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WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

August 31, 2008

Follow the convention at newsday.com

MONDAY

Even though John McCain has attacked his policies in recent TV ads, President George W. Bush will give what is likely the last major political speech of his career. Expect him to make a strong defense of his legacy, particularly the Iraq war.

Other key speakers: Vice President Dick Cheney, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Laura Bush

TUESDAY

To some pundits and supporters, this was supposed to be the coronation for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. But he'll only be a cheerleader this week. Look for him to, like Bush, defend McCain's Iraq war strategy.

Other key speakers: Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.)

WEDNESDAY

McCain's vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, makes her big speech. Pundits and commentators are sure to examine her every word because of her relative lack of experience.

Other key speakers: Cindy McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.).

THURSDAY

Throughout the campaign, John McCain has been much more effective in front of small groups of people. This will be his big chance on a huge stage to make a big impact to a national audience.

Other key speakers: Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.

ON TV

C-Span will carry every conceivable convention event, starting each day at 7 a.m. and concluding when the last speech ends, which will be around 11 each night. The cable news networks - CNN, MSNBC, Fox News - will carry live coverage each night beginning at 7. PBS will broadcast the entire convention live each night starting at 8, and ABC, CBS and NBC plan to carry about an hour of coverage each night.

NBC has the National Football League season opener with the Giants vs. Redskins at 7 p.m. Thursday. It is unclear if NBC will switch to McCain's speech if the game goes long.

THE DELEGATES

Who are they? Unlike the Democrats, Republicans do not send superdelegates to their convention. The 2,380 delegates were all either elected in the primary or chosen by state party leaders, said Anthony Santino, the spokesman for New York GOP chairman Joseph Mondello.

What are their responsibilities? To cast the official vote for the party's nominee. Unlike their Democratic brethren, GOP delegates are not formally obligated to vote for the candidate for which they are pledged. But because each of the other Republican candidates - save for Ron Paul - has pledged their support for John McCain, the odds of an insurrection are zero.

Who are the Long Island delegates? There are 18 delegates and 18 alternates from the six congressional districts that cover Long Island. In addition, party heavyweights like former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato and state Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), are at-large delegates from the state.