MINNEAPOLIS8212;As a spokesperson for Sen. John McCain’s campaign talked to TV cameras and reporters on national television Sunday afternoon, caterer Maxine Turner, of Salt Lake City, talked to her employees at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
Their message was the same: activities were being suspended at the Republican National Convention.
The trays of canapés Turner’s staff was busy preparing wouldn’t be needed Monday, the opening day of the GOP festivities. Speeches by high-profile Republicans, such as President George W. Bush, were cancelled and party plans ground to a halt as Hurricane Gustav zeroed in on New Orleans.
For a while, it was business as usual on Sunday as delegates checked into hotels, boarded shuttles and headed to pre-convention parties.
In late afternoon, news of the decision many had been dreading began trickling down. Reporters were often the first to deliver the news that McCain had radically changed the RNC agenda. The hoopla was replaced by a “business-only” program, devoid of the usual fiery political rhetoric and parties.
“Now is the time to take off our Republican hats and put on our America hats,” a somber McCain told his supporters via satellite from St. Louis, Mo., where he had been campaigning.
Delegates and others in the Twin Cities had a mixed reaction.
While many were surprised to learn of the dramatic changes in their convention, they also were sad to hear of the potential disaster heading for the Louisiana coast where millions have been evacuated.
Turner was in charge of food and hospitality for all those scheduled to appear on the stage during the convention. On Monday, that would have included President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. During an interview Sunday afternoon, Turner said the food would go to staffers and others on duty inside the Xcel Center.
Despite the disappointment, most of those interviewed Sunday agreed with McCain’s decision.
A block away from the Xcel Center, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. walked with his wife and staff members amid a swarm of admirers. Huntsman told reporters he already had heard of the suspension.
“It is in the tradition of John McCain to put country first,” Huntsman said. “This is an extension of who John McCain is: to take care of those who suffer.”
Matthew Wallace, a 20-year-old delegate from Shreveport, La., felt the emotional impact as he heard the convention activities were suspended because of a hurricane heading toward his home state. As one of the youngest delegates at the convention, he put on a brave face.
“The delegates are mindful about the hurricane but they have a job to do here,” Wallace said. “We have to name the candidates for president and vice president of the United States.”
Earlier Sunday afternoon, delegates from West Virginia shared a lunch at the Circus Juventas, a performing arts youth circus school in St. Paul. As they nibbled pesto penne, chicken fajitas and mushroom-stuffed ravioli, young trapeze artists swung from ropes high above. Until reporters told them the news, many of the delegates did not know of the change in plans.
Sarah Minear, a former senator from West Virginia, quickly realized the importance of the situation when she was informed of McCain’s decision.
“This is a time of disaster for the southern part of our country,” she said. “While we are here, we don’t see it.”
Other delegates felt that although the situation was bad, it was an opportunity for McCain to shine. West Virginia delegate Kevin Noe said McCain’s decision showed that he was above politics.
“A commander in chief must take charge and this shows what the Republican Party is all about,” he said.
As nightfall slipped over the Twin Cities skyline, TVs in hotels were tuned to news networks to get the latest information8212;two million flee the Gulf Coast; only 10,000 residents left in New Orleans, a ghost town. National Guard forces prepare for Hurricane Gustav’s impact.
No one knew what to expect on Monday, only what not to expect: no political rallies, no parties, no high-profile speakers.
E. Thomas Nelson,
Christine Angstman,
Hua Qi, Leslie Heath
and Zhang Yan
contributed to this story.
Editor’s Note8212;Jed Layton is reporting from the Democratic National Convention in Denver through the Hinckley Institute of Politics and Shantou University Political Journalism Program.