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After today's show, Joe and Mika headed over to the Tampa Bay Times Forum for the shortened first day of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, where they talked with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Christie is expected to deliver his keynote address on Tuesday evening.

Although Tropical Storm Isaac largely spared Tampa as it moved towards Louisiana, the GOP erred on the side of caution and held a truncated opening of the convention with RNC Chair Reince Priebus banging the gavel as well as a prayer from the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. of Houston, Texas.

Starting tomorrow, the RNC is expected to continue with its normal schedule through Thursday.

Meanwhile, Isaac continues to move toward Louisiana. NBC News' Miguel Llanos writes:

Residents in unprotected, low-lying areas outside New Orleans were evacuating Monday as Tropical Storm Isaac threatened to strengthen into a hurricane that could make landfall in or near Louisiana almost seven years to the day after Hurricane Katrina struck.