What to watch for at the GOP convention Wednesday

Here are some things to watch for at the Republican National Convention Wednesday:

1. RIDING THE STORM OUT: As Hurricane Isaac batters the Gulf Coast, Mitt Romney and GOP conventioneers decide how to respond.  Can they show empathy for storm victims even as they celebrate Romney's nomination?  Is there a way to help out?  Also, watch how President Barack Obama handles Isaac, seven years after Hurricane Katrina caused so much trouble for President George W. Bush.

2. RYAN'S BIG DAY: On the road, veep nominee Paul Ryan's the one who draws big crowds and noisy enthusiasm.  So delegates are sure to show some love when he takes the stage at the end of the night.  It's the biggest speech of the 42-year-old congressman's life - so far.

3. ANOTHER PAUL: Supporters of renegade candidate Ron Paul have caused a bit of a ruckus at the otherwise carefully choreographed convention.  Will they raise a racket when the show features a video tribute to Paul and a speech by his son, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky?

4. REMEMBER McCAIN?  The last man to take on Barack Obama gets his say Wednesday.  After falling short as the party's 2008 nominee, John McCain returned to the Senate as a tough critic of Obama, especially on national security matters.  Watch for him to assail Obama's leadership in world affairs.  Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice may hit similar notes.

5. MITT'S AWAY GAME: After popping by the convention to catch wife Ann's remarks Tuesday night, Romney pops out for a speech to the American Legion in Indianapolis.  It will serve as a warm-up to his big address coming Thursday; the convention is scheduled to include a remote connection to Indiana.