FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH:

Thank you.

Like many of you, the President and I were preparing to come to Minnesota together to enjoy a convention experience that would nominate John McCain and Sarah Palin to be our next President and Vice President of the United States.

But as we all know, events in the Gulf Coast region have changed the focus of our attention.

Our first priority for today 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.

We hope that the people on the Gulf Coast know that the American people are here to do what we can to assist them. President Bush has been speaking with officials in the region to make sure they have what they need from the federal government. And today he visited the emergency operations center in Austin, which is helping to coordinate efforts among federal, state and local officials.

During our time in the White House, I have had the pleasure of getting to know each one of the governors of the Gulf Coast states.

They are all strong leaders and they were planning to be with us today, but we know it is far more important that they remain in their home states to provide the leadership and management of this crisis.

Four of these Gulf Coast governors have taped messages for us. As I am sure you can understand, Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana could not participate.

So, listen to these important messages from these four great governors.
Let's listen to what they have to say.
[Video remarks from Gulf State governors]

MRS. CINDY McCAIN:

I am so proud to be standing next to Mrs. Bush as we work together to extend our support to relief efforts in the Gulf.

As each of the Gulf Coast governors just expressed to us, their challenges will continue in the days ahead. 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.

In that spirit, we'd like to ask that you go to a website called "Cause Greater" - or (link...) - that will allow all of us to aid those who have been affected by Hurricane Gustav.

Although the task of helping the region recover from this disaster is too large for any one individual or organization, together we can accomplish so much to help those who have been affected.

This fund will play an important role in contributing to other relief efforts already underway.

FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH:

Americans are known for coming to the aid of their fellow citizens when crises such as these arise.

Today - and in the coming days - let us work together to provide those affected with the means to restore and rebuild their communities.

MRS. CINDY McCAIN:

The charities listed on the screen behind us have been identified by each of the Gulf Coast governors to accept donations of funds, clothing, and other necessary and much needed supplies.

As you can - as you are willing, please support these important efforts.
Thank you.