As Hurricane Isaac pounded Louisiana Wednesday, Republican officials chose to forge ahead with their convention, though keeping a wary eye on the Gulf coast. Bobby Cuza has more.

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TAMPA, Fla. -- This was the scene in Louisiana Wednesday. This was the scene in Tampa, where the storm forced the cancellation of Monday's program, but has since become a fading memory. The convention is proceeding normally, with speeches and party pageantry, though organizers say they continue to monitor the storm.

Convention Spokesman Kyle Downey said, "We are in constant communication with federal, state and local authorities and, you know, if we need to change our plans, we would do so accordingly."

But any further changes are unlikely as the convention builds up to Mitt Romney's acceptance speech Thursday night. Isaac, which was downgraded back to a tropical storm Wednesday, has caused massive flooding and power outages, but nothing near the destruction caused by Katrina.

Still, it's clear the Republicans in sunny Tampa are wary of appearing insensitive. A number of speakers have referenced the storm, including Ann Romney during the beginning of her big speech Tuesday night.

"I think we should all take this moment and recognize that fellow Americans are in its path and just hope and pray that all remain safe," she said.

The convention is also prominently encouraging donations to Red Cross relief efforts. Any concern that moving forward might appear callous was tempered by President Obama's decision to maintain his campaign schedule. Wednesday he addressed supporters in Virginia.

Romney, meanwhile, after making a surprise appearance onstage Tuesday night, addressed the American Legion in Indianapolis Wednesday, acknowledging hurricane victims.

"Our thoughts are with them, our prayers go out to them and our country must do all we can to help them recover," Mitt Romney said.

As the convention winds down, it appease Isaac will continue to divert media coverage and public attention as the slow-moving storm works its way inland.