Here are some things to watch for at the GOP convention Tuesday:
1. WHERE'S MITT? The presumptive nominee arrives in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday. Will he make a surprise visit to the convention hall? Maybe drop in to give his wife a grateful hug after her speech? The campaign is only confirming that Mitt Romney will be in town in time for her remarks.
2. WHERE'S ISAAC? The path of the storm barreling up the Gulf Coast may also dictate the trajectory of the GOP convention. If Isaac slams into New Orleans or does big damage elsewhere, conventioneers will have to decide whether to soften their tone or dampen their celebrations to show empathy with storm victims.
3. ANN'S BIG NIGHT: She's been out there more and more, inviting cameras into her family's summer home and tearfully describing how husband Mitt helped her through a devastating diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Now Ann Romney gets her biggest audience yet and her best opportunity to tell the world what her man's really like.
4. RON'S RENEGADES: Will they make a fuss? Ron Paul supporters are trying to mount a floor fight to challenge new rules designed to limit the ability of insurgent candidates to amass delegates to future GOP conventions. They could raise a ruckus by waving Paul signs and shouting his name, when the convention wants to focus on Romney-Ryan.
5. LASSOING THE BASE: Social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, tea partyers, Paul supporters, Rick Santorum diehards. They're all part of the Republican base. What diverse notes will the convention speakers hit in hopes of herding them quietly into line behind Romney? Perhaps shared disdain for President Barack Obama will be enough.
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