GOP Looking to Exploit Gustav For Political Gain

I agree with John Avarosis completely. This is sick and twisted, and so very typical of the Republicans. It's also very dangerous; we know the GOP is backed into a corner, and they could ride Gustav-Mania all the way to November.

A variety of Republican strategists surveyed this afternoon insist there's a real possibility that McCain could come out of this week greatly strengthened, even with convention cut short a day or two and stripped of most political speeches and hoopla, That's because McCain could look more presidential and decisive touring the region hardest hit by Gustav than hobnobbing with delegates and GOP officials in Minnesota. And because President Bush and Vice President Cheney have cancelled their appearances at the convention, the McCain campaign won't be in the awkward position of having to embrace Republican leaders whose approval ratings are remarkably low.

"As long as we properly handle the Gustavication of the convention, it may be a positive," said one GOP operative.