Isaac disrupts U.S. presidential election campaign

Tropical Storm Isaac nudged the U.S. presidential election campaign off course, forcing Republicans to delay the start of Mitt Romney's national convention in Florida and Vice President Joe Biden to cancel a campaign trip to the state.    

The prospect of howling winds and flooding around the convention site near Tampa Bay prompted organizers to cancel Monday's scheduled events and try to squeeze as many activities into three days as had been planned for four.             

Tropical Storm Isaac storm has pummeled Haiti, killing at least six people and has now moved on to Cuba.    

Fueled by warm Gulf waters, Isaac is expected to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph (160 kph) winds and hit the U.S. Gulf coast somewhere between the Florida Panhandle and New Orleans around midweek.        

The Republican convention will bring 50,000 visitors to the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, home to well over 4 million people. Over the last few days, local authorities have said they could handle the crowds and the approaching storm.    

Many attendees booked earlier flights to be in place before any bad weather. Hotels said they were ready to shift party schedules or move outdoor events indoors.

REUTERS