Ominous forecasts for TS Gustav, now swirling in the Caribbean , and even newly formed Hanna will soon force Republicans to make tough decisions on how or if to proceed with next week’s GOP Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has already pulled out of attending due to forecasts showing a potential Katrina-like hit on New Orleans. President Bush and Vice President Cheney may also stay away from Minnesota if the storm does intensify and aim for a U.S. landfall. The White House is very aware of the negative image if Bush and Cheney were to carouse with their party in MSP while another Katrina roils in the Gulf.

The dropouts and further potential cancellations may move the Republicans to shift the entire convention to the following week.  This is by no means desirable or probable; the storm(s) may dissipate and the logistics of moving around dates are beyond nightmarish.

But it would get McCain a week closer to the election to state his casein such a grand manner. It would be a major political plus. Which is why this move is being discussed in the first place…