No schedule?

There's still no current schedule for this evening's events at the convention, so I'm not sure what time to head over there. I'll probably try to make it over in the next hour or so.

There is, however, a full slate of McCain meet-and-greets with various ethnic groups. Included today are African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian- and Pacific-Americans, and Irish-Americans.


I can't say I quite understand the purpose. I suppose it's coalition-building.

UPDATE: No sooner did I post this than a few more meager details came out. Festivities begin at 5:00, though there are still no details on what will happen and in what order. Speakers will include MN Gov. (and near-VP candidate) Tim Pawlenty, former PA Gov. (and near-VP candidate) Tom Ridge, SC US Sen. Lindsay Graham, and Cindy McCain.

I can't say it's the most exciting lineup. My initial reaction is that I probably would rather have been there last night. Giuliani was less than impressive, but the rest of the lineup was at least energetic. Tonight's lineup doesn't sound real energizing.

Then again, a lot can change when surrounded by 20,000 screaming crazies, and I am interested to hear what McCain will have to say that's new at this point.

UPDATE 2: A new, in-depth schedule has been posted here.

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Entertainment (Music): Al Williams
• Entertainment (Monologue): James McEachin
• Call to Order, Introduction of Colors: Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
• Presentation of Colors: Fort Snelling Joint Services Color Guards
• Pledge of Allegiance: Olympians Ryan Berube, Mitch Gaylord, Brittany Hayes, Barbra Higgins, Larsen Jensen, Elle Logan, Marcus McElhenney and John Naber
• Singing of the National Anthem: Trace Adkins
• Invocation: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Speaker: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)
• Speaker: Erik Paulsen
• Speaker: Jay Love
• Speaker: Charlie Summers
• Speaker: Aaron Schock
• Speaker: David Cappiello
• Speaker: U.S. Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)
• Video: "Country First: Peace," with narration by Robert Duvall
• Statement of Rule Regarding Vice Presidential Nomination; Recognition of Delegates Making Motions; and Adoption and Announcement of Nominee: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
• Speaker: Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention
• Speaker: U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.)
• Speaker: The Honorable Rosario Marin

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Speaker: Joe Watkins
• Speaker: U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
• Speaker: Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
• Speaker with Video: Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.)
• Speaker: Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, USMC (Ret.)
• Speaker: U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
• Speaker: U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (Okla.)
• Video: "World Stood Still"

8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Speaker: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)
• Video: "Vice Presidential Nominee Governor Sarah Palin"
• Speaker: Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.)
• Video: "America’s Place in the World"
• Speaker: Mrs. Cindy McCain

9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Video: "Senator John McCain"
• Speaker: Presidential Nominee John McCain

10 p.m. to Conclusion

• Floor Demonstration, Balloon Drop, McCain and Palin Families on Stage
• Introduction of Presiding Officer: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
• Benediction: Pastor Dan Yeary
• Introduction of Delegate for Motion, Adoption and Adjournment: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)