The RNC started today with a bang at 2:00 sharp, with GOP Committee Chairman Reince Priebus delivering short opening comments and revealing two massive debt clocks in the Tampa Bay Times forum, one that shows the total national debt (making its way quickly to 16 trillion - that's with a "T" - dollars) and another that shows the amount of debt accured during the convention, an amount that exceeded 2 million dollars by the time Priebus stopped talking five minutes later. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, Vice Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan finished his send-off rally in his home town, and Mitt Romney left from his lake house in New Hampshire, his five sons Tagg, Matt, Craig, Josh and Ben acted as harbingers for teh coming Republican nominee.
Chairman Priebus quickly declared the convention in recess until Tuesday afternoon due to Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on the Gulf of Mexico, an event that is certain to change the environment and emotional sentiment of the convention. Proceedings will this begin tomorrow, with official business regarding congressional and senate candidates, roll call, and speeches by Priebus and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn among others taking place.
Tuesday night is when the fun begins. At 7:00, primetime kicks off with speeches by Speaker John Boehner (OH) and Romney's chief rival, Senator Rick Santorum (PA), among other various Republican candidates and politicians. at 8:00, governors including Bob McDonnell (VA), Mary Fallin (OK), John Kasich (OH), and recall surivor Scott Walker (WI) lead the pack with their remarlks. 9:00 brings many speeches by candidates including Tea Party golden boy Ted Cruz of Texas, topped off with a speech by South Carolina governor Nikki Haley. Finally, at 10:00 speakers include Ann Romney and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, the keynote speaker.
On Wednesday, after the pledge of allegience and opening ceremonies, the convention's second day begins with a video tribute to the primary runner up, Congressman Ron Paul (TX) who, ironically, refused to speak at the convention after he was told he would have to endorse Mitt Romney and have his speech vetted by the campaign, and who just finished a Tea Party rally labeled "P.A.U.L Fest" at the University of South Florida Sun Dome. Then the two Senators from Kentucky, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Tea Party leader Rand Paul speak back to back. 8:00 gives us powerhouse speakers, including 2008 Republican Nominee and Arizonma Senator John McCain, and Senators John Thune (SD) and Rob Portman (OH). Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal cancelled his 8:00 speaking slot to be with his state in the coming storm, Isaac. 9:00 only brings more, including Governor Luis Fortuno (PR), Governor Tim Pawlenty (MN), and a film on the presidencies of both Presidents Bush, and Mitt Romney's 2008 rival, Mike Huckabee. Finally, at 10:00 Weednesday night, we hear from Condoleeza Rice, Governor Susana Martinez (NM), and the speeches are topped off by Congressman Paul Ryan's acceptance speech.
And of course, Thursday, the final day, is devoted mostly to Romney himself. 7:00, we have speeches by Congressman Connie Mack (FL), Craig Romney, and primary rival, former Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife (GA), topped off with a Ronald Reagan tribute video. 8:00 gives us speeches by former Governor Jeb Bush, as well as two CEOs of companies saved by Bain Capital (Romney's venture capital firm) and Bob White, Romney's campaign chairman. 9:00 has many of Romney's former staffers from his time as governor, including Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, as well as US Olympians from the 2002 Salt Lake City games that Romney managed. Then, at 10:00, Senator Marco Rubio (FL) will introduce Romney, who will then give his acceptance speech for the Republican nomination. AFter that, Speaker Boehner will declare the convention adjourned.
So there you have it: The next big step. After this we have the DNC, and then the debates. We here at ApertiAnimus will be discussing it along the entire way. Enjoy the convention, and always remember to stay critical. These conventions are indeed, as Neil Cavuto puts it, "national infomercials."
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