Marathon Pundit: Laura Bush and Cindy McCain's RNC comments about Hurricane Gustav

Blogging from Eagan, Minnesota.

This afternoon I was in the balcony of the Xcel Center when First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain spoke at the Republican National Convention.

Here are excerpts from Ms. Bush's speech:

Our first priority for today and in the coming days is to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Gulf Coast Region. And to all of those living in the Gulf States, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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.

After a video was shown with comments from the governors of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida, Cindy McCain addressed the delegates:

I would ask that each one of us commit to join together to aid those in need as quickly as possible. 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.