The 2012 Republican National Convention Begins

The Republican National Convention main stage at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012. (B. Allen/VOA)

Dona Poelman from Racine, Wisconsin accessorizes her shirt at the RNC.

Delegates cheer as an image of Mitt Romney is displayed during the opening session, August 27, 2012.

Texas delegate Clint Moore and the rest of Texas delegates fashion their cowboy hats on the floor.

Rigger Omar Acebedo climbs down to the floor of the convention center after adjusting a light fixture.

Convention goers enjoy their pizza lunch in front of a large video screen showing Mitt Romney and his wife Ann at the second session of the RNC.

Men prepare food in a protest camp called "Romneyville," August 28, 2012.

Vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, center, works on the speech he will deliver at the Republican National Convention, with senior adviser Dan Senor, left, and senior aid Conor Sweeney.

Mitt Romney and his wife Ann leave Wolfeboro, New Hampshire August 27, 2012 after preparing their speeches for the RNC.

Delegates on the floor watch speakers during the second session. (J. Featherly/VOA)

Signs for different states' delegations on the floor of the RNC. (B. Allen/VOA)

Delegate Sol Grosskopf from Shawano, Wisconisin wears cheesehead hat on the convention floor.

Convention goers pause in the prayer room.

A man reads The Washington Post before the start of the second session of the RNC.

A sudden, heavy rainstorm surprises protesters outside near the convention center.

The stage backdrop changes to show images from the home state of the current speaker at the convention. (J. Featherly/VOA)

Delegates hold up signs reading "We Built It" while listening to speakers at the Republican National Convention, Tampa, Florida, August 28, 2012. (J. Featherly/VOA)

Delegates on the first night of the Republican National Convention, Tampa, Florida, August 28, 2012. (J. Featherly/VOA)