GOP CONVENTION – AT 7:55 A.M. ET:  Big night tonight, with Paul Ryan set to speak.   In only a few weeks as the designated VP choice, he has made a strong and favorable impression.

He will be preceded in the 10 p.m. (ET) hour by Condi Rice and Governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico.  There will be an enormous amount of interest in Ryan, one of the few vice-presidential choices who actually seems to be making a difference.

In reviewing the media this morning, I noticed that last night's proceedings got pretty reasonable and fair-minded coverage, except for the usual suspects on the liberal dailies.  Ann Romney, after a shaky start, clearly made a powerful impression.  She's at her best when she's most serious, and when her voice is strong.  Chris Christie's keynote was feisty and Christie, but it's Ann Romney who was far more important, as she'll be a continuing figure on the campaign trail and is Mitt Romney's best weapon.

We have no significant polling yet on the public's reaction to last night.  Fox News reported Twitter activity – which I guess is important in some circles – and noted the very favorable reception for Ann Romney.

The hurricane's approach to New Orleans was handled well at the convention.  One CNN reporter tried to make mischief by suggesting to a delegate from Louisiana that all these festivities in Tampa might be inappropriate.  The delegate made short work of the reporter, noting that Louisiana has a great governor in Bobby Jindal, and that the situation was under control.  I think most Americans realize that a nominating convention is an important event in American history, and holding it is entirely right.  The storm that is hitting the Gulf Coast brings much rain, but is far less than a Katrina.

August 29,  2012