Gustav, Palin steal McCain’s show

US: Republicans opened their convention on Monday in a somber mood, with Hurricane Gustav’s assault and Sarah Palin’s announcement of the pregnancy of her unmarried teenage daughter overshadowing John McCain’s show.

Palin, McCain’s newly announced running mate, said in a statement with her husband, Todd, that her unmarried daughter Bristol, 17, was pregnant and planned to deliver the baby and marry the father.

“We’re proud of Bristol’s decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents,” the Palins said in the statement. “As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.”

The McCain campaign said it released the statement to counter Internet rumors that the Alaska governor’s five-month-old son was actually her daughter’s baby. The announcement overshadowed a shortened opening session of the convention, as Republicans shifted from politics to storm relief while Gustav slammed into the Gulf Coast.

ST. Paul, Tuesday, Reuters