The Republican National Convention

"A lot of people in this country have not realized or it does not get picked up in the polls [that] some black people can think for themselves," the one-time presidential contender said Monday. And there are more "American Black Conservatives," he said, than most people realize.

D.C. is not known as a bastion of Republican political power, but at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., a small but dedicated group of delegates are representing the District.

Apparently discouraged by the gusty weather, at times there were fewer protesters on the streets of Tampa this morning than there were police officers and journalists. Those who did show up, though, had sharp things to say about Republicans and Democrats.

Thousands of journalists, politicos and Republicans are biding their time in Tampa, Fla. as they wait out a delay of the Republican National Convention caused by Tropical Storm Isaac.

It's been many years since political conventions offered any real drama or suspense. Still, they're a nonpareil opportunity for partisans to unite and try to win over voters who are largely uninterested in the parties.

As Republicans around the country head to Florida for the national convention, one GOP candidate for Senate, former Gov. George Allen, is staying in his home state to continue campaigning. His opponent, former Gov. Tim Kaine, is also appearing around the state.

ANALYSIS: The last surviving purpose of the convention is to reach a vast audience and make an impression. Perhaps the special circumstances of this week will give the Republican presidential contender a unique way to do that.

The Texas congressman packed an arena Sunday in Tampa and used the rally to rage against the Republican political machine. His presidential aspirations may be over, but his supporters are staying with the nation's best-known libertarian.

Sunday afternoon inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, guitarist G.E. Smith and his band ripped through the Cheap Trick classic. What better metaphor could there be for a presidential nominee seeking to woo voters?

GOP officials abruptly scrapped the first day of their national convention in Tampa, Fla., because of Tropical Storm Isaac.