RNC Releases "Full Program" (Or Is It?)

The RNC has released what they are calling their "Full Convention Program" this afternoon.  The release follows and then I have some thoughts and questions about it:  

"Country First": 2008 Republican National
Convention Announces Full Program

Convention Announces Additional Speakers and Program Details

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the names of additional speakers for the program of events that will run Sept. 1-4. The convention’s overall theme, "Country First," reflects John McCain’s remarkable record of leadership and service to America. Each day of proceedings will center on a touchstone theme that has defined John McCain’s life and will be central to his vision for leading our nation forward as president.

"The 2008 Convention program will bring together Americans who will speak to John McCain's vision for reforming our government, building prosperity and ensuring peace for future generations. We are excited about next week and we are looking forward to showcasing John McCain’s life-long record of putting his country first," said Jill Hazelbaker, McCain 2008 communications director.

Among the new speakers announced today are Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio), U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.), U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas), former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (Tenn.) and Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission Michael Williams. Their remarks will echo the themes that have been selected for each of the convention’s four days: service, reform, prosperity and peace.

"We are thrilled to announce our full program of speakers and program participants. We look forward to presenting a convention program that will share Senator McCain’s unparalleled record of experience and service with millions of Americans," said Maria Cino, president and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention.

The program of events follows. Additions to the program appear with an asterisk (*).

Monday, Sept. 1
Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countryman."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Monday’s events will highlight John McCain’s record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one’s own self-interest.

Speakers will include:

• President George W. Bush
• Vice President Richard B. Cheney
• First Lady Laura Bush
• Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)*
• Gov. Rick Perry (Texas)*
• Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
• Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.)*
• U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.)*
• U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)*
• U.S. Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)*
• U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (Utah)*
• U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
• U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.)*
• U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)*
• U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (Fla.)*
• U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake (Va.)*
• U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (Ill.)*
• U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif)*
• Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention*
• Jo Ann Davidson, Chairman of the 2008 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements*
• Tommy Espinoza*
• Maj. Gen. Rick Goddard, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)*
• Bill Gross*
• Ashley Gunn*
• Chris Hackett*
• Doug Leatherdale*
• Jay Love*
• Cynthia Lummis*
• Erik Paulsen*
• Capt. Leslie Smith, U.S. Army (Ret.)*

Program participants will include:

• Victoria Blackstone, Stars and Stripes Winner, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
• Boy Scout Troop 738 of St Louis Park, Minn. will serve as the Color Guard

Tuesday, Sept. 2
Reform
"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and correct them."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s life is a testament to the fundamental truth that every American can be a force for change. A restless reformer who has dedicated his career to taking on special interests and the status quo, John McCain will deliver the right kind of change and reform to meet the great challenges of our time. On Tuesday, the convention program will underscore his vision of a government that is transparent, principled and worthy of the American people it serves.

Speakers will include :

• Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
• Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
• Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
• Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
• Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
• Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)
• Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (Md.)
• U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (Okla.)*
• Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
• House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)*
• U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.)*
• U.S. Rep. Luis Fortuño (Puerto Rico)*
• U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam (Fla.)*
• State Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth (Calif.)*
• Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States
• Chris Collins*
• Carolyn Dunn*
• Phil Hayes*
• Lisa Keegan*
• Ruth Novodor*
• Dr. Elena Rios *
• Shirley Sadler*
• Joe Watkins*

Program participants will include:

• Mary Leavitt will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
• The VFW of Red Lake, Minn. will serve as the Color Guard
• Rabbi Ira Flax will lead the convention in prayer
• Dr. Robert Certain will lead the convention in prayer

Wednesday, Sept. 3
Prosperity
"America’s best days are still to come."
--Sen. John McCain

The American story is one of perseverance. Even in the face of tough times, the ingenuity and spirit of the American people has ushered in a new era of prosperity. Wednesday’s program will focus on John McCain’s plans to get our economy back on track and continue our long tradition of meeting the challenges we face and using our prosperity to help others. The day will conclude with an address by the vice presidential nominee.

Speakers will include:

• Mrs. Cindy McCain
• Republican Party’s Vice Presidential Nominee
• Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)
• Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
• U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
• U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas)*
• U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (Ind.)*
• Mayor Mick Cornett (Okla.)*
• State Sen. Abel Maldonado (Calif.)*
• Carly Fiorina, Victory ‘08 Chairman for the Republican National Committee and former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co.
• Meg Whitman, National Co-Chair for McCain 2008 and former President and CEO of eBay
• Renee Amoore*
• Anne Beiler*
• Jessica Colon*
• Christy Swanson*
• Raul "Danny" Vargas*

Program participants will include:

• Sharon Clahchischillage will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
• The Law Enforcement Memorial Association of Minnesota will serve as the Color Guard
• Father Edward Reese will lead the convention in prayer
• Rev. Eva Rodriguez will lead the convention in prayer

Thursday, Sept. 4
Peace
"Our next president will have a mandate to build an enduring global peace on the foundations of freedom, security, opportunity, prosperity, and hope."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain understands the challenges that America faces in the world and the sacrifice necessary to defend our freedom in a way that few others can fathom. Thursday’s events will reflect his vision of an America in pursuit of peace and seen as a beacon of goodwill and hope throughout the world. The evening will close with John McCain accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States.

• John McCain
• Gov. Charlie Crist (Fla.)
• Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
• U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
• U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)*
• U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
• Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (Tenn.)*
• U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (Okla.)*
• Michael Williams, Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission*
• David Flaum*
• Christopher Fussner*
• Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)*
• Charlie Smith*

Program participants will include:

• The 934^th Airlift Wing Air Force Reserves Joint Color Guard of Minn.
• Pastor Dan Yeary will lead the convention in prayer
• Archbishop Demetrios will lead the convention in prayer

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.


 Very interesting.  Just as the original list brought forth more questions than answers so does this so-called "Full Program list."  

1.  Does the RNC have any clue as to who McCain's Veep Choice will be?  It doesn't look like it.  Nearly all of the possibilities are scheduled at some point during the week (and those who are not are very unlikely choices).  
 


2.  Again the next question is, Where's Newt Gingrich?  Is he waiting in the wings to fill in for one of the speakers that gets the VP slot?  He would fit quite nicely in the "Reform" theme for Tuesday night.  Or is my first choice for President (late spring of 2007) possibly a surprise VP pick?  I'd sign on that ticket in a heartbeat!  What a shot in the arm that would be!  Picking Newt might have an even more positive impact on the Conservative base than choosing Mike Huckabee (because of the shock factor alone)!


3.  While this question is not brought forth by the schedule it has to deal with a subplot.  The sub plot has a name.  No, it's not Ron Paul.  His name is Gustav, Hurricane Gustav to be more precise.  the forecast track is taking it into the Gulf as a Major Hurricane.  that will occur just as the Convention is ramping up.  Will Charlie Crist and Bobby Jindal have to go home to serve their respective states of Florida and Louisiana?  What effect will that have on all this?   

DEVELOPING.....