centipede. >> it has to do with mitt romney. i acceptance. >> gretchen: tgif, everybody. it is august 31st. i am gretchen carlson. thank you for sharing with us live in tamp a. mitt romney wants to be your next president >> in america we celebrate success. we don't apologize for success. >> grethen: why mitt said america should fire barack obama and hire him. >> steve: what is so bad about barack obama. >> he is not a bad person. our problem is that he is a

bad president. >> steve: more from the rubio speech that brought down the house in tampa. >> brian: plus dirty hare cheens up nicely. >> when somebody doesn't do the job, we got to let him go. >> brian: clint eastwood's interview with the invisible president. "fox and friends" starts right now. ♪ ♪ you got me down. >> steve: live from tampa. we have been here in tampa five-days now and we are running out of clothes and it is our last program from along side tampa bay.

we are heading home. >> gretchen: they have ac coming on our set. i feel the massive wind. >> brian: see that, ted. that is the beauty of air conditioning. it reminds me of the days of super modele and did the photoshoot. >> gretchen: you had long hair. >> steve: we have a terrific program for you. just right over there in the tampa bay times forum mitt romney accepted his party's nomination for president. >> brian: i love the way he entered here. it was a surprise and broke things up and it was presidential. >> gretchen: foreshadowing of what happens in january and it comes out in the state of the union. mitt romney critized the current president's policy.

>> you know there is something wrong with the kind of job he's done when you are president when the best feeling you had was the day you voted for him. the center piece of the president's entire presidential campaign was attacking success. is it any wonder someone who attacks success led the worst economic recovery since the great depression? in america we celebrate success, we don't apologize for success. this president can ask us to be patient. this patient can tell us it was someone else's fault. this president can tell us the next four years he will get it right. but this president cannot tell us that you are better off today than when he took office. [applause] now is the moment we can stand up and say i am american and i

make my destiny. we deserve better. my children deserve bests my family deserves better. my country deserves better. president obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans. and heal the planet. my romise is to help you and your family. [applause] >> steve: biggest speech and night and that was probably the best speech he had given and he picked the right time to do his best. >> gretchen: he showed his emotional side. not only his wife and children and grandchildren, but his parents and the love story that his father had with his

mother as well. here's an emotional side from mitt romney. >> those weren't the easiest of days. many long hours and weekends work five young sons who had the need to reenact a different world war every night. but if you ask ann and i what we would give to break up just one more fight between the boys and wake up in the morn discover a pile of kids asleep in the room. well every mom and dad knows the answer to that. >> steve: did he connect absolutely. he had tears in his eyes and the audience had tears in his eyes. we saw a side of mitt romney and now the question, do you think you feel comfortable for him as president. yes. >> brian: he referred to his religion and brought up the

fact i was a mormon in michigan. we didn't seem to care then, because we were more interested in sports. i didn't want to go in car business because my dad did that. and he wanted to do something on his own. beginning and fighting back on bain. we'll have ed conor on later. >> gretchen: before mitt romney took the stage. it focused on his charity work . the stories were emotional. but there was not a dry eye where i was. these were stories that i think people needed to hear about mitt romney. it is interesting he did not talk about it. it was great to have other people talk about the story. parents who have gone through struggle with their kids.

whether it is gig. >> brian: if you watched the network you don't know what they are talking about. our channel. it is amazing, we have higher ratings than all of the broadcast networks. and what you hear about is parents of a child born three early premature and having to go through that. and a 14 year old who asked mitt romney to help him write the last will and testament. >> steve: it was powerful. there were three big speaker in the 10:00 hour that the nation saw. there was mitt romney, there was clint eastwood which we will talk about and then there was marco rubio. that young man of cuban decent hit it out of the park.

he was probably the best speaker of the entire week. >> under barack obama the only change is that hope is hard to find. now, sadly millions of americans are insecure about their future. but instead of inspiring and reminding of what makes us special he divides us. he tells americans they are worse off because others are better off. rich people got rich by making people poor. you want to believe that we are the special place where anything is possible. but things don't seem to get any better. you wonder if things will ever be the same again. yes, we live in a troubled time, but the story of those who came before us reminds us that america has been about new beginnings and mitt romney is running for president because he knows if we are

willing to do for our children what our parents did for us, life in america can be better than it has ever been. two years ago during a speech, i noticed the bartender behind the portable bar in the back of the ball room and i remembered my father who worked as a banquet bartender. he was grateful for the work he had. that was not the work he wanted for us. he stood behind the bar in the back of the room all of those years so one day i could stand behind a podium in front of the room. >> gretchen: that was a powerful statement. that was reminiscent of a lot of people. condoleezza rice who couldn't get a hamburger at woolworth and then secretary of state. it was client eastwood and adlibed. >> brian: he didn't write that

down. >> gretchen: he was interviewing somebody in the chair but i think you will figure out who it is. >> we own this country. we own it. and it is not you and not politicians owning you. politicians are employees of ours. and they are just going to come around and beg for votes and it is the same old deal. but i think it is important that you are the best in the world and whether you are democrat or republican or lib terian or whatever, you are the best and we should not ever forget that and when somebody does not do the job. we have to let them go. it doesn't hurt. i don't say that word anymore. well, maybe one last time.

we don't have to be. what i am saying, we don't have to be mettle masochist and vote for someone in the office just because they seem to be nice guys or maybe not not so nice guys if you look at the ads out there. okay. you want to make my day. i will start it, you finish it. go ahead. >> make my day. >> all right. >> sometimes scathing and sometimes humorous and he talked to an empty chair that was representative of the united states and making bawdy jokes and the crowd loved it. >> brian: it was rambling and a lot of times i thought it might not end.

invisible obama which is the chair has 6,000 twitter followers. >> steve: there are some, the websites said absolutely he was an embarrassment and others say it was brilliant. how do you think clint eastwood did. we'll share your comments in our big telecast. >> gretchen: when you are 82 years old, you don't care what other people thought. >> steve: he was so clint eastwood. >> gretchen: that's what i love about him. we'll tell you what is coming up. >> steve: we have ann romney. >> brian: and taylor hicks. >> gretchen: from american idol. yimpt steven hayes waiting in the wings >> chris: more from tampa, florida as our coverage of the rnc raps occupant fn c. >> brian: you wait here, you watch this.

>> whatever your political party let's come together for the sake of our country. join mitt romney and me . and gich the effort everything we have. and take the thing all the way through and let's get this done. >> tonight i would ask a simple question . if you felt that excitement when you voted for barack obama, shouldn't you feel that way now that he is president obama. you know there is something wrong with the kind of job he has done as president that the best feeling you had was the day you voted for him. >> brian: yes, there are still plenty of voters out there that are undecided. and persuadable. in a recent poll. 23 percent said they have yet to make their decision. did the mitt romney-ryan team do enough to get their vote.

editor of the national review on line . jack of the american institute. i can't touch him and he's wearing a full suit . columist for the daily beat osteoporosis. independent voters and not you. did they make progress in these three days. >> they helped themselves. we don't know how many of them was watching. the message was not intended for the delegates. it intended to win over independent women and i think their message was effective. >> brian: it was a goal and in terms of undecide those people who don't care much kistern did anything resonate. >> it was a speech that was blah. he's gotten criticism for it. but people want to know that someone is competent and to extent of him being a decent

man and family man and has business experience and he was not particularly nasty to the president. he had a couple of lines. i think that that probably is appealing to an independent voters who is not looking for vitriol or red meat. >> brian: the theory is, if you are personal and cutting that turns off independents and there was not that much except for the invisible obama with clint eastwood. >> he had to personalize himself. who is mitt romney for those in the middle and independents who don't know him yet. but the second thing he did well was talk about what is on independent's mind and the entire electorate. economic recovery and job creation. he tied those two well and made a compelling case. >> brian: do we know him? that's being. now we want specifics.

you did things well in the past and what are you going to do more the economy. >> we didn't get to his five-point plan until 20 or 30 minutes in the peach. i think everyone is right. what he did was come into focus and not be the puppy eating monster that obama campaign is saying. and if he succeeds on that. >> brian: we'll ask ann romney. it is two months of having someone else define him. >> there is a vacume and this was the chance to come out. he's leading in a lot of polls on who is better on the economy. his issue is can people get comfortable. i don't know if anyone is going to go crazy for him as they did obama. i think he made people feel i

am a competent person. >> brian: independents might feel better. >> absolutely. he focused on job creation . the comment about energy and all of that. and the public understands that. you have to produce your own domestic oil and gas. >> brian: he didn't say it was anything wrong. >> true all of the above is what i am saying. >> brian: panel is sticking around because they promised. it was not only about mitt romney and paul ryan. if you didn't know these faces before now, you do now. >> my parents took the risk and they stood up you better believe they belt it. this is the america we know because we built it. >> brian: more from the gop's rising stars and we'll find out if you agree.

they have a bright future. and they are here illegally and about to be legal for immigrants to get driver's licenses.

>> extreme weather alert. isaac weakening to a tropical depression. at least four people are now reported dead in louisiana and mississippi. thousands of others are flood out of their homes. crews are trying to relief pressure on a dam near the mississippi border. 150 homes could be destroyed if that dam gives away. >> justice department claims

the voters id law is unfair. but numerous cases show voters fraud is a serious threat and plan to appeal. >> brian: it was not just a show case for mitt romney and paul ryan, but several republican faces emerged as rising stars. >> "god bless america". this is our time. we are surely the best last hope on earth. >> there is one cand date in this election that will protect that dream. one leader that will fight hard to keep the promise of america for the next generation and that's why we must stand up and make mitt romney the next president of the united states. >> brian: we saw mya love and martinez. and who do you believe is a

rising star. >> mya love: >> obviously they were great break out stars. and look condi rice is not unknown and just blew everyone away. and even the rap on her being vice-presidential candidate and everyone was blown away by her. the republican party looks different than it used to look and liberals are freaking out about it. if you look at it. marco rubio. and susana martinez is not only a woman but a latino. and people who are dynamic women coming out and really are blowing people away. and kind of the gop's war on women. but it is going against the narrative that the leftism pushes. >> brian: i am curious,.

>> paul ryan spoke about the generational difference between he and mitt romney . what struck me at that point, you look at mya love and susana martinez. the republican bench is quite strong and it is deep. you look at those and paul ryan and rubio and others, there is a rising generation of stars it appears that are competent and well inform done service. it was interesting to watch and i thought paul ryan highlighted thrain his conversation. >> i know who you are going to pick and get your analysis. here is allry davis. >> this week, blessed god inspired place call would america is a champion that absorbs blows. we bend, we do not break.

>> he's one of the stars newscast democratic convention and decided to become a republican. >> yes, picking up the message of paul ryan and the deep bench that republicans have. one thing about davis this is a black southern politician who sees it in his best interest to switch to the republican party. the black vote in the south is decidedly democratic and cohesive and you can see with florida congressman -- the black congressman. allen west, you see all of the sudden they don't have to simply play the congressional black caucus cookie cutter liberal black politician role. he was extremely effective in sending the message. it is okay to leave obama. you are not bad if you voted

for him. but not smart if you stick. >> brian: i like governor christie. i think he is favorite in three and half years. >> he gave a great speech but it seemed like he was running for president. and even a lot of my friends were e-mailing me. is he running for president? in that sense he overshadowed. >> and by the way vote near mitt romney. >> brian: and mario cuomo never menged clinton. >> he was compelling and who is this guy. i like him. he's tough and has a compelling story. in that sense he overshadowed romney. in condi decided to run she would be. >> and so would ryan. it would be a interesting fight. >> brian: tony horton want to

get governor christie in shape. >> fascinating three or four day. jonah and jack and kirsten good job. gretchen carlson will tell me. they are kept the information from me. >> gretchen: you have no idea what we keep from you, my friend. they died saving the lives of others and now theirr families hit with a big bill to pay for the ambulance? >> steve: american idol to rnc superstar he rocked the stage last night. taylor hicks is live. two minutes. >> yeah. ♪ ♪ taking it to the street. ♪ taking it to the streets. [ female announcer ] you can measure the growth of children by the way they clean themselves in the bathroom.

try charmin ultra strong. with a new duraclean texture, it helps you get clean. plus it's four times stronger than the leading value brand. and you can use up to four times less. charmin ultra strong. have given way to sleeping. where sleepless nights yield to restful sleep. and lunesta can help you get there, like it has for so many people before. when taking lunesta, don't drive or operate machinery until you feel fully awake. walking, eating, driving, or engaging in other activities while asleep, without remembering it the next day, have been reported. abnormal behaviors may include aggressiveness, agitation, hallucinations or confusion. in depressed patients, worsening of depression, including risk of suicide, may occur.

alcohol may increase these risks. allergic reactions, such as tongue or throat swelling, occur rarely and may be fatal. side effects may include unpleasant taste, headache, dizziness and morning drowsiness. ask your doctor if lunesta is right for you. then find out how to get lunesta for as low as $15 at lunesta.com. there's a land of restful sleep. we can help you go there on the wings of lunesta. stidious librarian emily skinner, each day was fueled by thorough preparation for events to come.

well somewhere along the way, emily went right on living. but you see, with the help of her raymond james financial advisor, she had planned for every eventuality. ...which meant she continued to have the means to live on... ...even at the ripe old age of 187. life well planned. see what a raymond james advisor can do for you. >> president obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the ocean and to heal the planets. my promise is to help you and your family. [applause] >> steve: there you go. >> brian: that governor romney last night and the rnc coming to a close. >> steve: the party is over and crews are wasting no time

in beginning to clean up. >> brian: that's all you can do. >> gretchen: the convention. we should find out from wtvt reporter. he's live with us in tampa. hey, josh. >> hey, good morning guys, a lot of folks hard at work trying to get the city of tampa back to how it was preconvention. this whole area was fenced off and now opened back up. we'll see some of the fens stacked up right there. i can tell you, those weigh cent pounds a piece. imagine that for your morning work out . have to take down the protective sheets put on the windows and statutes in case protestors got out of hand. we didn't see that thankfully. and the downtown roads will be opened up. and that caused headaches for drivers. it is what it is at this

point. in terms of arrest we didn't see many rnc arrest and that is good news. it is nothing serious. chief of police and city and mayor. they will call this convention a huge success and i think other conventions may look at tampa and say wow, that should be the model. there was not a lot of problems here . a lot of good news for tampa bay. and the clean up is going well. and moving quicklyy . they hope to have the area back up and running by noon. things are going pretty well, guys. ♪ ♪ taking it to the streets. ♪ taking it to the streets. ♪ taking it to the streets. >> gretchen: i am in suddenly a better mood. that guy got the delegates all wooped up in tampa. and joining us is singer and

american idol winner taylor hicks. what are you think being that? >> i got the call a couple of weeks ago to do the rnc and it was one of those bucket list. you never think in a million yearrs that you would grace a convention stage in this country. >> steve: we talked to officials here in tampa who hosted bowl games and super bowls and this is so much bigger than all of that stuff and there you are. >> yeah, it is an honor and i am thrilled to be down here in tampa and to share in the revelry in this great country and what the conventions stand for whether they are republican or democrats. >> gretchen: how did you choose the song. >> it is a no brainer it was a bench mark off of idol and it was my job to get everybody

off their feet and like a spark. >> allyson: when you wanted to do that song the rnc didn't have a problem. >> brian: goch gov christie was trying to show more enthusiasm. that was a good crowd. >> it was a great night after all . i am thrilled to be a part. >> steve: let me ask you about that because you aral show folk. i am interested on your take of clint eastwood. he's a political guy and out loud conservatives in hollywood. some said he was brilliant and crowd loved him and blogs say embarrassing. >> i thought he was funny. i think he was very entertaining and obviously, you know, he's an icon and hethe whole mess. >> brian: he's 82. >> steve: he's clint eastwood and an icon.

>> his rhetoric without the teleprompter. >> brian: there was no prompter. >> gretchen: you brought your harmonica along. >> i brought it with me as a kid. if i sat in bands it would be easy to hop on stage as opposed to carries guitars or tubas . this is a back stand. every time i come. maybe i will do it on the way out. >> gretchen: you can do it on the grass. >> we'll see. >> brian: i know ted doesn't want to zoom in or out. >> does this mean you are support romney/ryan. >> i will do it the old-fashioned way and keep my vote for somebody. i think if you have, if you

don't like what you see use your vote to change it. >> steve: there you go. taylor hicks, thank you so much. >> thank you. >> brian: a good stinger for the headlines. ♪ >> >> steve: and now the news. >> gretchen: maybe that could be our open. republican national convention officially closing with a benediction by timothy cardinal. oh, god of wid dom of gostern and might we ask your guide on those who govern us. most of all we thank you for the gift of our country. we are one nation under god and in god we trust. cardinal dolan will also say the prayer in the democratic

national convention next week. accused shooter has an breaking his silence in the courtroom. telling the judge his muslim faith requires his beard and he is not trying to be disrespectful. some immigrants here illegally may get a chance to drive in california. lawmakers approving the bill. critics say it say ploy for the democrats for the hispanics in thitate. california has the largest population of illegal immigrants in the united states. it was nearly 2.6 million in 2010. two women die after a crash. their families are facing ambulance fees. they were electrocuted at the

scene of the wreck. four people were injured but survived. los angeles fire officials don't have the authority to waive parra medics fee. a local councilman launching help for covering the cost. ♪ ♪ >> brian: it was good. >> steve: straight ahead, coming up. final chapter real life hollywood tragedy. we know exactly how the son of sylvester stallone died. >> i believe in america. a better america begins tonight.

a better america begins right here today. >> gretchen: did those words work? polster said he knows a winning slogan and he will share it with us, next. >> steve: is it any wonder that someone who attacks success has led the worst economic recovery since the great depression. in america we celebrate success. we don't apologize for success.

[ wife ] your dad's really giving him the business... the designated hitter's the best thing to happen to baseball! but it's not the same game! [ wife ] wow, he's really gonna get us a good deal. it's better! no it's not! the pitcher comes up and he's out! [ dealer ] he can bunt! whatever. but we're good with 0% apr for 60 months? oh yeah, totally. thank you so much. that must've been brutal. [ male announcer ] the volkswagen autobahn for all event. at 0% apr for 60 months, no one needs to know how easy it was to get your new volkswagen. that's the power of german engineering.

>> brian: new details in the death of sage stallone. he died of natural causes. particularly heart attack caused by years of smoke he did not have illicit drugs in his system.

sage was only 36 years old. cia will not face charges of the detaineys. steve? >> steve: thank you, brian. since the beginning of his campaign governor mitt romney focused on two basic slogans that sounded like this. >> we believe in america. >> a better america begins tonight. i believe in america. i believe in america. a better america begins right here today. because i believe in america. paul ryan and i believe in america. >> steve: well last night was the night of the republican convention. and his team i believe in america. are his slogans working with the voters? this man who joins us on our terrace. what do you think about those slagans. >> i would expand to believe

in better than america. romney connected with the sense that the values and cultures of the country are slipping away . positive expectations of the future are not deserved and he's trying to draw a contrast with obama who said you didn't build it and mitt romney said you deserve credit for your success. >> steve: everybody said he connect. that is a invention of the obama campaign. he'so robotic. people had tears in his eyes and he had tears. >> but up to this point it hasn't been that way. and the critics are justified that show mitt romney didn't show enough of himself and background and makes him passionate. and last night he did. so many millions of people were watching >> steve: and we heard about his faith and heard about his family and his

future. and so many people out there that are struggling. the big question is, do they trust him enough now to be letting him be the boss. >> if you are a independent voters you don't care about ideology and less interested in specifics. you are trying to get the measure of a man and how will he be in crisis and last night in terms ofacious tributes he was particularly strong. >> steve: imagine that you are working for barack obama's campaign how do you spin it. >> i might use a line from client eastwood movies and if i am with barack obama i will go with bain. i know from the work i have done some attacks on bain that resonates with the voters in the industrial midwest. >> steve: don't you think that bain was pushed off of the bourner by the comments of the

president. you had a small business you didn't build it and he comes in and i brought businesses including staples where your campaign. he doesn't want bain to fall off to the back burner. that is where mitt romney's the weekest. they'll try to paint mitt romney as out of touch and above everybody else. the problem is, since the voters have seen romm rom it is less believable. >> steve: he has to mount an effective campaign and we'll see three different debates between him and the president of the united states. this is his time to shine where it is like do i want to pick that guy or that guy. who sounds like the vision i have got. >> if this is good as he has done in four years. what makes you think obama will do any different. but the debate i want to see

is paul ryan and joe biden. i am going to get a couple of six packs and i don't drink. but i will every time they go to each other. >> steve: if you have to score how mr. mitt romney did. >> i will do it with football. i will give romney a touchdown and a field goal. i thought it was a 10-nothing success . he did what he needed to do. and showed his persona and appeals to those on the right by talking about the first hundred da and appealed to those in the center about his family. you can't ask for more in the convention. and i bet you more people watched this speech than john mccain . that is a success. >> steve: indeed and before you go. of the other speakers who smind. marco rubio or chris christy. >> rubio because it was so personal and emotional.

paul ryan the night before because he laid out the idealogical but the one who surprised me was condoleezza rice. no one said a word. everyone rushed to listen to what she had to say and they were mesmerized. >> steve: rnc a grade for the past week. >> i am only going to give tampa a cminus. too hot. >> steve: or listen to you. we are in florida. >> and the security here i don't know if you saw it. it was ridimulous. >> steve: it was secure. >> it was a pain in the. >> steve: listen to him. frank a pleasure. thank you for getting up early. >> steve: next up on the run down. closest business partners coming to his defense. >> a proven leader with passion and compassion. i have seen mitt romney be

that leader. he is the right man at the right time to be the next president of the united states. >> steve: that guy one of mitt romney's closest advisors and friends giving a personal perspective on the campaign. she knows him better than anybody. ann romney just heard it was hot. ca

a now why i sell tools? tools are uncomplicated. nothing complicated about a pair of 10 inch hose clamp pliers. you know what's complicated? shipping. shipping's complicated. not really. with priority mail flat rate boxes from the postal service shipping's easy. if it fits, it ships anywhere in the country for a low flat rate. that's not complicated.

no. come on. how about... a handshake. alright. priority mail flat rate boxes. starting at just $5.15. only from the postal service. 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. er. >> gretchen: tgif from tampa. it's friday, august 31. i'm gretchen carlson. thanks for sharing part of your day with us at least. mitt romney's big moment on the rnc stage, he made his case for why he believes he should be

your next president. >> now is the moment we can stand up and say, i'm an american. i make my destiny. we deserve better. my children deserve better. my family deserves better. my country deserves better! >> gretchen: mitt romney's wife, ann romney, here live moments away. >> brian: what's so bad about barak obama? just ask senator marco rubio. >> our problem is not that he's a bad person. our problem is that he's a bad president. [ cheers and applause ] >> brian: more from the speech that brought down the house. >> steve: and also clint eastwood making the republican national convention's day. >> now, it may be time for somebody else to come along and solve the problem. [ cheers and applause ] >> steve: and hollywood already reacting. some good, some bad, and some ugly comments. "fox & friends" hour two live from tampa starts now.

♪ . >> gretchen: look at the palm trees now because we're leaving after being here for a lovely week and the rnc. we're going to run to the airplane. but first we're going to finish off the show for you. another two hours of "fox & friends" straight ahead. >> brian: what's interesting is it's been unbelievable, the people of tampa has been unbelievable. the unnorth nate weather, but everything ended up okay for the people in florida. but in the big picture, people are debating on whether these conventions should be four days. >> steve: sure. can you get it all did you know in one night? if you look at last night,

during the one hour that the broadcast networkser did broadcast, you had clint eastwood, very funny at times, marco rubio, and you had mitt romney. >> brian: jeb bush. >> steve: jeb bush as well. in the 10:00 o'clock hour though. mitt romney i predict will wind up with momentum coming out of tampa and a bounce in the polls because he connected on so many different levels. there he is coming to the podium. there was a logistical reason for this two minute walk out and that was because they had two podiums. they had to remove the old one and move the new one up closer to the crowd. >> gretchen: it looks presidential as well. earlier in the last hour, this is what the president once elected does when he makes an entrance in washington, d.c., to do the state of the union speech. let's listen to mitt romney talking about his family and how he'd love to get the female vote. >> my mom and dad were married for 64 years and if you wondered what their secret was, you could have asked the local florist.

because every day dad gave mom a rose which he put on her bedside table. that's how she found out what happened on the day my father died. she went looking for him because that morning there was no rose. my mom and dad were true partners, a life lesson that shaped me by everyday example. when my mom ran for the senate, my dad was there for her every step of the way. i could still see her saying in her beautiful voice, why should women have any less say than men about the great decisions facing our nation? [ cheers and applause ] tonight you wish you could have been here at this convention? and heard leaders like governor mary fallon, governor nikki haley, governor susanna martinez, senator kelly ayotte and secretary of state condoleeza rice? >> brian: the goal was to connect with hispanic vote and

the hispanic community and we have some big leaders there. the other one was to connect with women. that was an attempt, a real attempt in that his mom ran for the senate. it was unsuccessful. >> steve: a lot of people just talk about george romney running for president and the governor of michigan. >> brian: right. and the fact that she was not successful and really lost big, they think that could have affected him more than even his dad not being successful. >> gretchen: you mean to give him the inspiration to push forward? >> brian: yeah. >> gretchen: that same tells a -- tells a lot about someone. he will be on our show at 7:15 a.m marco rubio was also a big name person who was speaking yesterday. an important person for the republican party. young, hispanic, and from the state of florida. here is marco rubio taking on president obama. >> his new slogan for his campaign is the word forward. forward? a government that spends

$1 trillion more than it takes in? an $800 billion stimulus that created more debt than jobs? a government intervention into health care paid for with higher taxes and cuts to medicare, scores of new rules and regulations, these ideas don't move us forward. these ideas move us backward. [ cheers and applause ] these are tired and old government ideas that have failed every time and everywhere they've been tried. these are ideas that people come to america to get away from! [ cheers and applause ] these are ideas that threaten to make america more like the rest of the world instead of helping the rest of the world become more like america!

[ cheers and applause ] as for his old slogan under barak obama, the only change is that hope is hard to find. now, sadly, millions of americans are insecure about their future. but instead of inspiring us by reminding us of what makes us special, he divides us against each other. he tells americans that they're worst off because others are better off. that rich people got rich by making other people poor. hope and change has become divide and conquer. [ cheers and applause ] in the end, this election doesn't matter how you feel about president obama because this election is about your future, not about his. [ cheers and applause ] and this election is not simply a choice between a democrat and a republican.

it's a choice about what kind of country we want america to be. >> steve: just as when mitt romney was on the stage, it ultimately came down to is this a guy i trust to lead the country? so many people last night were introduced to marco rubio. they know him here in florida, but across the country, he came out and he actually said something pretty funny. we saw him take a sip of the water right there and he said -- very funny stuff. clearly a rising star in the republican party. >> brian: if i was to make any suggestion, i would have went clint, video, rubio, governor romney. >> steve: you mean the video just before that was shown in the hall, but not on the prime time networks? >> brian: i watched it on fox and it was unbelievable. the good-bye. they didn't go in order of saying kid, adult, bain, candidate. they went all around. >> gretchen: that was very interesting to showcase the whole life of mitt romney. speaking of clint eastwood, he ended up being the surprise

guest. what did you think about him? because many people thought he was fantastic, speaking off the cuff, tho teleprompter, didn't sound like a politician, just spoke what came to his head. spoke to an invisible president obama in an empty chair. some thought it was rambling and a little too much off the cuff. here is make my day, mr. make my day. you decide. >> we own this country. [ cheers and applause ] we own it and it's not you owning it examine not politicians owning it. politicians are employees of ours. [ cheers and applause ] you're just going to come around and beg for goats few years. i just think it's important that -- that you're the best in the world and whether you're democrat or whether you're a republican, or whether you're libertarian, you're the best and we should not ever forget that

and when somebody does not do the job, we got to let them go. i don't say that word anymore. well, maybe one last time. [ laughter ] we don't have to be -- what i'm saying is we don't have to vote for somebody we don't really want in office just because they seem to be nice guys or maybe not so nice guys if you look at some of the recent ads going out there. i don't know. [ laughter ] [ cheers and applause ] okay. you want to make my day, huh? i'll start it. you finish it. go ahead. >> make my day! >> steve: for a convention speech, it was quite unconventional. >> brian: i would say that. very diplomatic of you.

>> steve: what did the world feel about it? he did address an empty seat for a couple of times. >> brian: it happens. >> steve: kind of like a vegas show. shear what president obama twittered. this seat's taken. >> gretchen: ouch. >> brian: very nice. >> gretchen: that's sort of a stinging rebuke back to clint eastwood. here is or twitter action from seth myers from "saturday night live." respect to clint, 82 years old and putting twitter over capacity. interesting. >> brian: star jones says, i can't believe i just watched clint eastwood turn into somebody's drunk uncle harry on the stage of the gop rnc. >> steve: blake shelton, friend of this program, said, i love clint eastwood. how do you feel out there in tv land? let us know, e-mail us. we'll share some of your comments in the next hour, 'cause we got now hour and 50 minutes to go live from tampa. >> gretchen: coming up on "fox & friends," last night she was watching her husband accept the republican nomination for

president and this morning, ann romney is stopping by "fox & friends." she joins us live. >> steve: plus, joe trippi and karl rove join us to recap the best moments from last night. they've argued the whole week. will they get along today? stay tube side if you are one of the millions of men who have used androgel 1%, there's big news. presenting androgel 1.62%. both are used to treat men with low testosterone. androgel 1.62% is from the makers of the number one prescribed testosterone replacement therapy. it raises your testosterone levels, and... is concentrated, so you could use less gel. and with androgel 1.62%, you can save on your monthly prescription.

[ male announcer ] dosing and application sites between these products differ. women and children should avoid contact with application sites. discontinue androgel and call your doctor if you see unexpected signs of early puberty in a child, or, signs in a woman which may include changes in body hair or a large increase in acne, possibly due to accidental exposure. men with breast cancer or who have or might have prostate cancer, and women who are, or may become pregnant or are breast feeding should not use androgel. serious side effects include worsening of an enlarged prostate, possible increased risk of prostate cancer, lower sperm count, swelling of ankles, feet, or body, enlarged or painful breasts, problems breathing during sleep, and blood clots in the legs. tell your doctor about your medical conditions and medications, especially insulin, corticosteroids, or medicines to decrease blood clotting. talk to your doctor today about androgel 1.62% so you can use less gel. log on now to androgeloffer.com and you could pay as little as ten dollars a month for androgel 1.62%. what are you waiting for? this is big news.

>> steve: there were many memorable moments from last night's rnc finale. but what lines made the most impact? let's talk to karl rove and joe trippi. are you sick of each other yet? >> we love each other. entirely appropriate way. >> steve: joe, let's start with you, you picked as one of the things you would like to highlight this morning something by marco rubio. >> yeah, when he talked about going for the barroom, his dad standing in the barroom so he could stand behind the podium. it signified what was important, both the american dream. >> steve: let's play the bite and then we'll --

>> he can do it better than me. >> steve: here he is. >> he was grateful for the work he had. but that's not the life he wanted for us. you see, he stood behind the bar in the back of the room all those years so one day i could stand behind a podium in the front of a room. [ cheers and applause ] >> steve: okay. why did you like that? >> look, that's what this is all about. it's about the american dream, about people who work hard and make it. it reflects two things, both the person romney wants to connect with out there, all those folks, the people who stand behind the bars, drive the cabs, do the hard work. >> steve: sure. >> secondly, i think it reflects on barak obama. i don't mean this in any -- the same kind of story. guy who was raised by his grandmother who became president of the united states. it says what's great about the country and it resides in both parties and i think it's whether romney can connect with that. >> steve: everybody has a story like that in their family. now here is one of karl rove's

favorite bites. it involves some promises made four years ago. >> president obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet. my promise is to help you and your family. [ cheers and applause ] >> steve: you liked that. >> well, i think it's representative. we saw humor last night from mitt romney. talking about how -- when he started his business, he thought about approaching his church's retirement fund but didn't want to lose his investors' money and go to hell. and look, it's hard to pick out one line in most speeches that sort of represents all. but last night we saw a tone. that mattered, respectful, polite, critique of obama, pointed, direct, used the president's own words to he indicationally mock him as in the bite we saw. but more than that, we saw mitt romney expressing who he is, what the values are in his heart

and what the arc of his life has been like and what it is he would do if president. >> i agree with what karl said. one thing is it was disappointment, not anger. i'm a democrat, i don't like it when they do it right, but that's the right way. that's the right way to come -- >> steve: you say that because you're a fair guy. >> that's what it is. >> let's step back for the week. that has been one of the big goals of this effort was to critique the president, not in anger, not in malice, not hot, but cool, reflective, polite, pointed, and disappointed and regretful. we saw that from chris christie through governor romney. >> steve: very good analysis. are you heading to charlotte with us? >> i'm taking a couple of days off to go home. >> it's the last time i'm doing anything with karl. >> steve: it's been great having you guys.

thank you very much. straight ahead on this friday morning, chilling revelation from john lennon's killer. why he says he planned a target to a different celebrity. we'll tell you who. last night she was watching her husband accept the nomination for president. this morning ann romney joins us live. she's here on the other side of a brief timeout [ female announcer ] so you think your kids are getting enough vegetables?

yeah, maybe not. v8 v-fusion juice gives them a full serving of vegetables plus a full serving of fruit. but it just tastes like fruit. v8. what's your number?

>> gretchen: ann romney brought the house down as she introduced america to her husband. last night it was mitt romney's turn to deliver a rousing speech, letting the country know what type of family man he is. >> those weren't the easiest of days. many long hours and weekends working, five young sons who seemed to have this need to reenact a different world war

every night. [ laughter ] but if you asked ann and i what we'd give to break up just one more fight between the boys, or wake up in the morning and discover a pile of kids asleep in our room, every mom and dad knows the answer to that. >> gretchen: joining us now, the wife of the presidential nominee, ann romney. good morning to you, ann. >> good morning. i was just listening to that again, i get emotional. >> gretchen: i know. i was going to tell you that so many millions of parents who were out there last night probably watching the same thing all got choked up. i know i did. i'm sure steve examine brian did as well. we'd all like to have those moments back when our kids are little, right? >> right. and i have to tell you, after mitt's speech was over, all of the children, my sons, my daughter-in-laws, my grandchildren were back in the room and my one daughter-in-law,

who has five boys, she said, hey, guess what? i can give that you opportunity if you want. [ laughter ] come on to my house, you can have it tomorrow morning. >> gretchen: that's perfect. >> steve: so we're taking a look at the balloon drop and the whole family is there who were in tampa. after your husband gave the biggest speech of his life, what did he say to you and what did you say to him regarding how well he did? >> you know, i just gave him a great big hug and just told him it was fantastic. i thought it was fantastic. i was so thrilled because of his -- the tone they'd, of it a serious tone. it talked a lot about where he was, where he was coming from, what kind of a guy he is. i want america to see that side of mitt. it is so -- it was such a great night for me because there were so many testimonials there of

people that knew us and known us all these years and saw mitt giving service where there was no camera, there were no lights, there was no recording. that, to me, was so powerful because that's what my children saw. they saw their father living by example. they didn't learn from a textbook that you help out your neighbor. they saw their dad doing it. to me, i was so grateful for that night so that the rest of america can have a peek into this guy's life. >> brian: can you give us a peek into the romney life over the last few days, because this has been about you guy, all the pressure on you guys, talking about your family. a lot of people don't want to do that to get to these three days and know millions will be watching. >> i know. it's hard to open yourself up to all those things. it's hard to share, but i think it was great last night because a lot of people that had been with us through these years and had known us so well and knew what kind of a guy mitt was were

so frustrated and they finally were so grateful to have the chance to say, are you kidding me? this is who this guy is. he's been for us, he's been there, he's the kind of guy that visits in the hospital when you're child is dying of cancer. he's the kind of guy that takes the thanksgiving dinner over to a family who has been up in the hospital for months at a time. for me, it was emotional journey. it was an emotional journey for me as well, by the way, because a lot of -- maybe you covered it, but i don't know how many people covered it that my son craig spoke as well at the convention last night. >> gretchen: yes. >> it was just a great night for our family. >> gretchen: he spoke in spanish, too. he was multi lingual last night. but many people say you are the secret weapon for your husband. it sure seemed like it on tuesday night because you were so incredibly natural. for those of white house do this on a daily basis, maybe it

wouldn't be so difficult, but for you, my goodness, you get up on stage. it looks like you do it every single day. how did you prepare? >> i couldn't wait to get on stage. the funny thing is, i was much more nervous last night for mitt than i ever was for myself. i was thrilled to death. i was excited about my talk. i knew what i wanted to say. i felt very confident in the voice that i wanted people to hear. i felt very confident that i wanted women to know that we hear their voices and that i have heard their voices. and we are not going to forget those voices that i've heard all across this country talking about how concerned they are about their jobs and how concerned they are about their children and the legacy of debt that we're going to leave those kids. so those voices were in my soul and i could hardly wait to give my speech. >> steve: you know, it was all about people were suggesting, we

wonder whether or not mitt romney's going to be able to connect with america. he connected in a big way. i mean, when he was telling the story about your kids and talking about his mom and dad and the rose, there were tears in his ice. there were tears in our ice. this morning, i think people are waking up and going, you know what? i saw mitt romney last night, he'd do okay. >> i thought he was -- i'm so pleased. i really am. i'm so pleased that people got to see the side of mitt that i know so well. >> brian: all right. i want you to hear what matt, your son, said about you last night. listen. >> i went to mom if i needed money 'cause you never went to dad. he was way too cheap. my dad didn't have the right bulb. so he replaced it with whatever bulb he had. it sticks out too far and blinds you as you cook. so he solved it with tin foil and duct tape.

>> steve: i got one of those lights, too. >> gretchen: i don't know if you could hear that very well, ann. you and mitt, i remember when the boys were in their bus and i had the chance to go inside examine tour it and the bathrooms were clean. so that's all i wanted to let you know. that you raised them well. >> i can promise that you did not happen when they were little. >> steve: yeah. the obamas apparently have said that they did not watch any of the rnc. will you be watching the dnc next week? >> i believe i will. i want to hear the president speak and i hope -- i'm assuming michelle will speak. i want to hear her speak. yes, i certainly will. >> steve: absolutely. >> brian: and finally, the report is that after mitt romney lost to john mccain for the nomination, he got an offer from a fund, $30 million a year, go back into the financial world and have all types of success.

how hard was the decision not to do that? >> well, you know, we're used to kind of passing offers up like that. for us, our life is not about making money. we've been very blessed financially, but we've got what we need and our life is now about giving back. so i always trust that mitt can always make another dollar and poor guy, he took no pay when he did the olympics and that was three years. he took no pay as governor for four years. you know, that's the kind of guy he is. we feel like it's our time to give back. >> gretchen: before we let you go, are you worried at all about the divisiveness that has been brought about through this campaign and now as we're clicking down on the last 67 days, are you worried about that next week with the dnc convention and moving forward to election day? >> well, you know, it's part of

why i decided four years ago that i never wanted to do this again. it's pretty tough on families. but i also made another decision when we decided to go forward, that i was going to just keep positive in my own soul and about where we were coming from, be resolute, be firm, be committed to a better future for america and you're not going to knock me off and i know why we're doing this examine i know -- and i know how important it is for america and, yes, it's going to be tough. but i've done tougher. >> steve: there you go. get out asbestos suit. ann romney, thank you. you've had a big week, big night. but you got 67 more before the big day and people vote. thank you very much for joining us live today. >> thank you. >> steve: good luck. >> gretchen: it was a theme throughout the convention. >> yes, you did build that!

>> this is the america we know because we built it! >> i can tell you mitt romney was not handed success. he built it! [ cheers and applause ] >> gretchen: a look back at some of the best moments from the week here in tampa. >> steve: then it might not be back to school in one of the nation's biggest cities. teachers want to strike. so what's going to happen to the 400,000 students? their story straight ahead. we have big dreams. one is for a clean, domestic energy future that puts us in control. our abundant natural gas is already saving us money,

producing cleaner electricity, putting us to work here in america and supporting wind and solar. though all energy development comes with some risk, we're committed to safely and responsibly producing natural gas. it's not a dream. america's natural gas... putting us in control of our energy future, now. you know how hard if yit can be to breathedo, and what that feels like. copd iludes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. spiva helps corol my copd symptoms by keeping my airways open a full 24 hours. plus, it reduces copd flare-ups. spiriva is the only once-daily inhaled copd maintenance treatment that does both. and it's steroid-free spiriva does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms. tell yr doctor if you have kidy problems, glaucoma, trouble urinating, or an enlarged prostate. these may worsen with spiriva. discuss all medicines you ta, even eye drops. stop taking spiriva and seek immediate medical help if yr breathing suddenly worsens,

your throat or tongue swells, you get hives, vision changes or eye pain, or problems passing ure. other side effects include dry mouth and constipation. nothing can reverse copd. spiriva helps me breathe better. does breathing with copd weigh you down? ask your doctor if spiriva can help. [ male announcer ] it started long ago. the joy of giving something everything you've got. it takes passion. and it's not letting up anytime soon. at unitedhealthcare insurance company, we understand that commitment. and always have. so does aarp, an organization serving the needs of americans 50 and over for generations. so it's no surprise millions have chosen an aarp medicare supplement insurance plan, insured by unitedhealthcare insurance company. like all standardized medicare supplement plans, they help cover some of the expenses

medicare doesn't pay. and save you up to thousands in out-of-pocket costs. to find out more, request your free decision guide. call or go online today. after all, when you're going the distance, it's nice to have the experience and commitment to go along with you. keep dreaming. keep doing. go long. >> steve: the center piece of the president's entire reelection campaign is attacking success. is it any wonder that someone who attacks success has led the worst economic recovery since the great depression? [ cheers and applause ] in america, we celebrate success. we don't apologize for success! [ cheers and applause ] >> steve: the campaign did something very clever last night and that is as is usually the

case, before a big speech, we get copies of excerpts and stuff like that. they released excerpts, but which were on the dull side and uninspiring. then what would that do? lower expectations. as it turned out, mitt romney wound up delivering probable lea the best written speech in the best delivered manner that he has ever done, at least according -- i've seen him speak a million times. i thought that was fantastic. >> gretchen: it's interesting because president obama is the one who gave the republican national convention their theme for the week when back in july he said, you didn't build it, regarding small businesses. that ended up being the theme this week. we did build it was the rnc message. a lot of the convention speakers used that message as they came on the stage. >> mr. president, i'm here to tell you the american people are awake and we're not buying what you're selling in 2012! [ cheers and applause ] this is our story.

this is our america! this is the america we know because we built it! [ cheers and applause ] >> you see, mr. president, real leaders don't follow polls. real leaders change polls! [ cheers and applause ] >> what mitt romney and i have is a real marriage. [ cheers and applause ] i can tell you mitt romney was not handed success. he built it! [ cheers and applause ] this man will not fail. i'll be damned, we're republican! [ cheers and applause ] we share a core belief that the promise that america must be kept for the next generation. (speaking spanish) it does not matter where you came from, it matters where you are going!

[ cheers and applause ] >> my fellow americans, we do not have a choice. we can not be reluctant to lead and you can not lead from behind. [ cheers and applause ] >> whatever your political party, let's come together for the sake of our country! join mitt romney and me! let's give this effort everything we have! let's see this thing all the way through! let's get this done! >> our problem is not that he's a bad person. our problem is that he's a bad president. [ cheers and applause ] >> president obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet. my promise is to help you and your family. [ cheers and applause ] >> brian: some of the themes you heard, you heard we built it. also the big push, this party that feels like it's on a comeback since governor mcdonnel won since the midterm

elections, since scott brown, get women, get hispanics. >> gretchen: one thing we need to give brian is lozenges for over the weekend. you're losing your voice. >> steve: he does the radio show as well. >> brian: something else that you'll find out about on monday. >> steve: really? >> gretchen: is this the surprise? i thought it was going to happen this week. >> brian: it's a surprise. >> steve: okay. speaking of surprises, you know how we found out yesterday that it was going to be clint eastwood as the special super secret surprise guest? in the hall they accidentally did a sound check of the good, the bad, and the ugly. it was kind of like, who was that? obviously clint eastwood. then fox news was able to confirm. >> gretchen: are you going to drop a hint about your surprise like that? >> brian: no. [ laughter ] >> steve: is it movie related in. >> brian: they will not play any of mine. >> gretchen: we are also tired, we wouldn't pick it. >> steve: this is a good tease. live from charlotte. >> gretchen: should we be

nervous or excited. >> steve: i'd be nervous. >> brian: excited. >> steve: tingly. wait a minute. a tingle? >> brian: not up your leg. >> gretchen: darn! now to your headlines. fox news alert, you're looking live at new jersey. a shooting occurred inside a supermarket. it's reported three people were killed, including the gunman. swat teams on the scene. it happened around 4:00 o'clock this morning while employees were stocking shelves. we can tell you the store's front window, completely shattered. we're also told police led several employees out of the building a short while ago. apparently unharmed. we'll keep you updated as we learn more about this terrible story. in a few hours, the first man to walk on the moon will receive a final farewell from family and friends. there is a memorial service in cincinnati for neil armstrong who passed away last week. mitt romney paying tribute to him during his acceptance speech at the rnc. >> the soles of neil armstrong's boots on the moon made permanent impressions on our souls.

ann and i watched those steps together on her parents' sofa. like all americans, we went to bed knowing we lived in the greatest country in the history of the world. [ cheers and applause ] >> gretchen: ohio senator rob portman will eulogize armstrong. major mid mid breaking his silence in the courtroom. he told a judge that his muslim faith is what requires him to have that beard and that he's not trying to be disrespectful to the court. his hearing has been delayed since a judge ruled his beard is a distraction. the hearing is set for next thursday to review the matter. seems that's all they've been talking about the last couple of weeks is beards. a teacher union strike now threatening the beginning of a school year in chicago for 400,000 students. the union voted unanimously to strike on september 10 unless a deal can be reach with the city schools. it's trying to hammer out negotiations over wages, job security, and a new evaluation system. teachers walk off the job, the

school district is prepared to keep 145 schools open, but only for half days. chilling revelations during a parole hearing for the man who murdered john lennon. mark david chapman telling the board he picked him because he was so famous and he could have easily gone after john yao carson or george scott. he also said he spoke with lenin when steaking out the building where he was gunned down and lenin was nice to him and a at the cent man. this is chapman's 7th time being denied parole. those are your headlines. >> steve: all right. i just logged on to our show web site where you're e-mailing us regarding lint eastwood. did you think he was brilliant? did you think he was bad? some on the political left said it's embarrassing. i would say for the most part you thought he was absolutely terrific. he had a message, delivered it well in the voice of one e-mailer, clint eastwood made our day. >> brian: mostly the same thing

on twitter. >> steve: yeah. exactly. keep it coming. >> gretchen: meantime, president obama continues to hit mitt romney for his tenure at bain capital. but our next guest says there is no reason romney should defend himself from those attacks. >> steve: plus, one of the most renowned colleges in the country caught in a major cheating scandal. now here is mitt romney. ♪ you got to keep your head up ♪ oh, ♪ you got to keep your head up ♪ oh, ♪ and you can let your hair down ♪ ♪ ay ♪ i know it's hard to remember sometimes ♪ ♪ but you got to keep your head up. ♪ [ male announcer ] this is rudy. his morning starts with arthritis pain. and two pills. afternoon's overhaul starts with more pain. more pills. triple checking hydraulics. the evening brgs more pain. so, back to more pills. almost done, when...

hang on. stan's doctor recommended aleve. it can keep pain away all day with fewer pills than tylenol. this is rudy. who switched to aleve. and two pills for a day free of pain. ♪ [ female announcer ] and try aleve for relief from tough headaches. gives you a 50% annual bonus. and everyone likes 50% more [ russian accent ] rubles. eh, eheh, eh, eh. [ brooklyn accent ] 50% more simoleons. [ western accent ] 50% more sawbucks. ♪ [ maine accent ] 50% more clams. it's a lobster, either way. [ male annncer ] the capital one cash rewards card. with a 50% annual cash bonus, it's the card for people who like more cash. [ italian accent ] 50% more dough! what's in your wallet?

>> steve: time for your news by the numbers. first, $8.5 billion. that's the final tally on the debt clock that ran during the

three days of the rnc right behind me here in tampa. our nation's debt rapidly approaching $16 trillion and that's a lot of commas. next, 3.83. that's the average cost for a gallon of regular gas heading into the big labor day holiday weekend. prices are at a record high nationwide for this time of year. and finally, 125, that's how many students are now in hot water with harvard for allegedly cheating on a take home final exam. oh, come on. they're from harvard. they're accused of jointly coming up with the answers. final number? 78. the current temperature here in tampa. brian? >> brian: all right. thank you very much. 18 minutes before the top of the hour. democrats have tried to portray mitt romney's days at bain capital as greed driven, last night the republican presidential nominee made no apologies for his hard fought success. >> what is needed in our country today is not complicated or profound. doesn't take a special government commission to tell us

what america needs. what america needs is jobs. lots of jobs. [ cheers and applause ] >> brian: did mitt romney clear the air when it comes to his business experience? joining us, a man that's worked with him for a long time examine gave a million dollars for his campaign. he was hired at bain capital for no money and wrote a best sell ing book. ed conner, former colleague of mitt romney, how do you think your buddy did last night? >> i thought he did great. i thought he had the right emphasis, which is he talked about bain capital, but he emphasizes the compassion he has and honesty that goes behind the business career that made bain capital. >> brian: you've been asked to defend and define what bain capital is while mitt romney sat on the side lines while the president went at him. last night was the first time he started laying out what he's done for companies and what he tried to do for others. >> i think all summer i've been saying this is the time. he should wait until the fall. i think people don't realize

that the vast majority of bain capital companies, way more than 80%, were highly successful, grew 2 1/2 times faster, clearly jobs were created underneath that. >> brian: how it started, you decided to take a chance, leave michigan, go and start this business with ten people. they did not know how it was going to turn out. >> yeah. i think mitt walked away from a very important big business career that he had at bain consult to go start bain capital. it would have been early in his career as well. it would be the defining accomplishment in his career and he would either be successful or not. i think that had obviously a big impact on the rest his life. >> brian: so the campaign is putting out this web site called sterling business career.com. quote, so the american people can learn more about governor romney's business career. this is a bit of a relief to a guy like you who has to play defense in defining what happened with the steel company, what happened with staples, what happened with other companies.

>> yes. sure, i felt like i played defense over the summer. i'm expect to go see more offense now. i think when people dig into the bain track record, they're going to realize just how successful bain was and mitt was and how thoughtful and careful he was in managing that business 'cause don't forget, bain isn't just one business which may or may not be successful and there is a lot of randomness, it's 100 different businesses. you can see the romney management effect over 100 different businesses and how that averages out and how successful it really was relative to competitors and relative to other people in our industry. >> brian: you are one of the few people that are able to be close to the romneys this weekend and around different events. could you give me the governor's mindset leading up to the big speech? >> i think that a lot of focus on who the swing voter is, who the defining voter is. i think that's not the person that really wants a hammer and tongue defense of capitalism. that's a person worried about their family, about their

children, about their future, about the future of america and what it's going to be like for their children when they're in their careers working for their families. i think that really -- bring that home and make it not abstract. >> brian: so do you look in the next ten weeks for a pushback as the obama campaign will come back and say, this company failed. this guy lost his job, this woman in one case ended up having cancer, do you look for a direct pushback, a difference in tone? >> i think some. i hope to see it actual lea in the debate. i want to see the defense of capitalism in a debate with president obama on one side examine mitt on the other. i don't think it will be a close call who the winner will be. >> brian: mitt romney through out this statement, 12 million jobs. reagan got 12 million jobs, but it was eight years. there was only one other president that did that. where does that number come from? why do you believe mitt can get there? >> i think we're below full utilization in the economy. >> brian: what does that mean?

>> unemployment at 8%. we could bring that down to 5% that you should expect that to occur at some point. we're four years into running well below the full utilization of the economy. so if somebody can get the business confidence up, get the investments made, we should expect to see higher growth as we move back to the long-term trend line. >> brian: we keep hearing big money is on the side lines and this disenchantment with the president and his economic team. it almost sounds like a catch phrase. but you know these people of the what could happen? could the economy hit turbo speed if there is a change in the white house? >> oh, yeah. i think if businesses had confidence, they can put money to work quickly. i think you could see a rebound in the stock market, people would be more willing to consume, more willing to invest and take the business risks that create jobs. i would expect that just from his election. >> brian: ed, people saying, that's his friend. of course he's going to say that. but what economically might be even included in your book to

show everybody you're not just saying that? >> there is a theory called rational expectations. people look forward into the future and they behave rationally based on what they see. if you see government expenses ran at 18 to 20% historically, if you look at the cbo forecast, runs up to 24% over the next five years -- the next 25 years, i don't think anybody looks at that and says, unless we do something differently and make some very thoughtful and careful changes, that that's a great business environment. when you see the president fighting to avoid any changes, the current president, i think if you have somebody in there who says, i'm going to be careful and thoughtful about making the changes, which will put the long-term trajectory back where it needs to be, where it was historically, which produced the success of the u.s. that's go going to lead to a lot of confidence today. >> brian: i'm sure mitt romney thanks ed conner. good hire. congratulations on the success of your book. >> thank you. >> brian: coming up, if you missed any of "fox & friends" this week, you have a chance because we will recap the best

moments, the best things we've severanced in tampa and some -- experienced in tampa. but first on this day in 1963, "my boyfriend's back "by the angels, the number one song. steve chimed in because he had the chorus. ♪

he. >> gretchen: quick headlines. we begin with an extreme weather alert. isaac weakening to a tropical depression, but devastation far from over. four people reported dead in louisiana and mississippi. thousands of others flooded right out of their homes. crews trying to relieve pressure on a dam near the mississippi-louisiana borrowed. thousands of homes could be destroyed if it gives way. what a way to start college football season. after a fumble in the second

quarter, kent state's linebacker picks up the ball and bolts in the wrong direction! he made it nearly 60 yards before being tackled by the other team. >> steve: i'm surprised he wasn't tackled by his own team. >> brian: i know. >> steve: this week in tampa has been a whirlwind from the threat of isaac to the excitement of the big names and speakers every night. but the rnc is coming to a close, so let's take a look back at some of the highlights of the convention right here that you saw on "fox & friends." >> live from tampa bay. >> hi, everybody, welcome to the r in, c, day one. it was supposed to be, but not. >> gretchen: it's day 0. >> brian: let's take a walk around, what we'ller we're dealing with. this is where we're keeping isaac. this is outside where the hurricane is. >> gretchen: keep him out there! >> brian: the reason why we're not outside? because the rain is.

this is behind the set. this is what steve and gretchen look like from behind. a lot of people wonder that. >> brian: five of romney's sons are sitting behind with us. >> steve: when which one of you has the romney hair? >> we think it's craig for sure. >> gretchen: john topper. ♪ . >> steve: the oak ridge boys! ♪ o say does that star spangled banner yet wave ♪ ♪ . >> we love gretchen. that's why we call her. >> there was no "fox & friends" 30 years ago, 25 years ago. you got your news from three places. and now people really have choices and they have fair and balanced coverage. >> all of america loves it. what girl doesn't have a crush on sean hannity. >> i couldn't get a date my whole life.

>> all my friends and alt viewers of "fox & friends," good morning, i'm asleep. >> brian: day two of the rnc of the rnc convention. >> steve: brian, go let him in. >> brian: it is reince previn. here he is. get the heck in here. you're 31, i'm not. let's see how we do in this race. what do you want me to do? jump? >> if you can ohm watch one thing on tv today, you need to make it our next segment 'cause steve, brian and gretchen will sit down with a very, very special guest. me. >> steve: what do you think of this vehicle? >> mr. do you say cree is in it -- doocy is in it, or on it. >> brian: say steve and gretch, take it away. >> gretchen: brian -- >> you all need to have -- >> gretchen: if you're a good host -- >> i see bill o'reilly.

>> this may be an historic first to get him up this early. >> gretchen: you're the one who called him and woke him up early this morning? >> i woke him up and i know he'll have to have a nap this afternoon. [ laughter ] >> i think in the four years from now, the republican convention should be held on the equator. this heat here, i was up, what, 6? i walk out, 6:00 o'clock, 98 degrees. >> steve: here is a cooling towel with a fox news logo on it. >> gretchen, let me tell you something, we're coming your way, so get ready! three, two, one! >> gretchen: all right! >> brian: we are the home of the 2012 election. >> gretchen: all right! all right is right. we haven't heard much of the election today.

are we going to hear it monday? >> steve: look, we got to come home. we're going to all fly home and go back to new york for a couple of days, do our laundry and then in charlotte at the nascar hall of fame on monday of the we've got to thank the people of tampa and the people of florida because they have been a great host city. this has been a wonderful event for all of us. >> brian: where was the security? that's all i have to say. i didn't see much of it. >> gretchen: they were doing something because they kept the protesters at bay. they did a great job of that. >> brian: i was hoping to break from code pink. it wasn't possible. >> steve: everyone was in tan. straight ahead on this friday, dirty harry cleans up nice. clint eastwood taking the rnc stage by storm and interviewing an imaginary president obama in that chair. >> gretchen: plus, we've assembled an all star panel standing by to analyze mitt romney's speech. was juan williams impressed? stick around to find out the answer. right back for our final hour.

hey! did you know that honey nut cheerios has oats that can help lower cholesterol? and it tastes good? sure does! wow. it's the honey, it makes it taste so... well, would you look at the time... what's the rush? be happy. be healthy.

[ wife ] your dad's really giving him the business... the designated hitter's the best thing to happen to baseball! but it's not the same game! [ wife ] wow, he's really gonna get us a good deal. it's better! no it's not! the pitcher comes up and he's out! [ dealer ] he can bunt! whatever. but we're good with 0% apr for 60 months? oh yeah, totally. thank you so much. that must've been brutal. [ male announcer ] the volkswagen autobahn for all event. at 0% apr for 60 months, no one needs to know how easy it was to get your new volkswagen. that's the power of german engineering.

>> gretchen: tgif, it's friday, august 31, 2012. i'm gretchen carlson live in tampa. thanks for sharing your entire week with us and your friday. mitt romney makes his case to be p of the united states -- president of the united states. >> in america, we celebrate success. we don't apologize for success! [ cheers and applause ] >> gretchen: why mitt says america should fire barak obama and hire him. >> steve: and what's so bad about president obama? well, let's ask senator marco rubio.

>> our problem is not that he's a bad person. our problem is that he's a bad president. [ cheers and applause ] >> steve: marco brought down the house. we've got highlights. >> brian: and plus, dirty harry cleans up nicely. >> and when somebody does not do the job, we've got to let them go. [ cheers and applause ] >> brian: up next, your e-mails pouring in on clint's cameo and talking to invisible people. "fox & friends" starts right now. ♪ it's a smile ♪ it's a kiss ♪ . >> gretchen: no doubt it's been summer time in tampa all week. but we've enjoyed our stay fort

rnc all week long. now it's friday, final hour of "fox & friends" before we head up to charlotte for the dnc. >> steve: brian, you just mentioned that dirty harry did some talking to an imaginary friend. >> brian: right. >> steve: if you didn't see it, we'll show awe clip in a minute where he talks to an imaginary barak obama seated next to him on a bar stool. i wonder how many people today are going to pick up what seems to be to many, to be kind of a las vegas trick and start talking to somebody who isn't there, through furniture? >> brian: it has its own twitter handle. invisible obama. >> steve: it's funny. >> brian: i'm not really sure. is that a vegas thing? >> steve: i've seen comedians do that. >> gretchen: clint eastwood was off the teleprompter with that chair. we'll show you clips in just a minute. but first we want to show you the man of the evening because mitt romney was making his case to the american people about why he believes he should be president of the united states. he talked about his family. he talked about his business experience. he talked about his charity work. he even got emotional at times.

here is mitt romney. >> you know there is something wrong with the kind of job he's done as president when the best feeling you had was the day you voted for him. [ laughter ] [ cheers and applause ] the centerpiece of the president's entire reelection campaign is attacking success. is it any wonder that someone who attacks success has led the worst economic recovery since the great depression? [ cheers and applause ] in america, we celebrate success. we don't apologize for success! [ cheers and applause ] this president can ask us to be patient. this president can tell us it was someone else's fault. this president can tell us that the next four years he'll get it right. but this president cannot tell us that you're better off today than when he took office. [ cheers and applause ] now is the moment when we can stand up and say, i'm an american.

i make my destiny. we deserve better. my children deserve better. my family deserves better. my country deserves better! [ cheers and applause ] president obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet. my promise is to help you and your family. [ cheers and applause ] those weren't the easiest of days. many long hours and weekends working, five young sons who seemed to have this need to reenact a different world war every night. [ laughter ] but if you asked ann and i what we'd give to break up just one more fight between the boys or wake up in the morning and discover a pile of kids asleep

in our room, every mom examine dad -- and dad knows the answer to that. >> brian: you got to bring in the next generation. i thought mitt was very strong last night. i thought ann romney looked stressed watching mitt last night. >> steve: she was nervous for her husband. it was the biggest speech of his life and he certainly delivered. we just saw the clip where mitt, yes, his voice did break, at one point he did have tears in his eyes when he was talking about his mother and father and how his mother discovered that his father had died. you know, he really connected with the audience, i think, and i think ultimately, we've heard so much this past week and over the last six months about how the president of the united states, he's a likeable guy. i think the presentation and the portrait we got of mitt romney proves he's not only a likeable guy, but he's got a plan on how to get us out of the trouble we're in because he wants to create 12 million jobs, we heard last night. >> gretchen: we're lucky enough to have ann romney on our show

an hour ago from now. she was commenting on mitt's speech and she also talked about the difficulties of the campaign and how divisionsive it's been between the two parties. >> i want america to see that side of mitt. it is so -- it was such a why night for me because there were so many testimonials there, people that knew us and have known us all these years and saw mitt giving service where there was no camera, there were no lights, there was no recording. that, to me, was so powerful. i decided four years ago i never wanted to do this again. it's pretty tough on families. but i also made another decision when we decided to go forward, that i was going to just keep positive in my own soul and about where we were coming from, be resolute, be firm, be committed to a better future for america, and you're not going to knock me off and i know why we're doing this and i know how

important this is and i know how important it is for america and yes, it's going to be tough, but i've done tough. >> gretchen: she said she's done tougher, so she's ready for the next 67 days before election day. also you saw the future of the republican party last night. marco rubio in his early 40s, from florida, hispanic, very important central character now in the republican party. many thought he would be the vp choice. he actually ended up introducing mitt romney last night. >> brian: yeah. i thought marco rubio was really good and they have to find a way to deploy him better over the next ten weeks. he's almost going to be as valuable as paul ryan. >> steve: if you missed him, we've got a minute and 32 that encapsulates his presentation. you can make the speech. here is the senator. >> under barak obama, the only change is that hope is hard to find. [ laughter ] now sadly, millions of americans are insecure about their future.

but instead of inspiring us by reminding us of what makes us special, he divides us against each other. he tells americans that they're worst off because others are better off, that rich people got rich by making other people poor. hope and change has become divide and conquer. you want to believe that we're still that special place where anything is possible. but you just don't -- things just don't seem to be getting any better. you wonder if things will ever be the same again. yes, we live in a troubled time, but the story of those who came before us reminds us that america has always been about new beginnings and mitt romney is running for president because he knows that if we are willing to do for our children what our parents did for us, life in america can be better than it has ever been! [ cheers and applause ] two years ago during a speech, i noticed the bar tender behind

the portable bar in the back of the ballroom of the i remembered my father who worked for many years as a banquet bartender. he was grateful for the work he had, but that's not the life he wanted for us. you see, he stood behind the bar in the back of the room all those years so one day i could stand behind a podium in the front of a room. [ cheers and applause ] >> gretchen: that was a statement from that young senator, made me immediately think about condoleeza rice and what she said the other night as well. you have an african-american woman who wasn't allowed to go into a movie theater as a child in birmingham, alabama, who becomes secretary of state. we have marquee rubio whose father is a bettertender and his -- bartender standing behind the podium. as people were watching, i think that's what they took away, one big piece of it. >> steve: sure, plus the fact that how many people can connect to marco rubio's story where he's talking about his dad was a bartender? and the people in the hall, they all want their children to wind

up with a better life than they wound up with. >> brian: out walks clint eastwood before him and that was a little different than anything i could have imagined. >> gretchen: it was unscripted. >> steve: according to the romney campaign, it was completely ad libbed. there he is, one of the greatest directors in hollywood. which everybody thinks hollywood, such a lefty place, right? clint eastwood said no, there are a lot of republican, a lot of conservatives, a lot of independent outs there. they just don't hot dog it. if you missed him, here is clint. >> we own this country. [ cheers and applause ] we own it. it's not you owning it and not politicians owning it. politicians are employees of ours. [ cheers and applause ] they're just going to come around and beg for goats every few years and it's the same old deal. but i just think that it's important that you realize that -- and that you're the best

in the world and whether you're democrat or whether you're republican or whether you're libertarian or whatever, you're the best and we should not ever forget that and when somebody does not do the job, we've got to let them go. doesn't hurt. we don't have to be -- >> say make my day. >> i don't say that word anymore. well, maybe one last time. [ cheers and applause ] we don't have to be -- what i'm saying is we don't have to be macises and vote for somebody that we don't really want in office just because they seem to be nice guys, or maybe not so nice guys if you look at some of the recent ads going out there, i don't know. [ cheers and applause ] okay. you want to make my day, huh? all right. [ cheers and applause ] i'll start it. you finish it. go ahead. >> make my day!

>> steve: it was great. plus there was a part where he talked to a chair that was supposed to be where barak obama was sitting and having a conversation with him. it was pretty funny. i thought it was funny. in the blog area, there are a lot of people on the left and people who say it was an embarrassment. we asked you for your comments and you have flooded our on-line system. >> gretchen: here is bob, clint is the man. he was good talking about the bad and the ugly. >> steve: walter in denton, texas says i was stunned and embarrassed. simply cannot get over the disrespect shown to the president. >> brian: in a way i could see that. clint eastwood was entertaining, says laurie in iowa. and supportive. nice lighter tone in the midst of a more serious speech. make my day, read my e-mail. we actually did and hopefully we made your day.

>> gretchen: you got to think a moment about how they would allow the speech to not be gone over and looked at. didn't they go over and look at everyone else's speeches, unlesses that one of the things. he can come up to the stage and do whatever he wants. but all the other guys are professionals and gals are professional. >> steve: but he can follow a script. he memorizes a script. i think that was the intention. for clint eastwood to have been in hollywood for so many years, what compelled him at this point in our history to come out and finally endorse somebody in such a big way? that's the question. >> brian: he knows about khalid shake mohammed. he's tapped into the news. he made that clear. >> gretchen: all right. coming up on of course "friends," they died saving the lives of others. now their families hit with a big bill to pay for the ambulance service. we'll tell but that story. >> steve: and it was mitt's moment to win over america. so did he capitalize on the opportunity?

our all-star panel taking the stage. hey, easton, williams, next s' l, like redhead everest hikers for under $20. and a bear creek spotting scope for under $80. plus stop by our hometown festival this weekend for free family activities,@ food and giveaways.

>> gretchen: governor mitt romney spoke for the first time last night as the official gop presidential nominee. >> this president can ask us to be patient. this president can tell us it was someone else's fault. this president can tell us that the next four years he'll get it right. but this president cannot tell us that you're better off today than when he took office. [ cheers and applause ] >> gretchen: so did he fully maximize his big moment? let's ask our political panel, steven hayes, co-host of the fife, juan williams and fortune magazine columnist, nina easton, who is married to senior romney

campaign strategist, russ. good morning to all three of you. >> good morning. >> gretchen: i'm surprised to see you so bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning 'cause everyone was up really, really late. steven, how would you grade the speech? >> i thought the speech was fine. i didn't think it was -- it wasn't soaring rhetoric. it wasn't going to be a kind of speech that we're going to be talking about in 20 years because it was great, it was brilliant. it was -- i think chris wallace used the word, workman like. the reason it was a good speech for mitt romney is because it was one of mitt romney's better speeches. >> gretchen: workman like, is that defined as wouldn't or how would you define it? >> i think the delivery was quite good. he gave the speech in a pretty compelling way. he seemed comfortable. much more comfortable than we're used to seeing him in the delivery of the speech. i think there was a little of a contrast between the speech we heard from mitt romney and the one we hard from paul ryan, which seemed bigger. it was deliberate, mitt romney wanted to -- you had the one line where he said, you know, president obama wants to heal

the planet. i want to help your family. i think this was deliberate, but there was sort of a bigness about ryan, about marco rubio that we didn't see with mitt romney. >> gretchen: i saw in your notes, nina, and this struck me on a personal level. the speakers that came before mitt romney really spoke to the heart and the soul of what kind of man he is as far as his charity work. i know you believe that they should have maybe made a bigger deal about this out on the campaign trail. >> i thought for a long thyme -- there are these stories of charitable work that he's done via the church and i think there has been a reticence to do that because of the mormon church and fear of how that's going to resonate. but when you step back and you look, i think you have to view his speech, by the way, in the context of the entire night where you saw this effort to humanize him early on. we had those two families come in and talk about how mitt romney took the time to take care of them, to stand by their side in a hospital with sick and dying children.

there was not a dry eye in the house. i mean, it was a really powerful home. i think it really opened up for all the critics who say he's not human, he's stiff, he's wooden. they were the best spokes people. they were amazing. >> gretchen: unfortunately, the networks didn't show that part. so if you're watching a network, you didn't get to see that side of it. juan, is that part of the problem, that maybe the networks aren't showing this other side of mitt romney, or is it mitt romney? >> don't worry. they were watching fox. everybody was watching fox. >> gretchen: a lot of people were. >> i think that's right. i'm not bragging. but i'll tell you this, i think people liked watching the speeches and liked watching what was happening at the convention despite the fact we are so bright, bushy eye tailed and all that. i thought mitt romney's best was speaking to people who may be on the fence and who still think, i was excited to vote for barak obama and last night i felt like he was speaking to those people

very directly and not in the way that some other republicans have directly attacking president obama, but more with the sense of regret. you know, it just didn't work. this guy really isn't up to the job, et cetera. now, part for me of what i hoped he would do was to soften that image. i don't think he is interested f what i saw last night. he let those other folks that you were referring to, gretchen, do that job for him. and so what he's going to have to do is not so much decrease the 44% negative personal relationship that he has with the voters, as increase the sense that i can do this. if you want this problem solved, i'm your guy. >> gretchen: all right. i was going to say -- >> i think he has to give cover to people who are second guessing it now. >> gretchen: interesting point. stick around, panel, because just about mitt romney and paul ryan, it wasn't just about them this week. it was about some of the faces that you have not seen before.

>> my parents took the risk. they stood up and you better believe they built it! [ cheers and applause ] >> this is the america we know because we built it! [ cheers and applause ] >> gretchen: the panel with their favorite rising stars of the gop. that's next. then, caught on camera, a man narrowly escaping being struck by lightning. we'll tell you about that story. we asked over 3,000 doctors to review 5-hour energy

and what they said is amazing. over 73 percent who reviewed 5-hour energy said they would recommend a low calorie energy supplement to their healthy patients who use energy supplements. seventy-three percent. 5-hour energy has four calories and it's used over nine million times a week. is 5-hour energy right for you? ask your doctor. we already asked 3,000.

>> steve: quick headlines right here from tampa bay. isaac now weakening into a tropical depression, at least four people now reported dead in louisiana, mississippi. thousands of others flooded out of their houses. right now rescue crews are trying to relieve pressure on a dam near the mississippi-louisiana border. thousands of homes could be

destroyed if the dam gives way. take a look up at the sky tonight. a rare blue moon will be lighting it up. this is when there are two full moons in one month. it only happens about once every three years. the last one happened on new year's eve in 2009. won't be back until 2015. tonight, double moon. gretch, back to you and the panel. >> gretchen: thank you very much. key players at the rnc bringing the house down from the podium and moving to the center of the gop spotlight. >> success is the american dream and that success is not something to be ashamed of or to demonize. >> this is our story! this is our america! this is the america we know because we built it! [ cheers and applause ] >> gretchen: what role will these rising stars play in the next nine weeks leading up to the november election and who else should we be on the lookout

for? we're back with our political panel. juan, let me start with you. who do you think was a breakout star and what will they be doing in the next nine weeks? >> i think you just saw two of them, susanna martinez, and mia love who is running for congress in utah. i would point out that i thought last night marco rubio did a very good job. he had a flub at one point, but in general he was very appealing and he'll be a strong voice with the hispanic community which is a problem for the romney campaign. the other person i think some people may disagree strongly with me, but i think jeb bush, you know, if you're look down the road towards future people, i think jeb bush is back on solid ground. a lot of people thought the bush name for a while, slow down. i think people around here from the conversations i've had think jeb bush is such a talented guy, he's doing good work, especially in education. he's back in the conversation in terms of defining the republican party's future. >> gretchen: nina? >> one of the differences that

you're going to see between this week and next week with the democrats, we really saw this week is how deep the bench is for republicans and particularly among women. so you are showing rising stars. i would add to that list with mia love and susanna martinez was nikki haley was fabulous. the other one, don't forget, not a rising star, a star, was condy rice. she was fabulous. to say that the republican party is somehow antiwoman, you have these stellar women who are leading the party in this generation and the next. >> gretchen: exactly. i think when she put in the line about what she was not allowed to do as a child, but then became secretary of state and before she said that, she said president of the united states. it made me wonder, the way she delivered a speech, a lot of people thought the same thing. steve, stars for you? >> i thought mia love was fantastic. to be able to get up on stage like that in this forum and to be able to deliver a speech like the one she gave and get people excited, i think she is fantastic. the other two are sort of obvious for me. paul ryan obviously, he's a vice

presidential nominee. he's not a rising star in the sense that people in washington aren't familiar with him. we've been dealing with him for years. but for most of the country, this is an introduction to paul ryan and they saw a guy who is serious and substantive and smart. and marco rubio, i don't think there is a better speaker in the republican party than him examine people got a good flavor of that, despite the fact he stepped on his own line at the end of the speech. but you saw from him, he delivered from a teleprompter, but those are the kind of speeches that he gave when i was covering him back in 2010 going around florida, speaking with not a note with him and bringing audiences across the state here to their feet. virtually every single speech. >> i wanted to add in quickly that you asked gretchen, what will these folks have to do in the next ten weeks. >> gretchen: exactly. >> to help mitt romney get across the finish line, and i think that what they have to do is a little bit of what paul ryan has done, which is to say here is specifics. here is what we really can do that's different than what president obama is offering the

country. i think if there was a criticism of mitt romney's speech, it was short on those specifics. >> gretchen: okay. panel, thank you so much. get some rest because we'll probably see all of you in charlotte. take care. have a good weekend. let's go out to brian and steve. >> steve: we'll tell you more about prada in a minute. meanwhile, they died saving the lives of others. now their families hit with a big bill to pay for the ambulance. >> brian: then. >> steve: tampa taken over by the rnc this week. now it's time to clean up. we're live with the big effort underway right now. i don't think we'll have to clean up after brenda's dog. new leash. it says, i'm a republican. isn't that cute? i got a leash for your dog, too, brian. ♪

>> let me be clear so no one misunderstands, our problem with president obama is not that he's a bad person. by all accounts, he, too, is a good husband and a good father and thanks a lot to practice, a good golfer. [ laughter ]

our problem is not this he's a bad person. our problem is that he's a bad president. [ cheers and applause ] >> gretchen: there was a grand finale at the republican national convention in tampa. now it's time for all the big clean-up. reporter josh live in tampa with more on that. it's happening pretty quick, right, josh? >> good morning. as the sun comes up, we're finally starting to see the city look the way it did prior to the republican national convention. all of that ugly fencing and those barricades are finally coming down. the city should look the way it did, basically back to normal around noon this afternoon. good news for folks who are kind of tired of seeing it look like a war zone here. we've seen folks sweating since midnight last night taking those fences down. some of those fences weigh up to 70 pounds apiece. they've also got to take down the covering on the windows and all the statutes here, all of that put in place just in case protesters got out of hand. fortunately, we did not see that. the total number of rnc-related

arrests, just two. only five heat-related problems. if you take all those problems, only seven total, related to the convention, it was very minimal. minimal problems for the rnc. later today the chief of police and the mayor will have their final press briefing and i imagine it's going to be pretty positive. they are going to be very pleased with how things turned out. guys? >> gretchen: all right. josh i that much for that live report. >> steve: meanwhile, the city of tampa can take pride for a job well done hosting the republican national convention this week. thanks in no small part to ken jones, he's president and chief executive officer of the host committee for the 2012 republican convention. he joins us live here in tampa. good morning to you. >> good morning. how are you doing? >> steve: doing great. thank you very much. this is not your first time at the rodeo. you've done five conventions? >> i was a volunteer in '96 when i was a law student. then i came back in 2000. my wife is from the twin cities. and this is my hometown and they said when we got it, you can be

the temporary ceo and here we are. i never left. >> brian: how did tampa do? >> i think on a scale of 1 to 10, probably a 12. it's the best convention i've ever seen run. every delegate we talked to from wisconsin and california and florida all over said this is the best one they've ever been to. >> gretchen: in what way. >> it was because it was such a welcoming city. the weather finally cooperated. but everybody felt like it was such a welcoming city. we have friendly people. there were no logcal hiccups. >> steve: you mentioned st. paul. we were there four years ago. that was the -- they had a lot of protesters there. the anarchists were there. they were in denver as well. there was tear gas thrown. last night near our hotel there was actually a big parade. but it was absolutely peaceful. how do you talk those guys into being peaceful when they like to make a ruckus? >> i think we have a great police force. jane cast service a great police chief. we had three arrests at this convention, convention related.

>> steve: the machete guy and two others. >> but three arrests. when you have that many people with this kind of an atmosphere to have only three arrests is phenomenal. >> brian: who cleans up? >> we do. and the city and we'll have -- >> steve: and we're leaving. >> gretchen: do you it so quickly. new york city, we live in new york city, we're used to seeing them clean up quickly with massive force. how do you do it when you're not so used to it? >> we have a company called freemen. they've done seven conventions. they know how to set it up. it takes a while. but to rip it up is faster. >> steve: one of the things host cities do is they wind up directing a series of ten foot high steel walls around the perimeter. they're usually a couple of them. see, i would think -- plus jersey barriers. i would imagine those things will take a couple of days to take down. >> it was harder to get here this morning than it was yesterday morning because i got all these jersey barriers. it took me 30 minute examines usually took 15. it will take time to get them

out of here. >> brian: how much money has your city made? >> we've spent about $175 million on direct dollars. then if you take into account that multiplier effect, we think the economic impact is somewhere between 300 and $400 million just for this ehave not. the biggest event we've ever helped in the city. >> gretchen: what's going to happen four years from now when your phone rings. hi, would you like to company and do another convention? >> call someone else. >> brian: really? you're retired. this is it. i hope the dnc comes here in 2016 because it's about economic development. it's not about the politics of it. so if they come here in 2016, i don't know that they'll let me run it because of my background, but i would serve on the host committee. >> steve: but you're going to the dnc next week, right? >> i am. the host of charlotte was here yesterday. he wanted to ask you what did you do that was a challenge? we talked for about two hours. he said, why don't you come to charlotte. we'll talk about it some more. i said great, i'll be there. >> steve: so will we. ken jones, thank you very much. job well done. >> thank you very much. >> steve: very, very nicely done. >> gretchen: the viewers are now weighing in their thoughts on

this whole week of the republican national convention. what did you think about it from the coverage, to the speeches that you heard, the messages, et cetera? >> steve: richard in katy, texas says the convention filled us with hope for the future of our country. romney's speech was excellent. he's the real deal. we are all in. richard, thank you. >> gretchen: lara center stafford said, marco rubio was fantastic! another man who says it like it is. the only change is there is no hope was a great line. i can't wait to see more of him. >> steve: also ann from new mexico, this was the best rnc in many, many years. governor rubio set the table and governor romney served us an excellent vision. for me personally, i finally see a bright future for the republican party. i feel hope for my children and my grandchildren. send us more e-mails. those are great. >> gretchen: we have a few headlines for you this morning. in less than three hours, friends and family will give a final farewell to the first man

to walk on the moon. a memorial service for neil armstrong being held in cincinnati. he passed away last week at the age of 82. mitt romney paying tribute to armstrong during his acceptance speech at the rnc. >> the soles of neil armstrong's boots on the moon made permanent greggs on our souls. ann and i watched those steps together on her parents' sofa. like all americans we went to bed that night knowing we lived in the greatest country of the history of the world. [ cheers and applause ] >> gretchen: ohio senator rob portman will deliver the eulogy at armstrong's funeral. a tragic accident at reliant stadium, home of the houston texans. a fan fell to his death last night after a presoon game between the texans and the minnesota vikings. he was attempting to slide down a railing on the fifth level when he fell off. the man later died at the hospital. two women also have died after rushing to save the victims of a car crash in los

angeles. now the families are being charged $1,000 each for ambulance fees. the two were electrocuted when a broken streetlight made contact with water spewing from a fire hydrant at the scene of the wreck. four other people, including the driver, were also injured but survived. los angeles fire officials say they don't have the authority to actually waive the paramedics' fees, even in cases like this one. a local city councilman now launching a fund-raiser to help cover those costs. lucky to be alive. take a look at this. a man pulls into his driveway and seconds after walking away from his car, a lightning strike causes a tree to explode examine crash right in -- and crash right into the spot where he was standing. this is in england. the ten foot long piece smashed through the bask his car window and other pieces caused damage to neighboring homes. luckily no one hurt. wow. amazing thing there. that was all caught on video. >> steve: meanwhile, let's dial in campaign carl. carl, we understand you've got news. we were wondering where the

republican nominee is going to be leaving from tampa to go visit and now we understand he's going directly to, carl cam ran, new orleans, right? >> well, we're here in florida about to depart one of the airports. he's on his new campaign planes. after this rally, rather than going to virginia for a rally this afternoon, that is now temporarily in -- we now know the governor does planning to to new orleans where he will meet with governor bobby jindal and other officials. he will tour and view the storm damaged areas, perhaps by chopper or by a smaller plane and have some meetings on the ground. then he'll continue on with the remainder of his campaign, probable lea with an event later in the day in ohio for campaign events tomorrow. much of the rest of the day schedule is now somewhat subject to change because of these plans. the governor had hoped to actually get to the storm zone as early as wednesday, but

because isaac settled over the coast, slowed and continued to pour rain down on everyone, he wasn't able to get there on wednesday. it's clear he wanted to get there as soon as possible. this was the obvious opportunity and now after this rally that we'll have here in florida, he'll go directly to new orleans, giving the republican nominee an opportunity to visit with the folks who are victims of the storm, offer what support he can, try to rally additional charitable donations and volunteer efforts from folks around the country in order to once again, as he says, unite the country as part of his campaign and obviously after that. >> steve: yeah. campaign carl, also another bit of news, i understand today, and you'll have pictures, we see a new fleet with romney and ryan of airplanes, right? >> it does. they're two new planes. they've been newly painted and dressed. one says believe in america, mitt romney.com with a big logo. that will be the nominee's plane. it's white and blue.

the vice presidential plane which will double has a press charter is white with believe in america and mitt romney.com on it as well. today his first day as the republican nominee, mitt romney has the opportunity to send the money that he's been raising for the last five months for the general election. in recently reported he had over $180 million in the bank. a great deal of that money was general election fundraising. subsequently could not be spent until after he formally accepted the republican nomination. that now accomplished, inity mitt can open his checkbook and begin spending many of those tens of millions of dollars. in recent months, president obama has been able to, for $10 million a month no infrastructure that mitt romney didn't have because he was working off of his primary dollars. which he was able to spend on advertising, but not so much on the ground game. now he can catch up aggressively. >> gretchen: important point. carl cameron, thanks for that update and breaking news about the schedule of both mitt romney

and paul ryan. we'll talk to him soon. >> steve: yep. mr. romney is going to new orleans. meanwhile, straight ahead, mitt romney and paul ryan, the stars here this week. was it enough to impress florida swing voters? we'll talk about that. >> gretchen: a major health scare rocking van halen. forcing them to postpone their tour. we'll tell you what that's about. the designated hitter's the best thing to happen to baseball! but it's not the same game! [ wife ] wow, he's really gonna get us a good deal. it's better! no it's not! the pitcher comes up and he's out! [ dealer ] he can bunt! whatever. but we're good with 0% apr for 60 months? oh yeah, totally. thank you so much. that must've been brutal. [ male announcer ] the volkswagen autobahn for all event. at 0% apr for 60 months, no one needs to know how easy it was to get your new volkswagen. that's the power of german engineering.

to get your new volkswagen. tyou wouldn't want your adoctor doing your job, hello... so why are you doing hers? only your doctor can determine if your persistent heartburn is actually something more serious like acid reflux disease. over time, stomach acid can damage the lining of your esophagus. for many, prescription nexium not only provides 24-hour heartburn relief, but can also help heal acid-related erosions in the lining of your esophagus. talk to your doctor about the risk for osteoporosis-related bone fractures and low magnesium levels with long-term use of nexium. possible side effects include

headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. other serious stomach conditions may still exist. let your doctor do her job. and you do yours. ask if nexium is right for you. if you can't afford your medication, astrazeneca may be able to help. >> gretchen: 44 minutes after the top of the hour. a couple quick headlines. apple offering a credit up to p $45 if you return your old iphone. you can use that credit to buy other apple products, including the highly anticipated iphone 5 which is expected to hit shelves within the next few weeks. eddie van halen has young gone emergency surgery for a digestive problem. the 57-year-old guitarist could be out of commission for up to six months delaying van halen's japan tour, which was set to

begin in november. steve? >> steve: thanks, gretch. republican presidential nominee officially now, mitt romney, had the backing of key floridians last night like senator marco rubio who roused the audience right next door. >> these are tired and old government ideas that failed every time and everywhere they've been tried. these are ideas that people come to america to get away from. these are ideas that threaten to make america more like the rest of the world instead of helping the rest of the world become more like america! [ cheers and applause ] >> steve: now that the convention for the republicans is over, can mitt romney count on floridian voters? joining us is fox news contributor, pete snyder. what do you think? >> i think it's in play. i think florida is look great right now. it's funny, steve, for years politicians would always say you can't touch the third rail. you can't talk about medicare or medicaid at all in florida because senior granny will think you're trying to push her down the stairs.

and you know what? the romney-ryan ticket came out and talked straight talk with real math examine real facts and our senior citizens are probably some of the wisest out there. they realize that there is a problem. the system can't continue as is. that's why i think they're having traction. >> steve: i think you're exactly right. i think in the past, low information voters hear, they're trying to change it! they go, i don't want anything to do with that. they've been very effective, the romney-ryan camp has, in rolling it out. look, if you're 55 or over, this is not going to touch you. besides, the president of the united states took $716 billion out of the program you like to put into the program obamacare, which you don't like. >> absolutely. you know, people under 55 are more likely to believe in ufo's than the social security or medicare will be around for them. so it's striking a cord, a generational cord. if you notice with paul ryan's speech, he mentioned the word generation, about four our five times. this is a my generation, versus

baby boomers. you're going to have the keynote of bill clinton in charlotte next week or this coming week, and it's a clash. >> steve: let's talk about how some of the swing states are stacking up right now. in virginia. >> which i'm the chairman of the victory efforts, we are trending up, winning with independents, doing very well with married women, really closing that quote, unquote, gender gap. and undecided are breaking our way. we feel great about virginia so far. >> steve: what about florida where we're sitting right now? >> florida as we just discussed, i think seniors understand that washington has been pulling one over on them for quite a period of time. so they like the straight talk and real math of romney-ryan. >> steve: of course, how many times have we heard, as ohio goes, so goes the presidency? ohio, the ultimate swing state, and at this point? >> it's not only ohio, but michigan and wisconsin are coming into play. we call it the big sten strategy. paul ryan's addition to the

ticket really having two midwesterners who can talk small town issues, it's having an effect. >> steve: let's take a look at a poll that came out before the romney speech. it's a reuters poll, i do believe, it does show mitt romney leading the president by two points. ultimately last night what they wanted to accomplish was we've heard a million times, the president, he's so dog gone likeable, i saw mitt romney last night that was not only vulnerable, but likeable as well. >> i think did he a great job showing his inner self a little more than just ceo mitt. i'm an entrepreneur, steve. they have touched a cord with entrepreneurs around the country that we actually built our businesses. not the government. so that was a great humanizing of mitt romney last night. >> steve: sure. always a pleasure. thank you so much for joining us down here in tampa. >> thank you for having me. >> steve: all right. very nicely done. it is now 11 minutes before the top of the hour. we've been live at tampa all

week. we don't, if you missed any of it, we've got highlights. favorite moments coming up. right now let's check in with gregg jarrett who is back in new york for a preview of what happens in ten minutes right here on the fox news channel. >> we'll be talking with herman cain. does governor romney need a bigger plan to create jobs? also tea party favorite senator mike lee will join us. what's the tea party reaction? also did the nominee last night connect with women voters? couple of women on our panel, plus the latest on isaac. lots of flooding. all that, see you then, top of the hour

>> steve: before we go, we're about to wrap up a week down here in tampa. we really have to thank the crew. they've been extraordinary. it's been a little on the hot

side. [ applause ] give yourselves -- >> gretchen: show each other off. >> steve: now you have to put it all into a truck and drive it back. >> brian: the who's who of politics. they're upstairs asleep on their key boards. >> steve: that's right. they've done a fantastic job. >> gretchen: oh, oh that's a close-up of brian's ear. >> steve: chris, you're on camera. >> i always wanted to be. >> brian: you know nobody likes you. >> gretchen: now we have to say good-bye to the rnc and head off to the dnc next week. so let's take a moment and look back at some of the highlights of the republican national convention for us at "fox & friends" over the week. >> steve: live from tampa bay. welcome to the special coverage, "fox & friends" live from the rnc, day one. it was supposed to be, but not. >> gretchen: it's day zero. >> brian: let's take a walk around and see what we're dealing with so far. >> gretchen: where are you going? >> brian: this is where we're

keeping isaac. this is outside where the hurricane is. >> gretchen: keep him out there! >> brian: the reason why we're not outside? because the rain is. this is behind the set. this is what steve and gretchen look like from behind. a lot of people wondering what that is like. five romney sons are sitting down with us and their name tags. >> steve: which hundred has the mitt romney hair? >> craig for sure. >> gretchen: john popper. ♪ . >> steve: the oak ridge boys! ♪ o say does that star spangled banner yet wave ♪ >> we love gretchen. that's why we call them boys. >> there was no "fox & friends" 30 years ago, 25 years ago. you got your news from three places. and now people really have choices and they have fair and

balanced coverage. >> all of america loves it. who wouldn't? what girl doesn't have a crush on sean hannity. >> i couldn't get a date my whole life. all my friends and all the viewers of "fox & friends," good morning. i'm asleep right now. >> brian: day two of the rnc. >> steve: look. it's that guy. go let him in. >> brian: it's reince previn. here you go, chairman. get the heck in here. >> gretchen: hey. >> brian: you're 31, i'm not. we're going to see how we do in this race. >> brian: what do you want me to do? jump? >> if you can only watch one thing on tv today, you need to make it our next segment 'cause steve, brian and gretch reason going -- are going to sit down with a very, very special guest. me. >> brian: what do you think of this vehicle? >> mr. doocy is in it. >> in it or on it? >> brian: just say hey, steve and gretch, take it away. >> steve and gretch -- steve examine gretch and brian.

>> i see bill o'reilly. >> steve: he's behind you. >> i would like to congratulate you, this may be a historic first to get him up this early. >> gretchen: did you call him and wake him up? >> i woke him up and i know he'll have to have a nap this afternoon. >> i think in the four years from now the republican convention should be held on the equator. [ laughter ] this heat here, i was up what, 6. i walked out, 6:00 o'clock. 98 degrees. >> steve: here is a cooling towel with a fox news logo on it. >> gretchen, let me tell you something, good looking gretchen. we're coming your way, so get ready, three, two, one! >> brian: we are the home of the 2012 election.

>> gretchen: all right! >> steve: yeah. back when you could still talk. he taped something special. we'll see it on monday of the it could have something to do with the loss of voice. >> brian: might even be tuesday. >> gretchen: is this how you lost your voice? >> brian: yeah. >> gretchen: the surprise we're going to see monday. we've got a clue. he lost his voice doing the surprise. >> brian: tweet us, "fox & friends." >> steve: that's right. just look at all the stuff that happened as you just saw there in three minutes and 19 seconds here in tampa over the last six days. remember six days ago we didn't even know if the convention was going to go through because isaac was heading this way. we didn't know if tampa would take a direct hit and then as it moved to the west, it moved still a tropical depression. a lot of rain out there and the news this morning is mitt romney is now going to new orleans today. >> gretchen: all right. we will have our final wrap up of "fox & friends" a few minutes away. right back.

. .. >> brian: good-bye, alligators. >> gretchen: are we taking that with us? >> steve: we're going to see you back in charlotte as a couple of choppers go overhead. by the way, this is the -- we were the first program on live from tampa at the beginning of the week and we're the last program out. >> brian: you know what that means? we have to take everything back with us. >> steve: you're right. how much luggage do you have? >> brian: we got to go. >> steve: thanks very much. >> brian: le