ST. PAUL, Minn. – Politics were overshadowed by pleas for compassion at the kickoff of the Republican National Convention yesterday as Laura Bush and Cindy McCain asked all Americans to open their wallets to victims of Hurricane Gustav.
But it’ll be back to normal convention activities today – likely including a keynote speech by former Mayor Giuliani, officials said last night.
The first lady had been scheduled to speak on opening day about her husband’s life in public service – but instead asked Americans to think of the potential devastation from Gustav.
“The effect of Hurricane Gustav is just now being measured. When such events occur, we are reminded that first, we are all Americans and that our shared American ideals will always transcend political parties and partisanship,” she said.
Afterward, to thunderous applause, Cindy McCain took to the dais at the Xcel Energy Center, where she toned down the party boosterism.
“As John has been saying for the last several days, this is a time when we take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats,” she said.
The women’s brief joint appearance was virtually the only star power of a subdued afternoon.
Continuing with the theme of hurricane relief, the Republican National Committee enlisted delegates to help assemble some 80,000 “comfort packages” of toiletries to displaced Gulf state residents.
Delegates did manage to tend to the business of the day by unanimously approving their party platform. They called for no new taxes, a constitutional amendment banning abortion, and the immediate deportation of illegal immigrants with gang-related criminal records.
Additional reporting by Ginger Adams Otis
cbennett@nypost.com