Everyone understands the need to basically put most of the work of this convention on hold until we see whether there was a major catastrophe down along the Gulf Coast. But you can tell that Republican delegates want the chance to have their say.
Just like the Democrats let loose on the GOP last week in Denver, Republicans would like to return the favor. But on day one, it was almost all about Hurricane Gustav.
As they promised, Republicans used day one of their convention to get some basic procedural matters for the convention finished, and they did exactly that.
They also made repeated calls for delegates and Americans watching to donate money to aid groups that will help with storm relief.
"To all of those living in the Gulf states, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you," said First Lady Laura Bush, who headlined a special appeal with Cindy McCain, wife of the GOP standardbearer.
"This is a time when we take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats," said Mrs. McCain.
Her husband's name was mentioned only a few times, as you could feel the pull of partisan politics at the tip of everyone's tongue.
That was especially true as two GOP lawmakers from Congress gave a quick rundown of the Republican platform that was being approved, as a few jabs here and there were heard, though they seemed boilerplate at best.
Laura Bush couldn't resist a quick reference to the nomination of John McCain and Sarah Palin, which drew a big cheer.
But instead of a late first night, the delegates were off the floor and out the door before 6pm. Sort of an Early Bird Special instead of Late Night Happy Hour.
In fact, when I drove back to my hotel from the convention site several hours later, I saw the buses lined up at one of the major delegate hotels, getting ready to ferry delegates to some kind of late night party, scheduled when everyone figured they would be in session until 10pm.
As I type this close to midnight, there still is no public guidance from the Republicans as to what the Tuesday program is going to be like.
Rudy Giuliani is scheduled to give the keynote address, but that could always change if daylight in Louisiana brings widespread devastation or a New Orleans flood.
But if you axe two days of convention activities, suddenly you have to stuff a lot into the last two sessions. We'll see what call the Republicans make today.
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