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Obama Dials Back Campaigning to Watch Gustav

Supporters received Red Cross donation requests from campaign

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Sep 1, 2008 2:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama curtailed his Labor Day speeches to unions in the Midwest today to keep the focus on the Gulf Coast, asking instead for silent prayer and donations to the Red Cross. Republicans, after scaling back the opening of this week's convention because of Hurricane Gustav, had criticized Obama for continuing to campaign, the AP reports.

Obama will return to Chicago today to plan the week's schedule around the hurricane, after campaign stops in crucial battleground states, Michigan and Wisconsin. While speaking there, he tied labor to disasters by saying, "The idea behind the labor movement is that you don't walk alone. Each of us are subject to tragedy and disaster."

Laura Bush applauds the Louisiana delegation  this morning in Brooklyn Center, Minn, during a scaled back Republican National Convention.
Laura Bush applauds the Louisiana delegation this morning in Brooklyn Center, Minn, during a scaled back Republican National Convention.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Barack Obama speaks at a rally Hart Plaza in Detroit today. Sen. Obama cut his speech short due to Hurricane Gustav.
Barack Obama speaks at a rally Hart Plaza in Detroit today. Sen. Obama cut his speech short due to Hurricane Gustav.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
John Sweeney, National President of the AFL-CIO, left, reaches to shake hands with Barack Obama before a rally in Detroit today.
John Sweeney, National President of the AFL-CIO, left, reaches to shake hands with Barack Obama before a rally in Detroit today.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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