RNC Night One: Laura Bush & Cindy McCain

The first night of Republican National Convention was abbreviated and "re-arranged" due to Hurricane Gustav. Here is the transcript of First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain:

Laura Bush:

Thank you.

Like many of you, the President and I were preparing to come to
Minnesota together to enjoy a convention experience that would nominate
John McCain and Sarah Palin to be our next President and Vice President of
the United States.

But as we all know, events in the Gulf Coast region have changed the
focus of our attention.

Our first priority for today 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.

We hope that the people on the Gulf Coast know that the American people
are here to do what we can to assist them. President Bush has been speaking
with officials in the region to make sure they have what they need from the
federal government. And today he visited the emergency operations center in
Austin, which is helping to coordinate efforts among federal, state and
local officials.

During our time in the White House, I have had the pleasure of getting
to know each one of the governors of the Gulf Coast states.

They are all strong leaders and they were planning to be with us today,
but we know it is far more important that they remain in their home states
to provide the leadership and management of this crisis.

Four of these Gulf Coast governors have taped messages for us. As I am
sure you can understand, Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana could not
participate.

So, listen to these important messages from these four great governors.
Let's listen to what they have to say.

Cindy McCain:

I am so proud to be standing next to Mrs. Bush as we work together to
extend our support to relief efforts in the Gulf.

As each of the Gulf Coast governors just expressed to us, their
challenges will continue in the days ahead. 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.

In that spirit, we'd like to ask that you go to a website called "Cause
Greater" – or http://www.causegreater.com – that will allow all of us to aid those
who have been affected by Hurricane Gustav.

Although the task of helping the region recover from this disaster is
too large for any one individual or organization, together we can
accomplish so much to help those who have been affected.

This fund will play an important role in contributing to other relief
efforts already underway.

Laura Bush:

Americans are known for coming to the aid of their fellow citizens when
crises such as these arise.

Today – and in the coming days – let us work together to provide those
affected with the means to restore and rebuild their communities.

Cindy McCain:

The charities listed on the screen behind us have been identified by
each of the Gulf Coast governors to accept donations of funds, clothing,
and other necessary and much needed supplies.

As you can – as you are willing, please support these important
efforts.

Thank you.