President Obama spoke for roughly thirty minutes with President Preval of Haiti this morning. President Obama said that the world has been devastated by the loss and suffering in Haiti, and pledged the full support of the American people for the government and people of Haiti as it relates to both the immediate recovery effort, and the long-term rebuilding effort. President Preval said that he has been touched by the friendship of the American people, and expressed his condolences for the loss of American citizens in Haiti. He said that the needs are great, that relief is now flowing in to the people of Haiti, and noted the support that has come from both America and many other countries from the region and around the world. The two Presidents underscored the need to closely coordinate assistance efforts among the various parties, including the Haitian government, the United Nations, the United States and the many international partners and aid organizations on the ground. President Obama underscored his commitment to supporting the government and people of Haiti through his team on the ground. President Preval closed by passing a message to the American people, “from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the Haitian people, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Barack asks that you give to the Red Cross…

The short message encouraged supporters to give money online, by calling an 800 number, or, in a first for presidential politics, by using a dedicated text message number. Supporters could donate the pre-determined amount of five dollars by simply texting “GIVE” to 24357. Obama sent a similar message to supporters via email:

At times like this, it is our compassion and resilience that define who we are as a nation. Please give whatever you can afford, even $10…. and I hope you will join Michelle and me in praying for the safety of those in the path of the storm and the first responders who are doing all they can to ensure the safety of their communities.

Sen. John McCain and GOP leaders are also responding to the hurricane, as TWI’s Suemedha Sood reports, by paring back political convention activities. The McCain campaign released a round-up of relief activity on Monday afternoon:

The governors of the states affected by the hurricane recommended five charitable organizations that Americans can donate to if they wish to contribute to the relief efforts. The 2008 Republican National Convention is working to coordinate and encourage donations to these groups. In addition, the McCain 2008 campaign has set up a phone bank at the Hilton in Minneapolis, which will help coordinate donations to these groups.

Both campaigns are using their political networks for relief, with an emphasis on depoliticizing the activities.