The New York Times asks questions about will the Republicans do something close to the Democrats…..
Or?
Will they probably go their own way?
Here’s a list of things we’ll be looking for when the Republican convention is gaveled to order:
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Will this be an all Trump, all the time convention? Joseph R. Biden Jr. appeared each night from Delaware, doing panels with small groups of people, but he listened more than he spoke, until it was time to give his acceptance speech. Will Mr. Trump be as yielding of the spotlight?
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Democrats sketched a rich and sympathetic portrait of their candidate, walking viewers through the formative tragedies of his life. Next week should provide a test of whether that dissuades Mr. Trump from going after Mr. Biden. And if Mr. Biden gets a bit of a pass, will Senator Kamala Harris, Mr. Biden’s running mate, become the lightning rod?
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How much attention will be paid to the pandemic? Mr. Trump’s campaign has already dismissed the Democratic convention as grim and gloomy, with its focus on the devastation being wrought by the coronavirus. Will Republicans offer a more optimistic vision of how the nation is managing the virus, or push the issue into a corner?
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Will Republicans be as diligent about wearing masks and social distancing as Democrats were through the week? Or will they be deliberately and conspicuously more lax, making a political statement as well as a health one?
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Will Mr. Trump use this platform to lay out a second-term agenda? Democrats are betting he will not. “He’s not going to change,” said Rahm Emanuel, who was White House chief of staff when Mr. Biden was vice president. “He’s not going to offer an inclusionary, second-term agenda.”
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Will Mr. Trump (and, for that matter, Vice President Mike Pence) allow this convention to promote the next generation of potential presidential candidates? And will we see as many non-politicians — a.k.a. regular Americans — in prime spots as we saw at the Democratic convention?
Ok….
Here’s the schedule as NPR knows it….
Trump will now accept the nomination from the South Lawn of the White House on Thursday, though he is also expected to take part in all four nights of the convention.
Additional speakers will appear from various locations. According to the Trump campaign, the central convention location will be the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C.
Developing Schedule: Who’s speaking and when?
The main theme of the Republican convention is “Honoring the Great American Story.” Each night will feature remarks from political leaders as well as “everyday Americans whose stories are filled with hope and patriotism,” per the Trump campaign.
Monday, “Land of Promise”: During the day, a maximum of 336 delegates will convene in Charlotte, conduct the roll call vote and formally renominate Trump and Vice President Pence for the Republican Party’s presidential ticket. It remains unclear who will speak Monday evening.
Tuesday, “Land of Opportunity”: First lady Melania Trump is slated to speak, likely from the White House, on Tuesday night.
Wednesday, “Land of Heroes”: Vice President Pence will speak from Baltimore, Md., at Fort McHenry on Wednesday.
Thursday, “Land of Greatness”: Trump will deliver his acceptance speech Thursday evening from the White House.
Additional speakers (dates and times yet to be announced):
The convention is expected to also feature several prominent conservative leaders, including: South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley….
image…Evan Vucci/AP