Despite the hype and fanfare that accompanies the political party conventions, the Republican National Convention has thus far been largely overshadowed by hurricane Isaac. The storm that is yet to make landfall has already caused Republicans to postpone day one of the convention due to severe weather concerns. Now, Republicans are contemplating how to successfully balance pulling off the biggest party for their base in the midst of a hurricane landing in New Orleans on the anniversary of the United States largest natural disaster.
All though the convention started off a day behind schedule no cuts to speakers have been made aside from Bobby Jindal who is no longer attending the RNC so he can be in Louisiana to brace for Isaac. Tonight the line up for convention speakers include some of the most anticipated of the convention this includes both Ann Romney’s speech as well as the key note address given by Chris Christie of New Jersey.
While there are a plethora of speakers throughout the day, network coverage will begin at 10pm with the much anticipated speech by Mitt Romney’s wife Ann. Many hope that Ann can use her natural warmth to make an appeal to Mitt’s personality, boosting his likeability amongst Americans. Ann has been practicing her speech in front of the RNC teleprompters, when asked about its content she simply replied that it will be a speech from the heart. Mitt Romney will even be in attendance tonight to witness his wife’s speech discussing issues usually brushed aside by the Republican presidential contender, he will then leave to campaign before returning on Thursday to make his own acceptance speech.
Closing this evening’s convention is New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Christie has made a splash amongst the Republican base for his somewhat brass nature and success in New Jersey working with a Democratic legislature. While, Ann Romney can humanize Romney to the masses, Christie may be able to spark some of his zealous demeanor into the usually demur candidate.
Tonight though will have to be a well calculated dance,, because while the RNC wants to show a more invigorated and less subdued Romney, hurricane Isaac changes that. Republicans can hardly party the night away while a hurricane slams into the gulf coast in the same area that saw some of the worst destruction to its environment, and infrastructure. Energizing and humanizing Romney is a must, but because of the impacts that Isaac has already caused to the RNC even before landfall, many worry that the convention will highlight the same guarded candidate that fails to resonate with the electorate.
