Change in plans, Part 2

Beyond the understanding about President Bush having more important things to do today, you can't help but wonder if, among some delegates and candidates, there isn't the slightest bit of -- what's a good way to put it? -- maybe relief that he won't appear at the convention.

Not to imply in any way that he's disliked or disrespected among the people gathered here in Minneapolis this week.  The party faithful are at the core of any positive approval rating that he has at this point in his presidency. When Bush spoke at the Washington meeting of the Conservative Political Action Committee earlier this year, he received a wildly enthusiastic standing ovation. There were chants of "Four more years! Four more years!" Republicans may have their disagreements with the President, but he's still well-liked and well-respected.

After almost eight event-filled and exhausting years, though, the GOP brand has taken a beating. A fresh start, a new team that can be convincingly sold as one about the future, about change, about reform, is needed. For that to happen, maybe Republicans are better off focusing on the future. John McCain's maverick, independent streak certainly can help there. And his selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate emphasizes the point even more.

Just to be clear, this isn't meant to imply that Bush's decision to stay in Washington is solely a political calculation. This is merely an observation that perhaps events seem to have worked their way into giving Republicans a break.

Far more important, let's pray this morning that the same can be said of the people in the Gulf Coast.