Democrats also lower profile due to storm

Hurricane Gustav, which is dramatically changing the Republican National Convention, is also forcing the Democratic ticket to change its plans.

Barack Obama appeared at a Labor Day rally in Detroit, but instead of a rousing campaign speech, he was much more sedate, urging supporters to pray for those affected by Hurricane Gustav and to donate to Red Cross relief efforts, according to the Associated Press account.

The AP is also reporting that he is returning to his Chicago headquarters to monitor the hurricane's impact, and might revise his planned events in Ohio and Pennsylvania later in the week.

Obama's running mate, Joe Biden, cancelled an appearance at the Labor Day parade in Pittsburgh. He still planned to appear in his hometown of Scranton, Pa., but said his remarks would avoid partisanship.