For example the first speaker on the first night of the Republican National Convention will be Joseph Lieberman, hence, it can be loosely assumed that Lieberman will not be the VP choice for McCain.
For his loyalty to McCain I could see Lieberman being offered a cabinet seat in a McCain administration.
The first night's speakers will be:
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:
* U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
* Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
* Vice President Richard B. Cheney
* First Lady Laura Bush
* President George W. Bush
So far so good, that should cause a sigh of relief from people that were concerned about McCain picking a pro-choice running mate.
Yesterday Fox News assured everyone that according to the RNC, the other pro-choice candidate that was being speculated about, Tom Ridge, was also out of the picture.
This seems to be confirmed by the second night's roster of speakers, where Ridge is slated to speak after Rudolph W. Giuliani and Mike Huckabee.
Generally those speaking on the second night are not called upon to be the running mate, although nothing is written in stone and McCain does like to be unpredictable.
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
* Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
* Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)
* Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
* Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
* Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States
* Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
* Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
* Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (Md.)
Which brings us to other names that have been floated, Mitt Romney, Carly Fiorina and Bobby Jindal...all for which are slated to speak on the third night.
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:
* U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
* Meg Whitman, National Co-Chair for McCain 2008 and former President and CEO of eBay
* Carly Fiorina, Victory ‘08 Chairman for the Republican National Committee and former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co.
* Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
* Mrs. Cindy McCain
* Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)
* Republican Party’s Vice Presidential Nominee
Which leaves the fourth and final night, the night where John McCain will give his acceptance speech and where you would expect the VP choice to be on the list somewhere......hmmmm..... maybe as the first speaker of the fourth night?
Which happens to be.....Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
Does this mean Pawlenty is the choice...no...but he sure could be.
Fourth night's line up is:
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.
Speakers will include:
* Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
* Gov. Charlie Crist (Fla.)
* U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
* U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
* John McCain
Would they start night four with the vice presidential pick and end it with the presidential pick?
Maybe, maybe not... but it bears noting that some wonder about names not on the isn't, such as Rob Portman and as the American Spectator points out, Portman happens to live close to the Dayton, Ohio rally at which McCain is expected to announce his choice next Friday. They also float two other names, which are Fred Smith and Eric Cantor.
Names will still be added, the RNC announcement made that clear.
It is starting to look like it is between Pawlenty and Portman, then again, it could all be a mind game to keep the speculation running high.
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