As Iran hosts the Nonaligned Movement Conference this week, the Middle Eastern country has shown the international community that it will not bow easily to antagonistic pressure as it gathers countries from all over the world to its capital.

With the 2012 presidential election still in campaign mode, it may seem premature to discuss the possibilities for 2016, but since it is also convention time, it is interesting to examine the biggest movers and shakers at the Republican and Democratic conventions.

Live updates from the first night of convention speeches at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kZ76JImudjc

UPDATE: Enter New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Video Montage & Speech

So Gov. Christie says it's about respect not love. Ann Romney said it's all about love. SO CONFUSED.

#Christie2016

UPDATE: Ann Romney Speaks

Former Republicans Gary Johnson and Buddy Roemer appeared on CNN last week to talk about the broken political system and possible solutions.

The 2012 Republican Party platform was formalized today at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL. In it, the GOP takes a firm stance against instituting a national popular vote scheme.

Hurricane Isaac threat to New Orleans has failed to spark a national debate on global warming but it will test the city's new levee system.

Today's daily number at Pew Research Center's The Databank is 42 - representing the percent of independents who regard Mitt Romney's choice for VP, Paul Ryan, as an "only fair" or "poor" choice. Compared to Biden, however, this number fairs well, with the majority of independents agreeing that Biden has only done a "fair" or "poor" job as Vice President.

Pew Reports: