FT MYERS, Fla — Joe Biden ribbed RNC speakers Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman at what was billed as an economic roundtable, and pushed the Obama campaign’s new line of attack against McCain campaign manager Rick Davis — who said yesterday that the election is “not about issues,” but rather “composite view of what people take away from these candidates.”

“Not about issues?” Biden exclaimed, incredulous. “These are middle class people, busting their neck, and they don’t have enough money to top off the tank, when they pull in. That to me is an issue. It’s an issue to me and to Barack Obama.”

“You have the best personality in the world, it ain’t going to help you pick up your health care costs,” he said. “You can have the greatest character in the world, if you’re not going to give me a fighting chance to keep my job, I love you but I don’t want you as my president.”

Biden, who often prefaces attacks on Republicans by calling them his good friends, hammed it up while ripping last night’s GOP convention speeches by his buddies Fred Thompson, and Joe Lieberman, and a man he’s yet to call his pal, George Bush.

“Last night, at the Republican convention in Minnesota George Bush said, and I quote, ‘the man we need is John McCain,’” he said. “John’s earned his endorsement, he’s voted with him 90% of the time. So, it look like we have another Minnesota Twins team up there.”

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St. Paul, Minn.–

Governor Sarah Palin did a walk-through of the Xcel Center stage this morning. After not being seen by the press since before she landed in the Twin Cities she surprised the morning shows by walking up to the podium to practive her speech.

Flanked by McCain campaign manager Rick Davis and McCain advisor Nicolle Wallace she tested audio and practiced reading the very top of her speech.

Wearing a beige skirt suit and her hair up, Palin avoided most questions except how she was feeling to which she answered, “I feel great. I’m excited!”

Initially, she looked passed the press crowded below the stage at the teleprompter and ignored questions including where she has been the last 2 days.

As for any clue to her speech tonight the first sentence and a half was on the teleprompter:

“Delegates and alternates I’m pleased to welcome you back. Our thoughts and…

Fox News has also learned that Palin and Senator Joe Lieberman met with members of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee yesterday. AIPAC lobbies on behalf of the U.S.-Israel relationship. The meeting lasted between 25 and 45 minutes and she reinforced her support for Senator McCain’s Israel policy. AIPAC spokesperson Josh Block described the meeting, “We had a good productive discussion on the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and we were pleased that Gov. Palin expressed her deep, personal
commitment to the safety and well-being of Israel.” Block said, “She also expressed her support for special friendship between the two democracies and said she would work to deepen the ties between the United States and Israel.”

Block added that they were “pleased that both parties have selected four pro-Israel candidates.”

Besides preparing for tonight’s speech, Palin will greet Senator McCain on the tarmac when he arrives in the Twin Cities today.

LAS CRUCES, NM — Only eight years ago he addressed the Democratic National Convention as part of the ticket going up against George W. Bush but in less than two weeks, Sen. Joe Lieberman, will be speaking on the same night as President Bush at the Republican National Convention. The Connecticut Senator will be part of the four night lineup according to an RNC release sent to reporters Wednesday.

(Note that they have already scheduled a number of his potential runningmates throughout the convention speaking schedule and the campgin could easily move that person to that Wednesday night keynote slot, so unfortunately there are no clues in the lineup.)

RNC RELEASE BELOW:

Monday, Sept. 1
Service
“Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countryman.”
–Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Monday’s events will highlight John McCain’s record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one’s own self-interest.
Speakers will include:

* U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
* Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
* Vice President Richard B. Cheney
* First Lady Laura Bush
* President George W. Bush

Tuesday, Sept. 2
Reform
“If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and correct them.”
–Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s life is a testament to the fundamental truth that every American can be a force for change. A restless reformer who has dedicated his career to taking on special interests and the status quo, John McCain will deliver the right kind of change and reform to meet the great challenges of our time. On Tuesday, the convention program will underscore his vision of a government that is transparent, principled and worthy of the American people it serves.
Speakers will include:

* Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
* Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
* Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)
* Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
* Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
* Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States
* Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
* Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
* Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (Md.)

Wednesday, Sept. 3
Prosperity
“America’s best days are still to come.”
–Sen. John McCain

The American story is one of perseverance. Even in the face of tough times, the ingenuity and spirit of the American people has ushered in a new era of prosperity. Wednesday’s program will focus on John McCain’s plans to get our economy back on track and continue our long tradition of meeting the challenges we face and using our prosperity to help others. The day will conclude with an address by the vice presidential nominee.
Speakers will include:

* U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
* Meg Whitman, National Co-Chair for McCain 2008 and former President and CEO of eBay
* 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, Sept. 4
Peace
“Our next president will have a mandate to build an enduring global peace on the foundations of freedom, security, opportunity, prosperity, and hope.”
–Sen. John McCain

John McCain understands the challenges that America faces in the world and the sacrifice necessary to defend our freedom in a way that few others can fathom. Thursday’s events will reflect his vision of an America in pursuit of peace and seen as a beacon of goodwill and hope throughout the world. The evening will close with John McCain accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States.
Speakers will include:

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

TEANECK, NJ — During his introductory remarks at a McCain Garden State fundraiser tonight Sen. Joe Lieberman ripped Barack Obama for exhibiting “inexperience” when it comes to the conflict in Georgia.

“The last few days, four or five days, we’ve seen one of the most unexpected crises in the world as the Russians moved into Georgia as aggressors. And if you read the statements from the beginning, Senator McCain and Senator Obama, one had kind of moral neutrality to it that comes I think from inexperience,” Lieberman said. “The other, Senator McCain, was strong and clear and principled and put America where America always wants to be.”

Lieberman was referring to Obama’s first statement about the conflict Friday in which the IL Senator called on both the Russians and Georgians to “show restraint.”

“I strongly condemn the outbreak of violence in Georgia, and urge an immediate end to armed conflict. Now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full scale war. Georgia’s territorial integrity must be respected,” Obama said in a written statement. “All sides should enter into direct talks on behalf of stability in Georgia, and the United States, the United Nations Security Council, and the international community should fully support a peaceful resolution to this crisis.”

The Lieberman criticism, which echoed his remarks in Pennsylvania earlier today, is noteworthy because McCain has not made Georgia political issue and even told Carl Carmeron today during his FNC interview that, “I respect Senator Obama’s views and I believe that it’s important that we act in a bipartisan fashion now. There’s no room for partisanship now.”

Additionally, it should be noted that Obama’s initial statement was actually very similar in tone to Dana Perino’s White House statement Friday in which she said, “we urge restraint on all sides - that violence would be curtailed and that direct dialogue could ensue in order to help resolve their differences.”  Obama has since ratcheted up his criticism of the Russians and his multiple statements since Friday have grown similar in substance and tone to McCain’s.

Lieberman made the Georgia criticism as part an attack on Obama’s readiness for Oval Office.

“You got a real clear choice to make, and I say it respectfully to Senator Obama cause he is a gifted young man, but he is not ready to be President,” Lieberman told McCain donors Tuesday night. “(Sen. McCain) is ready to be commander in chief on day one. Tested in war and peace. He has passed both tests with honor that shows not only his ability but his character.”

During his press conference in Jersey City today, Sen. McCain indicated that he is on the verge of getting behind the Lieberman-Warner climate change legislation:

“I’m pleased in negotiations and discussion with Senator Lieberman that there will be a far more important nuclear component of this legislation that’s going to be coming to the floor. I hope that it will be passed and I hope that the entire Congress will join in supporting it and the President of the United States would sign it,” McCain said, also taking a shot at his Democratic opponents as he added that, “Senator Lieberman and I brought the issue to the floor of the Senate long before Senator Obama or Senator Clinton had any involvement with it whatsoever.”

The presumptive GOP nominee may risk some heat from business groups like the US Chamber of Commerce, which currently opposes the legislation.

McCain, who will be rolling out his energy and environment policy next week during events in Oregon and Washington state, also said Friday that he will make comprehensive global climate change pact a priority.

“As president, I will dedicate myself to addressing the issue of climate change globally. I will work as my highest priority to have a global agreement that includes India and China,” he added.