By postponing all but essential activities at the Republican National Convention and turning his full attention on hurricane Gustav John McCain is seizing an opportunity to differentiate himself from George W. Bush and the Bush administration's handling of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. President Bush also has a political opportunity to save some face. Peter Baker writes in the New York Times:

"For Mr. Bush, it was a chance for a do-over. Though many Bush advisers continue to make the case that he was unfairly blamed for the uneven response to Hurricane Katrina, he has few opportunities left before he leaves office in less than five months to burnish his legacy, and this was clearly one."

The added political bonus, is that both Bush and Cheney have been scratched from any speaking engagements at the RNC.

"But the unspoken advantage for Mr. McCain may be a convention without Mr. Bush or Vice President Dick Cheney. The senator’s campaign was never enthusiastic about showcasing the unpopular president at Mr. McCain’s coming-out party."