Gov. Charlie Crist has been scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night, along with Sen. Mel Martinez, prior to John McCain’s appearance to accept the nomination.

There’s been speculation that a Thursday night slot is proof Crist is out of contention as McCain’s running mate choice, because the veep nominee will be the star of a night earlier in the week.

But University of Virginia political analyst Larry Sabato says there’s no point in trying to analyze the schedule for clues—“Those tea leaves can be shuffled at a moment’s notice,” meaning the schedule can be changed, he said.

“It’s all designed just to keep everyone guessing and speculating, generating more coverage.” Sabato said. “Of course, we comply—like Charlie Brown trying to kick Lucy’s football.”

Thursday, the night Crist and McCain will speak, will be devoted to “reflect [McCain’s] vision of an America in pursuit of peace and seen as a beacon of goodwill and hope throughout the world,” the GOP said.

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