Laura Bush, Cindy McCain appeal for aid

First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain, whom Republicans hope will be her successor, are addressing Republican delegates this evening.

But they won't be talking up their husbands, or talking about politics at all.

Instead, they will appeal to TV viewers to provide hurricane relief.

"Our first priority now -- today -- is to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Gulf Coast region," Laura Bush said, adding that "our shared American ideals always transcend party politics."

"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," Cindy McCain added.

John McCain's campaign's cancelled their scheduled speeches on the first night of the GOP convention because of Hurricane Gustav, which made landfall in Louisiana this morning as a Category 2 storm.