If we can't give them credit for anything else, we must give the Republicans credit for being able to frame just about any subject in a way that is favorable to them, even if that means they have to change the facts, not tell the truth, or just plain spin the story.
The changes to the Republican Convention are a perfect example.
For weeks they have worried about what to do, or not do, with respect to Bush making an appearance at the convention. They have also been scared to death of the memories of their miserable failures before, during, and after Katrina that will be raised and made fresh by Hurricane Gustav. No matter how the spin it, changing the schedule for the convention, and not having Bush show up, and blaming it on the hurricane, is still, now matter what they call it or how the spin it, self-serving Damage Control.
What they are doing to change the convention schedule is not only damage control but also is a clear case of using a natural disaster for public relations and political gain.
There's No Business Like Show Business
McCain running down to Jackson, Mississippi for a "briefing" is about as political as you can get. What in the world can he add to the preparations? What in the world can he do but take up valuable time of those doing real work to get ready for the storm? He should be arrested for interfering with public officials in the performance of their duties.
Whatever it was, it must have been a short meeting. Only the Governor of Mississippi was actually there. The governors of the surrounding states, i.e., Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida only attended by video conference. And then, after putting on a show in Mississippi, McCain runs off to St. Louis to pontificate by satellite. All the while the cable news channels are flooded with news conferences, mostly by the Governor of Louisiana. It was like a three year delayed reaction to "Heckava job, Brownie." It that is not show business, then what is it?
Has McCain Already Thrown Palin Under the Bus?
The early morning press releases about McCanin's trip to to the "storm area" said that he would be traveling with his new VP candidate Notice that after the early morning press hype, there has not been a word mentioned about Palin attending the "briefing" or participating in any way in the Hurricane public relations and show business. During his satellite press announcement, McCanin mentioned not a word about Palin. In fact, there has been not a new word about Palin out of the McCain camp all day. Wonder if that means that McCain has finally begun to vet her, and as a result is already trying to do damage control with respect to her as well?