DNC: Thursday look-ahead

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (Larry Downing/REUTERS)

Tonight: Hollywood starlets Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman and Kerry Washington, Vice President Joseph Biden and Barack Obama.

Obama may be targeting soccer moms, specifically sophisticated soccer moms, in his speech. "Obama’s speech may reflect that married moms today are less interested in the social safety net and more interested in tax policy. They are also more reliable voters than unmarried women," reports Bloomberg.

DNC: Wednesday look-ahead

 

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers her speech Tuesday night. (Robyn BECKROBYN/GettyImages)

Coming up tonight: Representative Nancy Pelosi, the Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio R. Villaraigosa and former U.S. president Bill Clinton.

Tuesday look-ahead

Street Vendor Mark Evans shows off his hand puppets during Carolina Fest, Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C., before the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

And so, the Democratic National Convention begins. The party has unveiled its platform, arguing that thanks to the passing of the health care law and elimination of top Al Qaeda operatives that America is a better place.

Thursday look-ahead

And so it ends tonight.

Hurricane Isaac, which came into this world as Tropical Storm Isaac is once again Tropical Storm Isaac as it ravages the Gulf Coast, but only at an 8 m.p.h. clip, and, thankfully, sparing New Orleans on the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

After pushing the Republican National Convention's start date back a day, Isaac graciously allowed the GOP party to carry on, giving voice to Mitt Romney's wife Ann, Utah congressional candidate Mia Love and vice-presidential nominee Paul Ryan.

You know the drill. Scheduled events begin at the Tampa Bay Times Forum at 7 p.m. ET. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his third wife Callista speak during the 7 p.m. hour, followed by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 8 p.m., the so-called "mystery speaker" at 9 p.m. and, finally, the Mittster at 10 p.m.

Tuesday look-ahead

It's time to decamp from the storm cellar to the family-room couch: the Republican National Convention begins today after a day-long setback courtesy of Tropical Storm Isaac.

What to watch on Monday

1. WHEN THE RAINS CAME: Hurricane Isaac rolls toward the GOP convention in Tampa, Fla., threatening a thicket of wet, windy disarray depending on how and where it hits. The storm is on course to pass west of the convention city.

2. WAIT 'TIL TUESDAY: Republicans announce a leaner convention schedule to begin Tuesday — after canceling all events Monday except for a symbolic, 10-minute opening because of the approaching storm. How will a town full of eager delegates spend the day now?

3. NO BIDEN: Florida does without the nation's current vice president on Monday. Joe Biden scrapped a campaign swing through the state on account of the storm.

4. RESHUFFLINGS: Even with no formal convention events, lots of GOP luncheons and engagements are scheduled — and some are being relocated to accommodate possible inclement weather. Among the displaced happenings: a breakfast with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and a brunch with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and House Speaker John Boehner.

5. AND AN EXTRA DAY OF ANTICIPATION: Convention delayed will not be convention denied, say some enthusiastic participants. "We're ready to blow the roofs off on Tuesday night," says Mitch Zak, media director for California's GOP delegation.

SOURCE: AP

New RNC schedule: start your debt clocks!

Here is the revised Republican National Convention schedule.

The event of note today is the unveiling and starting of the "debt clocks," two digital counters that supposedly track the amount of debt the U.S. government owes.

As Fox news puts it:

"The presence of the two clocks will certainly play to many convention-goers who think decades of budget-busting Washington spending have hampered the nation's economic recovery and may even threaten national security."

Coming up on Tuesday:

• Tampa mayor Bob Buckman
• Representative Tim Griffen
• Speaker John Boehner
• Remarks by Senate Republican Candidate Ted Cruz (TX)
• Remarks by Mrs. Ann Romney