In Ike's wake, Obama drops SNL, Biden skips rally

[cal04]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080913/ap_on_el_pr/obama_ike

Barack Obama's campaign toned down its events Saturday in response to Hurricane Ike, canceling plans for the Democratic presidential nominee to crack jokes on "Saturday Night Live" and for his running mate to appear at a joint rally.

Obama was to appear in a skit on the NBC comedy show's season premiere, hosted by Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps. Campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Obama decided it was no longer appropriate because of the devastation in Texas.

Obama and Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden were to campaign together at an outdoor rally in Manchester's Veteran's Memorial Park. But the campaign decided to scale back the event as the storm battered the Gulf Coast. Biden decided not to appear, the campaign said.

Obama spoke by telephone Friday with David Paulison, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Houston Mayor Bill White to get an update on the approaching hurricane. Obama spokeswoman Linda Douglass said the senator told White he would do whatever he can to help, including using his campaign Web site to raise funds for relief efforts.

[Kdillard]

1. Obama made the right move as always.

[terrya]

2. This is the right thing to do. Exactly.

Much as I would have liked seeing Obama on "SNL", this is exactly right. And I'm glad Obama contacted Houston's mayor about what he and the campaign can do to help.

This is why I'm proud to be a Democrat.

Being a former mayor, I'll be expecting Sarah Palin to do the same thing.

[AlinPA]

3. Don't be surprised if McCain shows up on SNL in place of Obama or they

link Palin up by satellite.

[BrainStorm]

4. I think this was a wise decision. n/t

.

[alsame]

5. What I'd love to see is Obama show up via satellite and do a

serious PSA - ask people to help, contribute, etc.

[merh]

6. He is a good man and it will be such a pleasure to have a good man

in the White House.

thank you Senator Obama.