Next Week's News Today (Politics and Economics Collide at the Repulican Convention)

Why You Care is back with our weekly installment of what to look for next week. (Yes, we noticed today's the new numbers on the economy, if you want perspective CNN has a great write).

But first, a word about what to expect tonight: Senator Barack Obama's acceptance speech is going to be about the economy. Did anyone notice that Michele Obama's speech in essence was about economics? Consider one of her most applauded lines: "America should be a place where you can make it if you try". We think you'll hear much more of that tonight. Which bring us to next week.

Both Sen. John McCain and the national media will rightly be focused on the economy next week. If you compare the speakers list at next week's Republican convention with the scheduled economic reports due, along with earnings, like we have below you will see something interesting: The day Sen. McCain accepts the nomination is the same day that initial unemployment claims are due out.

Here's why you care: That will make for interesting coverage on TV the night of his acceptance, and equally interesting copy in Friday morning's papers. Hopefully it will give the type of news peg for smart thoughtful analysis like last week's New York Times Magazine examination of Sen. Obama's economic positions.

Also, you can certainly expect Gov. Mitt Romney on Wednesday to focus on the economy. We'll be watching and reading, and will bring you the best stories that combine both politics and money because we know you care.

MONDAY 9/1 - Holiday

Republican Convention Speakers (all convention speakers courtesy of www.gopconvention2008.com):
U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
Vice President Richard B. Cheney
First Lady Laura Bush
President George W. Bush


TUESDAY 9/2
Earnings: NCI Building Systems, Inc

Economic Reports: Auto Sales, Truck Sales, Construction Spending

Republican Convention Speakers:
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)


WEDNESDAY 9/3
Earnings: H & R Block, Staples

Economic Reports: Factory Orders, Crude Inventories

Republican Convention Speakers:
Carly Fiorina, Victory ‘08 Chairman for the Republican National Committee and former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co.
Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
Mrs. Cindy McCain
Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)
Republican Party’s Vice Presidential Nominee

THURSDAY 9/4
Earnings: Jackson Hewitt, Smith & Wesson, Quicksilver

Economic Reports: Initial Claims (for unemployment)

Republican Convention Speakers:
Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
Gov. Charlie Crist (Fla.)
U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
John McCain


FRIDAY 9/5
Earnings: National Semiconductor Corp

Economic Reports: Average Work Week, Hourly Earnings, Unemployment Rate