Republicans limiting events for first day of convention

Official word is that there will be some necessary business conducted, but no politics.

Published September 1, 2008 12:24AM (EDT)

ST. PAUL -- The events scheduled for the first day of the Republican National Convention here will be dramatically curtailed due to Hurricane Gustav, John McCain's campaign announced on Sunday.

President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney had been scheduled to speak here on Monday night; neither will appear now. The official word is that the program will include no actual politics, just a couple hours worth of the official business that's necessary to start the convention.

"We'll do away with our party politics and act as Americans," presumptive nominee John McCain, speaking by satellite, told reporters who'd gathered at a press conference to hear the details of the changes.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

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