If they put off the convention, the networks can use that as an excuse for not televising it at all (”Sorry. We had a prior commitment to air ‘My Hubby is a Transvestite’ and can’t possibly air your convention!”).
If the Republicans go the telethon route, they have to do it carefully to avoid looking like they’re exploiting a tragedy. On the other hand, doing SOMETHING other than days full of blowhard speeches from people no one wants to see can’t be a bad thing.
They can't "put off" the convention. The process of nominating McCain and Palin must take place to get their names on the ballots. We've already had a snafu in Texas. They can "modify" the convention just to transact business and have less of the hoopla.