TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) -
The Republican presidential nominee will take the Tampa BayTimes Forum stage Thursday night to address the nation and a Republican Partyhungry to unseat President Barack Obama in the upcoming election.
PHOTOS: RNC 2012 inpics
For Romney, it will be a defining moment in his politicalcareer.
"I think he needs to layout a hopeful alternative to thepessimistic climate that we're in now," former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush saidThursday morning from the convention floor. "The president's had four years.His policies haven't worked. While he's tried, they just haven't worked. And Ithink pointing that out is fine – it's part of politics – but I think it's alsoimportant to layout an alternative."
Full video: Ann Romney speech
For Tampa,it is a defining moment as well, with the eyes of the political world set onthe city. Workers went through the night redoing the stage and making itbigger for tonight's Republican National Convention closing.
The buildup at the convention reached new heights Wednesdaynight, when vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan and former secretary of stateCondoleezza Rice electrified the Forum.
Full video: PaulRyan Speech
"After four years of getting the runaround, America needs aturnaround, and the man for the job is Governor Mitt Romney," the42-year-old Ryan said.
It laid groundwork for Romney to rally the Right and acceptthe party's nomination for president tonight.
"Mitt Romney has to define who he is as well," Fox 13political editor Craig Patrick said. "He's going to reintroduce himself tovoters, spell out his plan to create new jobs – those 12 million jobs over fouryears."
Among many things, Romney will touch on his personal life and Mormon faith during the crucial convention address – a chance to reintroducehimself to the American people.
"It will probably go roughly 30 to 45 minutes, probablycloser to 45 minutes," Patrick said. "I some acceptance speeches fromBill Clinton that went much longer than that. You can expect him to startspeaking shortly after 10 p.m."
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Miami will get the honor of introducingRomney, also stepping into the national spotlight with a short address.
It's a prestigious spot for the 41-year-old Rubio, whosename was said to be near the top of Romney's list for vice presidential picks.
A known face to Florida,he'll set the tone before Romney walks into the convention's biggest moment. AndTampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, a Democrat, said it will be a big moment for the Bayarea, too.
"This city, this area, is in the world view, and we aredoing great," Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said. "We're telling Tampa's story like it's never been toldbefore. I can't tell you how many folks have stopped me to tell me how proudthey are to be apart of this community."
