GOP sees potential redemption in Gustav

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Republican officials say their radically curtailed convention offers a big political opportunity for the party to redeem itself on the competence issue — and for John McCain to step out of President Bush’s shadow once and for all. [...]

Republican officials said the images from here will present a positive contrast with the celebratory Democratic convention last week in Denver. The storm could paralyze Democratic efforts to hit McCain on several fronts.

“The contrast between McCain’s responsibility and the fanatical followers in the temple of the Lord Obama won’t be lost on everyday husbands and wives trying to meet their own responsibilities,” a Republican official said.

I'm sorry, but a natural catastrophe is not a chance for political redemption. It isn't an answer to a politician's prayers. And it's downright despicable spin doctoring of the lowest order. But then, what would you expect from the party that promotes supporting the troops by cutting their benefits and medical care. From the party that claims Americans in need because of the worst economy in years, one brought on by their own party's policies, corruption and mismanagement of the federal government are whiners in a mental recession. The party that insisted on protecting telecoms from lawsuits over protecting the civil liberties of American citizens. The party of George Bush and Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, Larry Craig and David Vitter, Jack Abramoff and Halliburton's former CEO Dick Cheney.

I'm sorry Republicans, but a hurricane which could kill people and destroy homes, businesses and families' livelihoods in the same region where one killed thousands little more than three years ago while George Bush and John McCain ate birthday cake isn't a chance for political redemption. To even float that opportunistic "balloon" is simply beyond disgusting, it's immoral.