While we watched Hurricane Isaac hit the Gulf Coast with thousands losing power, in Tampa, Florida, the Republicans attempted to sell Mitt Romney to the American people during day two of the Republican National Convention.

Tuesday night was like walking a tightrope for the Republicans with Ann Romney and Chris Christie in one corner of my television and Hurricane Isaac in the other.  CNN also showed the number of homes without power a few times at the bottom of the screen.  While thousands were without power, the Republicans were holding their pep rally in Florida and President Obama was campaigning in the Midwest.  Tuesday was a great example of how politics have become too important in the United States.

Today I write about the Daines speech, the Romney nomination process, the speeches from Ann Romney and Chris Christie, plus I take a look at a poll, and I close with a look at a new ad from Jon Tester.  There’s a lot more so read on…

Two Minutes:

While it’s an honor to be asked to speak at the Republican National Convention, those two minute speeches are quite interesting to watch.  Steve Daines, who is running to fill Montana’s lone U.S. House seat, got a chance to speak to the crowd (and use a teleprompter).  His speech lasted about two minutes and five seconds.  You can watch it HERE.

While Daines probably did not get to talk as long as he wanted, he can be happy about the enormous amount of media coverage he received from the speaking engagement.

Romney Nominated/Paul Slighted:

If you are a supporter of Ron Paul then the roll call during the convention to hear who the states were nominating ticked you off.  Although some states had votes for Ron Paul or Rick Santorum and announced them during the roll call, when the votes were repeated from the moderator, the announcement only included the votes for Romney and nothing was said about the votes for Ron Paul or Rick Santorum.

With an election that is looking like it will be very close, the Republicans just angered a very important group that could help them beat Obama.

Ann Romney’s Speech:

My degree is in communications (speech and writing) so speeches are very interesting to me from the delivery to the reception received from the crowd.  So I look at and hear speeches differently than many people.

The build-up to Ann Romney’s speech was tremendous (especially by Fox News) and Mrs. Romney delivered her speech nicely, but nothing she said changed my mind about how Mitt Romney will be better at leading this country if he is elected President.  Ann and Mitt are just in a different category (the ultra-rich category).  Most of us will never attain their richness or lifestyle of the rich and famous Romneys.  For them to pretend they understand how tough it is for the rest of us is a stretch.

Although the crowd was energetic, I have the feeling they are not completely sold on the goods Ann Romney was selling last night.

Chris Christie’s Speech:

I was most looking forward to the speech from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, but something happened to Christie on his way from New Jersey to Tampa.  He must have lost his mojo.  Rumors were swirling that Romney’s people toned down Christie’s remarks and, although his speech was very-well delivered, it lacked the fire and brimstone I expected.

Mitt Romney stayed around after appearing on stage after Ann’s speech to listen to Christie.  He should have disappeared from the public eye.  Romney looked like a person waiting for Christie to wreck.  Romney showed no emotions and he had a faraway look.  It was very odd.

Wednesday Night:

Tonight is Paul Ryan night.  Not many people know him, so this is the chance for the Republicans to introduce him to the country.  Ryan likes to talk about economics so his speech should be thrilling (I am joking).

Former Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Governor Mike Huckabee, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Susana Martinez (Governor of New Mexico) will also speak.

Party Favorability:

A new Gallup poll tells us, “In the lead-up to this year’s presidential convention period, 44% of registered voters held a favorable view of the Republican Party and 43% of the Democratic Party.”

The unfavorable rating is 50% for the Republicans and 52% for the Democrats.  In other words, most voters think the political parties are pretty bad.  In middle school terms – they suck.

The poll results are interesting to read.

Jon Tester:  Everytime

Although it has nothing to do with the convention, U.S. Senator Jon Tester launched a new campaign ad called “Everytime” where he says the out of state Super PACS don’t know anything about him or Montana.  You can watch it HERE.

One thing to note is that Tester wears about five differently colored shirts during this 30 second ad.  Maybe Republican Governor Candidate Rick Hill will take note…

Follow Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord