‘92 REPUBLICAN CONVENTION : HOUSTON NOTEBOOK : A Few Low Blows

A David Letterman-style list circulated among delegates described 10 reasons why Bill Clinton and Al Gore “can’t get that California feeling.” Among the entries: “State already boasts largest number of Elvis impersonators in the world.” “Because they think eating healthy is taking the crust off their white bread and Miracle Whip Lite sandwich.” And, “Because Bill didn’t inhale, and Al won’t exhale due to extreme fear of completely destroying the ozone layer.”

Tonight’s Schedule

5 p.m.: Evening session’s call to order

National anthem sung by Tanya Tucker

Opening remarks by Jay Kim, mayor of Diamond Bar, Calif., and candidate for the U.S. House from California’s 41st District

Rep. Guy Vander Jagt of Michigan

Sarah Flores, assistant county supervisor, Los Angeles County

Senate Minority Whip Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming

Patrick J. Buchanan, former presidential candidate

Paul Laxalt, former U.S. senator from Nevada

Former President Ronald Reagan

TV Coverage

All times Pacific Daylight

C-SPAN: Gavel to gavel

CNN: 8-10 a.m.; 5-8 p.m.

PBS: 5-8 p.m.

CBS, ABC: 6:30-8 p.m.

NBC: 7-8 p.m.

Spontaneity, on Cue

Everything on the GOP agenda is tightly scheduled--even the enthusiasm. Tonight, for example, Ronald Reagan is to be introduced at precisely 7:19 p.m. PDT, according to the official script. At 7:24 p.m., the conventioneers are to burst into spontaneous applause that will last a full three minutes, but not a minute more. Reagan is to continue from 7:27 to 7:57 p.m., at which time a floor “demonstration and ending applause” will ensue.