First Lady Laura Bush has told Republican National Convention delegates that America’s priority has shifted to those in Hurricane Gustav’s path, rather than politics.

Bush says such events are a reminder that people are Americans first and that “our shared American ideals will always transcend” politics.

Cindy McCain, the wife of GOP presidential candidate John McCain, also made a brief appearance on the opening day of a shortened convention. She asked delegates to visit hurricane relief Web sites and donate money.

Bush also introduced videos by Republican governors from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana who had to miss the convention because of the storm.