At GOP Convention, Chris Christie Ready For His Close-Up
By Larry Kane
TAMPA, Fla. (CBS) - In Tampa, the forecast is for heavy rain and political excitement.
Due to Tropical Storm Isaac, Monday is a rain delay for delegates from our area, some of whom will not get here for a while. The headlines: Mitt Romney changes course and starts touting his Massachusetts health care plan, which was similar to President Obama's plan. The schedule for Tuesday has been changed. Ann Romney is on, Donald Trump is off.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, at a huge rally last night told me he is ready for his keynote address after lots of practice.
"I've rehearsed a bunch already back at home. I think I'll do it once or twice between now and Tuesday night, but I don't want to leave it on the practice field, Larry, so I'll just do it once or twice more, then I'll be ready to go."
Kane: "You're not a teleprompter kind of guy?"
Christie: "No, I'll be using one, though, on Tuesday night. We've got time limits, and I have a written speech, so yeah. Usually I'm not, but I don't think you go off the cuff at a keynote address at a national convention."
Also totally in the political groove, Governor Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania, who's hosting a delegation breakfast this morning. He says don't believe the polls, Romney will close what's become a large gap in Pa.
"I think it's very important to remember that in 12 weeks a lot will be defined. And those 12 weeks in the time that the candidates have to define themselves to the swing voters -- to the independents that are out there."
Corbett's optimism is not shared by all Pennsylvania delegates.
Final note, there's a new convention innovation. The GOP has a U.S. debt clock running in the arena.
