Evening Buzz: McCain’s Moment

Cate Vojdik
AC360° Writer

Tonight Sen. John McCain takes the stage and the microphone at the Republican National Convention. Traditionally, the nominee’s speech is the main act and apex of a presidential nominating convention. But McCain’s moment in the spotlight comes on the heels of a speech that – no exaggeration – rocked the house. In her rousing remarks last night, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain’s vice presidential pick, pulled no punches and landed them with a high-wattage smile. (Cue up her well-received joke about pitbulls, hockey moms and lipstick.)

If the yardstick is energy and sheer mojo, McCain has a tough act to follow. Whether or not you were impressed with the substance of Palin’s speech, her delivery was widely praised. Formal speeches have never been McCain’s strong suit, and it’s not a stretch to say teleprompters aren’t always his best friend. McCain prefers informal forums. Remember how his staff challenged the Obama campaign to a series of 10 joint town hall meetings back in June? To be sure, tonight’s audience is as safe and friendly as they come if you’re the Republican presidential nominee. And after Palin’s performance, the delegates certainly seem revved up. The momentum is McCain’s to lose - or ride to new heights.

When McCain takes the stage around 10:30 ET, he’ll formally accept his party’s nomination. But more than that, his speech is a high-stakes exercise in which he’ll lay out his vision for the country’s future and try to convince voters that he’s the best candidate. Here are some numbers to think about as you watch: There are just 60 days until election day; 37 million viewers watched Sarah Palin’s speech last night; the latest CNN poll of polls shows Obama leading McCain by just four points.

We’d love to hear what you’ll be listening for tonight in McCain’s speech. We’re also wondering what you think about the reaction Palin’s speech is getting. Stay with CNN for live coverage of the RNC all evening. Here’s tonight’s lineup:

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION/SEPT. 4, 2008

 

Video: Hispanic Video

 

Music & Entertainment

Al Williams

 

Entertainment Monologue

James McEachin, Author, Actor, Korean War Vet

 

Introduction of Presiding Officer

 

Call to Order

Chairman Mike Duncan

 

Introduction of Colors

Chairman Duncan

 

Presentation of Colors

Fort Snelling Joint Services Color Guards

 

Pledge of Allegiance

U.S. Olympians: Ryan Berube, Mitch Gaylord, Brittany Hayes, Barbra Higgins, Larsen Jensen, Elle Logan, Marcus McElhenney, John Naber.

 

National Anthem

Trace Adkins, Musician

 

Invocation

Archbishop Demetrios, New York, NY

 

Posting of Colors

 

Speaker: National

Rep. Tom Cole (OK)

Chairman of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee

 

Speaker: Remarks

Candidate Erik Paulsen (MN)

 

Speaker: Remarks

Candidate Jay Love (AL)

 

Speaker: Remarks

Charlie Summers (ME)

 

Speaker: Remarks

Candidate Aaron Shock (IL)

 

Speaker: Remarks

Candidate David Cappiello (CT)

 

Speaker:

Sen. John Ensign (NV)

Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee

 

Musical Interlude

 

Video: “Country First: Peace”

(Robert Duvall voice-over)

 

Introduction of Presiding Officer

 

Statement of Rules re: Requirements for Nomination of V.P. Candidate

Sen. Mitch McConnell (KY)

 

Speech: Remarks re: V.P. Nomination

Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. (UT)

 

Recognition of Delegate for Purpose of Making a Motion

Sen. McConnell

 

Motion to Nominate V.P. by Acclamation

Floor: Alaska Delegation

 

Request for Second

Sen. McConnell

 

Adoption & Announcement of Nominee

Sen. McConnell

 

Appointment of Committee to Notify & Escort V.P. Candidate

Sen. McConnell

 

Floor Demonstration

 

Musical Interlude

 

Speech: “Spending – Differences in McCain vs. Obama Approach”

Rep. Marsha Blackburn, (TN)

 

Speech: “Taxes/Special Needs Children”

Rosario Marin, Fmr. Treasurer of the U.S.

(Note: Marin has a Down syndrome child; her speech will concentrate on assistance to special needs children.)

 

Speech: Ask for Hurricane Relief

Joe Watkins, Philadelphia, PA

 

Speech: “American Leadership Key”

Sen. Mel Martinez (FL)

 

Speech: “It Takes John McCain/Putting Country First”

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (MN)

 

Musical Interlude

 

Speech with video: “Doing the Right Thing in the World”

Fmr. U.S. Sen. Bill Frist

 

Speech: “They are Counting on Us: Iraq”

Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, USMC (Ret.) Brownsburg, TX

 

Speech

Sen. Sam Brownback (KS)

 

Musical Interlude

 

Speech: Remarks and Introduction of Video

Rep. Mary Fallin (OK)

 

Video: “World Stood Still” (re: 9-11)

 

Speech

Brian Clay, U.S. Olympic Athlete (Beijing Decathlon)

 

Speech

Joe Gibbs, Fmr. Head Coach, Washington Redskins

 

Musical Interlude

 

Speech: “We are Winning”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC)

 

Video: V.P. Nominee – Gov. Sarah Palin

 

Speech: “Proven Leader”

Tom Ridge, former governor of Pennsylvania and first Secretary of Department of Homeland Security

 

Video: “America’s Place in the World” (Cindy McCain)

 

Speech

Mrs. Cindy McCain

 

Video: Sen. John McCain

 

Speech: Nomination Acceptance Speech

Sen. John McCain (AZ)

 

Floor Demonstration, Balloon Drop, Familes on Stage

McCain and V.P. Candidate Families

 

Introduction of Presiding Officer John Boehner

 

Introduction of Benediction

Leader Boehner

 

Benediction

Pastor Dan Yeary, Phoenix (AZ)

 

Introduction of Delegate for Motion

Leader Boehner

 

Motion to Adjourn Sine Die

Floor – Virginia Delegation

 

Adoption and Adjournment

Leader Boehner