CONVENTION MYSTERY – AT 9:35 A.M. ET:  The fact is that there's very little political news to report, as political news during a political convention is carefully managed.  There'll be more happening later in the day as the GOP convention, stalled yesterday by the storm, really gets started.

But there is an intriguing mystery.  On Thursday night, the last night of the convention, there is a blank period open, and rumors are spreading about a "mystery speaker."  From The Wall Street Journal:

TAMPA, Fla. – Republican convention planners appear to have a surprise planned for those tuning in Thursday night.

Buried deep in the convention schedule released Monday is a vague reference to a mystery speaker scheduled for the event’s final evening. “To Be Announced” has a prime speaking slot late in the Thursday program.

By then, speakers from Mitt Romney’s church will have taken the stage that night. The co-founder of Staples office-supply chain will have spoken about working with Mr. Romney during his time at Bain Capital. State officials from Massachusetts will have talked about the former governor. Olympians will have already thanked the presidential candidate for leading the 2002 Winter Games.

The only other speakers to follow “To Be Announced” will be Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Mr. Romney himself, suggesting that the unnamed guest may appear during the 10 p.m. hour when the networks all will be broadcasting the convention.

Convention planners have spread the announcement of the speakers for this week’s gathering across a few weeks, slowly revealing the names of those who landed coveted slots. But until Monday, it appeared that all the blanks had been filled in, as most high-profile Republicans already had speaking roles or had explained their absence from the convention.

COMMENT:  Stories are spreading that the mystery speaker will be Sarah Palin.  I have no idea.  She gave a superb speech at the 2008 nominating convention, but it was downhill after that.  If she does appear as the mystery speaker, I think the country would be intrigued.  She'd certainly get ratings. 

Could she do it again?  Could she repeat her 2008 performance?  I kind of like the idea of this mystery.  It builds suspense.  I just hope there's no letdown.

August 28, 2012