Excerpts of Mrs. McCain's Speech

Watching Cindy McCain stroke the hair of Gov. Sarah Palin's baby, it was apparent that Mrs. McCain is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. She obviously loves children -- and her husband. She learned how to fly a plane to overcome her fear of flying, and then served as her husband's pilot when be first ran for statewide office, because she didn't want to miss the campaign. Here are excerpts from the prepared text of her remarks for this evening:

On Americans' duty to their country:"That duty is what brings me before you tonight. And it's much larger and more important than just me or John or any of us: It's the work of this great country calling us together - and there is no greater duty than that, no more essential task for our generation -- right now."

On John McCain's character: "It's going to take someone of unusual strength and character - someone exactly like my husband - to lead us through the reefs and currents that lie ahead. I know John. You can trust his hand at the wheel."

On John McCain leading by example:"Forgiveness is not just a personal issue: it's why John led the effort to normalize relations with Vietnam retrieve the remains of our MIAs... to bring closure to both sides. That's leadership - national leadership. And it's leading by example."

Personal reflections on John McCain:"If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain...a man tested and true...who's never wavered in his devotion to our country...a man who's served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider...who always speaks the truth no matter what the cost...a man of judgment and character...a loyal and loving and true husband and a magnificent father!"

First Lady Laura Bush, Cindy McCain Appeal For Donations For Gustav Victims

First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain drew a standing ovation at the conclusion of the first day of the Republican National Convention. Both emphasized the importance of putting aside partisanship to help those who have been displaced or injured by Hurricane Gustav.

Mrs. Bush introduced a short video in which four of the five Gulf Coast governors updated the delegates on their efforts to prepare for Gustav. Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana was unable to participate, given his state's location in the projected path. Governors of all five Gulf Coast states are now Republicans, and it was apparent that they have been actively coordinating with each other to prepare for Gustav, a coordination they attributed to the leadership of President George Bush.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, even though he had been elected temporary chair of the convention, remained in Kentucky today to oversee the federal response to the approximately 4,000 displaced Gulf Coast residents who came to Kentucky after Hurricane Gustav forced their evacuation.

Update: Here are excerpts provided to the media by the Republican National Convention from the remarks of Mrs. Bush and Mrs. McCain as well as Chairman Duncan regarding Hurricane Gustav relief efforts:

First Lady Laura Bush

On putting the well-being of our fellow citizens first:

"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."

Mrs. Cindy McCain

A call to help the people of the Gulf States:

"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."

Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan

On the response to Hurricane Gustav:

"We are Republicans. But more importantly, we are proud Americans. And as one nation under God, we come together with prayerful hearts for our country. As we gather in Minnesota, a great storm afflicts our country. And, when one of us is threatened, we are all threatened. As Americans we rise to the challenge. We unite, we respond. We take care of our own."