Hurricane Gustav blew the Republican Convention off course Monday, but party activists say it's been an opportunity for John McCain to show leadership under adversity. They're right. Instead of partisan rallies and rhetoric, there are sombre prayer breakfasts and fundraising for the victims. Florida's Republican Party chairman told delegates this morning that the convention was no longer about politics, it wasn't about "winning or losing" - it was all about helping those in need. It's a convenient message for the McCain Republicans - trying to put a compassionate face on their party and distance themselves from the unpopular President Bush and persistant memories of the Bush Administration's bungled response to Katrina three years ago. What a stroke of luck to be able to banish Bush from the spotlight Monday night, while being able to talk earnestly of the President and Republicans putting their "country first" as the banners say around the Xcel Energy Center. Sure, the public won't be treated to hours of unfiltered partisanship on cable this week, but a stronger message will prevail. The Republicans will emerge sober, responsible and caring after the Democratic extravaganza of last week, and McCain will appear decisive and strong. Oh, and he won't have to bother to compete with last week's history-making Democratic triumph in Denver. Who needs soaring eloquence and an 84,000 crowd? It's only Monday and already Barack Obama's speech seems a long time ago. It's no accident the banners at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul say arties called off, oMcCain has put a lot of effort into telling state delegations here in Minneapolis-St. Paul to tone down the partisan rhetoric, call off the parties.