another another government run success story. m and another viewer says we hiree obama to fix the problems and not complain.nd the first thing that you learn is you are responsible for everything your command does, failure or not. he has failed at everything he has done. neil: >> this is a neil cavuto special report. lou: neil: welcome, everybody. the national convention has begun. this thing is technically on, but the formality starts tomorrow. nevertheless, we are here with you tonight. not too many miles from here there is tropical storm isaac. so far it is just shy of a

hurricane, category one storm. it is getting a lot of the attention in and around this area and it has lead a number of delegates from getting to this area. having said that, republicans plan to have a fun convention just the same. they are sweeping into what was originally scheduled me for days. the first convention in anyone's memory where you you will see a nonstop are my nominations piling debt. a debt clock is in this room for all to see. besides the compilation of our debt, which could accumulate over the 16 trillion-dollar level, right next to that, the debt that has been amassed since the convention kicks off earlier today. that is a reminder. how much conventioneers will be rallying around or how much the government is spending and how we come is a country are spent. we will hear a lot of talk about

5 trillion-dollar of additional abyss of this administration. and how republicans will hope to try all of that. we will see how that succeeds. we do know that republicans hope to showcase the ticket. it is very serious about addressing all of these bills and the label lampert lay of the land. first, to my colleague, rich edson. reporter: good evening. surrounding me right now should be filled. that was the plan. and then isaac happened this weekend. republicans thought it was headed here for tampa. that was not the case. we didn't get all that much of it today. the result of all this is that we are one day behind. one thing the republicans to take care of today, and you brought it up, is the debt clock. 2:00 p.m. through the end of thursday is where they are going to get this thing. that is the total bill amassed. this has been shifted to tomorrow. tomorrow is what they should have been. the seats 24 hours from now will

be to build with tens of thousands of delegates. what they will do is officially pledged their delegates, mostly for mitt romney here. we do expect ron paul will play a role. it will go and order alphabetically. typically what you get is the home state of the nominee will put that nominee over the top. that's not the case here. they are just going to go by order or in alabama, proceeding up to the end of the alphabet until they actually nominate the candidate and keep on going for the end. tomorrow we will hear from governor romney in chris christie between 10 and 11:00 p.m. neil: has there been any pressure on the speakers we have to cut their speech is a little shorter, or cut some of them all out together? >> what they have done is taken a four-day convention in crammed it into three days. they asked readers to take a few minutes out.

they maintain all the speakers. the governors from the gulf states, they have been released from their speaking obligations. they are dealing with that by now. what you have is you're telling a group of politicians that they have to keep their speech is shorter. think about that for a second. we can probably figure out what the timing will be tomorrow is the one i understand they it will probably be worse than tv anchors. okay, i will be going to rich edson a lot more throughout these few nights as we continue to live coverage in tampa. one of the premier just is jeb bush, the republican governor of this state. jeb bush has been saying for quite some time that the republicans need to expand company to bring more people in. it is all about reaching out to voters and not alienating voters. he praises the ticket of

indicative of that reaching out. where conservatives and moderates and those who want to be part of this great big tens can all share stewardship under this great big tent. governor bush was also telling me today, the one thing he is very tired of -- is a certain brother of his constantly getting blamed for all that is wrong. this is from earlier today with governor jeb bush reed look, the president in the past three years, almost four years, i think the american people are tired of blaming someone else. it happens to be my brother. i can't deny the fact that i'm objective about it. neil: for the president's argument, he said when i came into, and this was the debt i had. it is what it is. he was dealt a tough hand. but he has some policies that he could have improved the situation and he's making his

fourth straight look at the lack of investment and the lack of employment. all the indicators. you have to say this is by far and away the most tested recovery in modern time. so if a policy is a problem -- i don't begrudge barack obama anything. he seems like a pretty nice guy. but his policies have failed. that is what this election has been about. and then offering a conservative alternative. we will hear governor romney acceptance speech. neil: so what do you know about the support of chris christie and his support. >> you can make out. he is organizing his ambition and he ran a primary where he was the odds favor. do not offer a compelling reason. he's trying to find a way to get

back his political bent. it has to do with ambition. neil: you mentioned marco rubio. you mentioned, mitt romney and paul ryan. any ill feelings? >> oh, no, not at all. marco rubio is a special elected official. he has a bright official future ahead of them. i think the paul ryan was an inspired choice. it changes the conversation to big things. marco rubio would provide a lot of energy, as you will see tonight when he speaks. he is really gifted. the paul ryan, he's the one guy in washington that i think has a command of the issues, the big challenges that our country faces. and has had the courage to outline specific proposals to be with him. that is a big decision that mitt romney made. he didn't buy into every aspect of the so-called paul ryan plan.

but by picking paul ryan company said that i want this election to be about transformational things. kudos to him for doing it. because i think it sets the stage for an interesting follow-up. neil: governor, you have also been a big believer of bringing republicans into the tent -- latinos in general -- has the party progress? hasn't said that we are kind of okay with the way things are? >> you look at the rising stars of the republican party. they happen to be disproportionately lucky. you have susana martinez, the most popular governor in the country. brian sandoval from his approval rating over 60%. marco rubio, ted cruz, the next senator from texas we have great new faces that will allow us over time to regain her footing

that is a long-term challenge for the republican party. demographics are destiny we can ignore it. neil: do you ever look at what is happening and say hey, you know, maybe i should have run? >> no, i do not. i do not at all. i'm really content with my life right now. i'm excited about mitt romney running and winning. and i don't look back at all. as my dad would say, we meditate on our naval. [laughter] neil: your brother not being here, does he ever feels slighted or bummed out that the republicans forgotten? >> no, he does not. he's moved on with his life. i sent him e-mails once every two weeks to say all i need are people that love you. in this talk, people show its true.

history will prove your brother right on a lot of things. there is a lot of goodwill for george w. bush. but he also knows that he needs to stay out of the way. back to this idea that you blame george w. bush for everything. the common cold, rake outs, all that stuff is all related. >> so i think he is smartly, he has taken a step back and let the romney in line ticket take much of the attention they deserve. neil: governor bush, you are smooth as silk does. governor, thank you very much. we apologize, there were audio issues. what happened here is that they practiced for the big convention. the band will strike up up and play in and up and play in an strikeout rate there'll be microphone test and that sort of thing. do you literally have to yell.

the former president opting to pass at this convention. we should let you know about the man who is going to be the nominee for republicans. he is going to be leaving boston tomorrow morning for tampa. the weather looks like it will be permitting. nothing like they are experiencing to the gulf. but the nominee will be here. it would probably take him here to the mid-to late tomorrow morning. mitt romney will be soon after that. oddly enough, the host of the city is a democrat. he has quickly become a republican savior democrat. bob up one. he was able to convince republicans to come to this fine city and state. mayor buckhorn, thank you for

coming. >> it's going to be a great day tomorrow. the schedule is compressed, but i don't think it will affect the proceedings. if you can imagine hosting the second most viewed television event in the world and her kin at the same time, and i have a lot more gray hair next week. neil: you knew this was a possibility. but people know what they're signing on to. first, republicans didn't plan on storms being an issue in minnesota four years ago and they were. they also got a day off of the schedule. what can you tell me can be done in an environment like this? >> i think it's going to be a great convention. when you come to florida, there is always going to be tropical storm issues in the middle of the summer. we knew that. the odds were fairly incontestable. we are lucky that we dodged a bullet this time. we haven't been hit in 90 years. we just got a brief brush. i think it's going to be a great convention. not only to produce a nominee but tampa's coming-out party for the the entire world.

frustum and for us, this is the biggest thing we've ever done, the most complex thing we've ever done. it's the most exciting thing we've ever done. neil: we don't mind you having this coming out. but as a yankee fan, could you leave your team out of that? >> oh, no, not at all. we love the yankees. neil: enough already. mayor, i want to touch on health the weather can affect the administrators and occupiers and others who are planning some not so fun event. what is the latest? >> there are some bad people here. we know who they are and what they're up to. honestly the number of protesters were not what we anticipated. monday is usually the toughest day in terms of protester conflicts. there wasn't much today. peaceful, hoping for the rest of the week. as you can see, having been around town, we have deployed an overwhelming show of support and strength. we will be ready for tomorrow. if they choose to step over that line, we make it very clear that we will deal with them and kill them quickly. those who want to come and offer an opinion are welcome. those that choose a different

course, we will provide them indications that some are being a little bit more than expressing their political mess. >> they are poking and prodding and seeing what our differences are. i anticipate that there will be issues tomorrow. we are prepared to deal with them as we are today and as we look the next three days. they will make a mistake if they fell upon the tampa police department had her one of the officers or destroy personal property. neil: mayor, thank you very much. very good to see her. all right, tell me about this. these galvanizing issues for conventions. if you were to say that at that clock, shows you how much debt is being run out, it would be a dominating thing. you probably will would've gone crazy. i was probably the inspiration for that, grover norquist is coming up after this.

you see us, at the start of the day. on the company phone list that's a few names longer. you see us bank on busier highways.

on once empty fields. everyday you see all the ways all of us at us bank are helping grow our economy. lending more so companies and communities can expand, grow stronger and get back to work. everyday you see all of us serving you, around the country, around the corner. us bank.

neil: welcome back, everybody. mitt romney, all things debt, this debt clock in this convention hall showing our race to $16 trillion national debt. what we always nation. all of this coming on the very same day the vp is releasing

dealing with this debt. what is the best way to deal with agreement according to 63% of american citizens,. >> if you have a trillion dollar a year deficit, there is no rate you could get to to generate that. i think all of us understand. we have to deal with the entitlements. the best way to get revenues, by the way, is to have progrowth tax reform. like governor romney and paul ryan have laid out. that is the best way to generate revenues to the treasury. neil: that might be, senator. but when a lot of people say high taxes, you have some selling to. >> yeah, but again, that is what this convention is about. that's what this campaign is about over the next 70 days. that is making sure that americans understand how we deal with this issue. the president has been missing

on this issue. we have to people that can lead us through this. i think every american is her concern about what they see on this clock. again, you have to deal with it through the entitlement program. i don't know of a republican or democrat that wants to jerk the rug out from underneath anybody. but we have to begin turning the ship so that we know that we have dealt with this for future generations. again, spending is an issue. but if you can put in place progrowth reform in the revenues will come also and have a balance. neil: you have to convince people that what is typically being seen as the third world of politics, zeroing in on spending, reining in entitlements -- it is in their long-term interests. it has been a no-win type of argument in the past. do you think that it has cut up with that? >> i think there is a serious mess with the american people. i know we have to appeal to the american people. we have to do that in this campaign. but the fact is that americans

are beginning to realize that we may be the first generation leave this country worse off than we found it. that's not what america is about. i think this campaign is going to cause people to rise to the occasion. the great thing about this ticket is that people know they are elected, and they are going to be elected -- they are going to deal with the biggest issue our nation faces. that is what leadership is about and that is what we will see this week. that is why i am excited about this ticket. neil: senator, senator, thank you so much. you have been busy. >> you have been busy as well. [talking over each other] neil: we look forward to seeing you again. as the senator pointed out, does not necessarily the third rail. if you look at the battleground states, we should point out that there are a couple of things to keep in mind. this republican ticket was very competitive in a number of swing states. in wisconsin where some have the

republicans up by one. you might want to thank paul ryan for that. in michigan there is a lead for the romney-ryan to it. think about that. home of the big auto bailout. this ticket leads in that state. florida, if this was so damaging talking about these issues -- the republican ticket has yet to find any evidence of that. grover norquist says he is not at all surprised. even talking of revenue enhancements. saying that this proves you could address spending and spending only come you would not be hurt as a party. do you think of this poll, notwithstanding the many americans won't revenues on the table.

is that a tough crowd to persuade? >> here is the good news. if you ask people if they are overtaxed, they say yes. if they ask them that they think the problem is spending, they will say yes. if you ask people if they raise taxes come if you think we will reduce debt or senate? two thirds will say that they will spend it. on a simple question, someone might say yes but reflection -- to raise taxes -- obama's going to take that money and pay down the debt. no, he's going to spend it. people know that. neil: i have seen your stature rise last two years. opposing any type of revenue measure to now really hold these guys in line. so much so that the parties as they have become localized. >> here's the good news. most of the republicans in the house and senate, many governors

and state legislatures have made a written commitment to their voters that they don't want to raise taxes. i didn't do that. they do that. the american people expected and demanded an vote for her. so we have a modern republican party that has decided almost that we are not would raise going to raise taxes. when they made that decision, around 1994, you have seen the republicans captured the house and senate for most users. the american people toward the republicans, by not raising taxes. they punish them in 2006 and 2008 for spending too much. neil: this is the same party that did spend and go crazy. do you worry that they are very good at preaching and not practicing? >> i think the 2006 and 2008 campaigns were not that great in 2000 pennies all republican's freshman. normally successful politically.

it is exactly what romney and ryan are running on. neil: before there was ryan on this ticket. you had your doubts about romney. a seriousness of the spending issue. is it on a? >> well, you never know. but when romney picked ryan, it was a slayer. singapore nothing to raise taxes. we're going to reform entitlements. we will save resources. not cut and/but to perform governments so that it costs less. neil: we also know the governor is going to brag about his massachusetts health care plan. >> the good news is that he's not running for governor of massachusetts for president of the united states. >> he has repeatedly pointed out his doctor is to abolish obamacare. we are going to let states do if states want to do but not with other people's money. we are going to shift to a more

open and free and competitive transparent health care system. neil: grover, it is very good to see you again. the seriousness of spending became front and center. a seriousness about isaac in this area. people are questioning if the residents are being serious enough. michael brown is continuing with us next day one of the republican national convention. this is $100,000.

we asked total strangers to watch it for us. thank you so much, i appreciate it, i'll be right back. they didn't take a dime. how much in fees does your bank take to watch your money ? if your bank takes more money than a stranger, you need an ally. ally bank. no nonsense. just people sense.

♪ the one and only, cheerios ♪ forz(power!) andiamo! andiamo! (let's go! let's go!) avanti! avanti! (keep going! keep going!) hahaha...hahahaha! you know ronny, folks who save hundreds of dollars by switching to geico sure are happy. and how happy are they jimmy? happier than christopher columbus with speedboats. that's happy! get happy. get geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more. dad, we want pizza. you guys said tacos. [ female announcer ] it doesn't always work out that way. you know what? we're spending too much money on eating out anyway. honey, come look at this. [ female announcer ] my money map from wells fargo is a free online tool that helps you track your spending. so instead of having to deal with a tight budget, you could have a tighter family. ♪

wells fargo. together we'll go far. to 77 hello. it will be a long way. i am neil cavuto coming from tampa of. to bring new up to speed four years ago the convention and came and went and was gone. but this is a very serious storm. jeff flock from lake city florida how this could grab people's attention.

>> a particularly large storm about the same sybase as katrina but not the same power. latest adjustment did not to bump up intensity or the track. at the center of the cone a little west to new orleans that means it gets hit hit with a punch. if you look at the satellite the storm is not well defined. no defined circulation so strengthening is having trouble getting strong. but it is very large. we follow the storm from sanibel north to gulfport or

west of new orleans. ever ran from andrew to katrina touch floor dead then hit in the northern gold coast. we're ready for it to. neil: michael brown the former fema director and he knows the thing about storms certainly that was the original guesstimation on katrina but we know anything but now. but anything that worries you or raises concerns? >> the size.

my guess it would not get to that category three but because of the size we will have heavy flooding and rain mitchell antar and bobby jindal they have already declared a state of emergency in new orleans and louisiana doing what local officials need to do. they are on top of it. kudos to them. neil: we chatted before of who's on first. who's in charge, the mayor who did not seem up to speed and the governor at cross points. is there a clear chain of command for a disaster now?

include the in the of the inner elvis state have opted to stay. is that the line of command? >> yes. that is why i am so proud they have done in what they should have done seven years ago. to take charge of their state. here is what we're doing. here is where you can help us. and in constant contact with the local people and the governor be ready to move when the governor says we need xyz. if dhs does not muddle things up issued be perfect. neil: talk about department

of romance security. >> it is another layer of madness. when i reading and hearing from people at this point* napolitano has given the reins to craig if you gate. if they stay out of the way and let them coordinate, it should be okay. neil: you were what warning about the levees four years ago. they have been repaired at billions of dollars. if it hits is a ready this time? >> it is the $15 billion question. that is how much they spent. they did flood protection measures that should have been done decades ago.

if it is below category three. even if it is larger that investment will not do much. it depends on the storm. neil: will put. michael brown. former fema director. we would be remiss if we did not make the huge passing this weekend. the first man to walk on the mound -- moon remembered in pitchers and in a special way here and tampa. after this.

seems they haven't been moving much lately. but things are starting to turn around because of business people like you. and regions is here to help. with the experience and service to keep things rolling. from business loans to cash management, we want to be your partner moving forward. so switch to regions. and let's get going. together.

neil: his image first from the convention center early yesterday. is that who i think it is? it is. neil armstrong dominating the jumbo screen one of the most political place i am not sure how he would feel about that but to passing away at the age of 82. you don't have to believe me

but look at him himself within four decades after setting foot on the moon not profiting, or even talking about the mission. except occasional moments they would twist his arm to commemorate. the 35th anniversary he joined his crewmembers to face down the hero things. >> i know you are congratulated with the hero label. >> we don't think of it that way but given extraordinary opportunities and we are grateful. neil: armstrong avoided the temptation to negative washington in difference.

>> all i can do personally to keep pounding and pounding away. >> is anyone listening? >> the american people. >> no. the president does not understand our traditions and the leader of the free world has meant. neil: armstrong never said things but maybe thought those things. neil: john kennedy said he wanted to land a man on the moon. do we need something like that today? is a necessary? >> it does take leadership.

and you need the support of the public is understandable and appropriate. neil: do think the problems with the space shuttle to be replaced? >> it has been a remarkable piece of machinery. and has done yeoman's work and has had a couple of tragedies that we will remember forever. i give them a enormous credit in the shuttle. neil: and then to put people into space is the future space travel? >> i hope that is true with

that is a long way to go. >> on the 40th anniversary including chaps with each and every hero i felt getting this close everybody was making sure would get to him. he was sick. we waited. but now this. so said. he was a special hero. his own the impression, of footprint in a world far from this one. powerful. unspeakable a. no wonder politicians want to savor his memory.

or our sold. >> one small step for man. one giant leap for mankind. neil: nobody knew his political affiliations. but getting ready for my next interview i.r.a. cross reference with the google search i can only pick up the only favorable saying is the senator from the state of ohio delivering the eulogy on friday. the president ordered all flags flown at half staff. i don't think people will quibble with that. neil: you knew him and you both have the same low-key temperament.

>> born and raised in ohio. leading nasa he came home. the last 12 negative 10. he was a professor and he moved to a farm and i got to know him over the years. gracious. and the acquit wit -- quick wit. a wonderful smile. not only his accomplishments but to a great family man. neil: is it true he was a reluctant pioneer? he did not to read it but the pressure for the public relations? wanted for interviews and that part he did not relish?

>> he did not need the spotlight. not about the notoriety. he did not want to be a celebrity. he was doing his duty. very dangerous, expertise as a fighter pilot and astronaut but fell to he was doing his duty. it was time to go home. >> you were recently passed up on the ticket for the number two spot. any problems? >> he has energized and has the right message how to turn the economy around and

if we don't do with their deficits we will not see the robust recovery. he is a believer in the opportunity society that is growth. that is why tax reform and expanding trade, paul is the leader and can speak to it. neil: can he carried this state without you? >> yes. maybe even wisconsin now. neil: and there is the domino theory maybe wisconsin, michigan, then there is something. >> good numbers out of pennsylvania. people are tired of the

promises not kept. and frankly as opposed to obama look at what mitt romney can do with the deficit and to a $2 billion surplus and cutting taxes but experience in the private sector. neil: but they have to sell that. so you will play the role of barack obama? >> i will help. i help john mccain and dick cheney and george bush. neil: you know, the talking points. what will the keep pushing? >> he cannot talk about his record per arroba even by his own standards.

even unemployment at 50%. he was drawn. heavy will the on the attack. the campaign is not about to the big idea because the administration will not talk about the record but instead to vilify mitt romney and his private sector career. he will avoid discussion of where we are which romney/ryan offered that there is a better way. neil: don't do any barack obama impressions. [laughter] senator portman will deliver one of the eulogies for the late r -- neil armstrong. to rally around the troops around the conservative this

time the conservative around the moderate. mystic around. more live coverage from tampa at the republican national convention.

enforce solving the nation's problems. ready to build a new consensus across the land with a community of values embodied with the words family, who were how the neighborhood, peace, and freedom.

[applause] neil: who could forget that convention gathering in 1980 ronald reagan to bring the family together. trying to the unhappy family reunion earlier he nearly lost to gerald ford than conservatives were mad at the moderates but four years later everything flips and reagan concerned they're not treated the same way as conservatives. it worked of course, they one in a landslide against carter but at the time he was trailing by 5.6 and within one week he was selection.

and the man who came on to the the attorney general that same pressure he feels he is run over although grover norquist likes the ticket but is it a good sell? >> governor romney understands what he has to do to bring the party together. the platform is one of can support. paul ryan is a part of that. marco rubio and we will go

into the fall campaign with a united republican party appealing to republicans and democrats. neil: a lot of those crucial states it would not have taken much to convince people it was worth a try to replace carter/mondale. and reagan proved the alternative. but that flip was say popular landslide. many say they see the momentum in the amount to roll states that could mean

of victory and some say as much as a landslide. >> it is possible. i think it will be close but many states that obamacare the best time are having real economic problems. look at this sorry record of the last four years and what is being proposed how we solve the problems many could take that chance. they know what will have been with four more years of the same. neil: it is not a damning critique -- critique but to the heart and soul is in house with that mind set

set, and overtaxes and what do you make of that? >> governor romney knows well he runs on a conservative platform. and a congressman ryan would not have joined him if not the case. neil: always a pleasure. bet makes chief confidante for ronald reagan. many thought then would produce the next president of united states. charlie gasparino is here to at. >> jeffrey immelt head of jobs cancel the telling the

will vote for mitt romney. neil: he has not said that publicly? >> i know when 90% he has told that several friends, the head of the hand-picked choice that this president has failed and is really economically. you not publicly say it to because they get a lot of money from the obama administration. neil: what happened? >> the way the stimulus package was handled to say it was pretty haphazard you know, the economy is sputtering. what do?

health care. they say that was insane. if there is one paying 2. four him to lose the election not addressing the employment issue and health care. >> we should point* out they say that at the convention, hundreds of millions of dollars in attack ads go after the convention. that is when we meet the road. neil: it is interesting when we see that. charlie, thank you so much. charlie gasparino. some interesting things here. how the romney business experience resonates and helps the ticket. the spreadsheet ticket that wil