hammer him for not responding to Katrina. Now that he IS running for President you hammer him for responding to Gustav.

That's not political hackery at all.
#63 | Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole at 2008-08-31 12:26 PM"

Apparently I didn't make my point clear enough. Let me try again: the point is HOW he responded to the two hurricanes. In the first case (Katrina) he is having a photo op (with the President); in the second (Gustav) he plans to (I believe) have a photo op in the disaster area. In both cases, I perceive his motivations are to promote his aspirations to become the president (speaking of political hackery!). If you believe otherwise, fine. From here, I think the evidence supports my view.

Gustav isn't going to suspend a thing - McCain's just saying that to look "concerned".

Gustav is a GOP blessing - takes pressure off them to look as good as Democrats and gives them an excuse to keep Dubya far away from them.

The irony of God unleashing another killer hurricane on New Orleans just as the GOP convention is about to begin is just delicious. I guess our Father In Heaven doesn't appreciate rightwing hypocrisy anymore than the rest of us.
If someone wrote a fictional piece about such an event it would be disregarded as too unlikely. Once again Reality outdoes even far fetched fiction.

Guys ... don't be surprised if this whole thing turns out to be good for the GOP. All they have to show is minimal competence (which they occasionally do), and the fact that neither W nor Cheney will speak relieves them of the disgrace of their presence, and the inevitable media follow-up stories.

I'd expect McCain's support among Wal-Mart voters to reacha record high.

"The Hand of God is in this. "

Bullshit.

It must be the hammer of Thor.

#12 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2008-08-30 11:25 PM

Tis the Triton of Neptune I say!

yes, be careful what you ask for Evangelicals! Looks like yer negative energies got redirected...again.

Gustav will be a psychological reminder of all the avoidable failures of the Bush Administration.

We've been through Cat 4 and 5 hurricanes lots of times - and with competent leadership from the federal government. The failure of Katrina can ONLY be placed at Bush's feet.

America will get a pause to think as Gustav hits about how much better Katrina would have gone if our President had appointed competent heads of government agencies like FEMA, and had had as 'hands on' management of Katrina as he is now making sure America knows he's doint for Gustav.

We've been through Cat 4 and 5 hurricanes lots of times - and with competent leadership from the federal government. The failure of Katrina can ONLY be placed at Bush's feet.

You'd have a point if there has only been one hurricane throughout Bush's presidency. But there have been many hurricanes over the past 8 years.

Katrina's failure was at the local level and the fucktards in New Orleans actually reelected their mayor. I hope Gustav wrecks the place.

Keep on spinnin Rob. That's what you're good at. The Whirling Dervish.

Wow... moder8 that refuted everything I just said. Amazing. I point out there there have been many hurricanes over the past 8 years that have hit all along our southern coastlines and all but one were handled well and without any type of crises like we saw in New Orleans, and you say, "Keep on spinnin."

I see that Harvard Debate Team training coming right through the screen at me. Brilliant stuff.

**** McCain: Gustav May Suspend GOP Convention *****

......the convention organizers are desperate because they cant fill the arena they rented......

.....they now figure if the New Orleans dome is filled with refugees, they can have their convention there and make it look like somebody came.....

That's like the Patriots claiming every game but one last season. LOL

It must be the hammer of Thor.

#12 | Posted by Zatoichi

After being worked over by a Hammer....

Anyone would be Thor.....

So we can get a few good photo-ops with McCain and the respective Republican governors of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama. It would be an Obama moment--a lot more style than substance--but would involve helping to direct medical and aid supplies, members of the Armed Forces, etc., while Obama and Biden are asking for beaver in Pennsylvania.

Every time Obama is on TV acting like a candidate for president, his ratings slip. Unfortunately for McCain, the same is true of him. So the Repubs need to have McCain rolling up his sleeves, getting a little dirty in states he knows he'll win, with plenty of facetime of Palin doing the same. And then he can show up on Thursday, give a short speech, and thank everybody who made the evacuation and ongoing cleanup of Hurricane Gustav such a success.

Obama plans to raise volunteers for hurricane relief efforts, the time when volunteers are the most needed. I don't fault him and Biden for not getting involved in trying to evacuate residents. Bush himself said he wouldn't go to the area beforehand because it would add to the logistical nightmare of getting so many people out of low lying areas:

Campaigning here Sunday alongside Joe Biden, Barack Obama said he was ready to mobilize an army of volunteers to assist with hurricane relief in the Gulf states and could go there, his aides said, if it becomes clear that his presence won't drain much-needed local and state resources.

Obama has been in touch with Louisiana officials and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and said he is monitoring the situation, but stressed the need for residents to leave the area.

Katrina's failure was at the local level and the fucktards in New Orleans actually reelected their mayor.

ROB THE A HOLE

Wrong, wrong, wrong!

What you saw THIS time was the federal government coordinating pre hurricane with food, water, shelters, troops, and the host of things the federal government does when it declares a 'pre-disaster'. The FED takes over and is responsible for ALL the coordination.

Recall that Brownie's claim to fame before being had of FEMA was running the Arabian Horse Association? WTF should we have expected? Bush was traipsing off to parties instead of sitting in the disaster control center like he is now - posing for the cameras looking all concerned. Well, he didn't look the least bit concerned before Katrina.

They KNEW Katrina was going to hit N.O. days in advance. Where was all the water, food, troops, and transportation they remembered THIS time.

Man, you're going to get dizzy spinning and spinning.