Tampa kicks off - sort of.
This morning Republicans will open their 2012 convention in Tampa only to immediately suspend the session as Tropical Storm Isaac passes Florida's west coast. Assuming the current weather forecast remains in place, the RNC will begin in earnest on Tuesday. It comes as Republicans are enjoying some good news on this critical week for the GOP. A new Washington Post/ABC News poll shows Governor Mitt Romney one point ahead of President Obama among registered voters. The poll suggests that despite a barrage of bad news last week, the race remains a dead heat. TIME and msnbc Sr. Political Analyst Mark Halperin points out that the sample - registered voters versus likely voters - is notable and reflects added strength for Governor Romney. The big question, of course, is what kind of bounce Republicans will enjoy after they leave Florida.
Only time will tell of course. We'll cover all of it from New York and Tampa today at noon ET on NOW.
PANEL
Ari Melber, The Nation/msnbc Contributor (@arimelber)
Howard Wolfson, Deputy NYC Mayor (@howiewolf)
Jodi Kantor, The New York Times (@jodikantor)
GUESTS
John Heilemann, New York Magazine/msnbc Political Analyst (@jheil)
David Corn, Washington Bureau Chief, Mother Jones (@davidcorndc)
Ari Berman, Political Correspondent, The Nation (@ariberman)
Fmr. Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) (@joesestak)
BULLPEN
Martin Bashir (@bashirlive)