Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) told reporters in the past hour that he is directing program changes for the first night of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. A formal news conference by the convention organizing committee has been scheduled for 3 p.m. CDT.

In televised remarks from Mississippi with his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain said now is not the time for Republicans to engage in a political event. Rather, he said, they should focus on helping their fellow Americans in need, as citizens of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans brace for Hurricane Gustav.

McCain said the program for the remaining three days of the convention would be re-evaluated as necessary. However, McCain appeared to suggest that the four-day event, set to kick off Monday, would not be canceled or truncated.