Mitt Romney and the Republican National Convention (RNC) delegates held court among the keen observers of the U.S. politics as the convention got off to a subdued start Monday, lasting barely a minute owing to concerns of Tropical Storm Isaac evolving into a full-fledged hurricane as it lashed Florida Sunday and continued to move ahead on its projected path toward New Orleans.

Reince Priebus rapped a gavel to declare open the gathering for business. Immediately, numbers began to flash across an electronic tally board placed high above the floor and labeled "Debt from Convention Start," that aimed to broadcast the steady government borrowing under Obama leadership throughout the convention, Newsday reported.

Meanwhile, Reuters noted that presidential candidate Mitt Romney would fly into Tampa Tuesday, where delegates will affirm Romney as the party's nominee for elections scheduled to commence November 6.

Delegates gathered at the convention faced pressure to avoid celebration while the Gulf Coast came under Isaac's onslaught.

Though Tampa was spared off Isaac's fury, a destructive landfall between northern Florida and Louisiana in the ensuing days with storm forecast to evolve into a hurricane is likely to spoil the mood at the convention.

The RNC also witnessed protests from two camps - Ron Paul's supporters and labor group who challenged Romney's candidature for the upcoming elections. However, protests were muted in comparison to the previous Republican conventions.

Take a quick tour of the random images from day one of the RNC.

Mitt Romney, RNC occupy center stage
Delegates cheer as an image of Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Mitt Romney is displayed during the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012. Reuters
Mitt Romney, RNC occupy center stage
Republican National Convention keynote speaker and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (C) points from the podium as he tours the stage with television news talk show host and former U.S. Congressman Joe Scarborough (L) before the start of the opening session of the convention in Tampa, Florida August 27, 2012. Reuters
Mitt Romney, RNC occupy center stage
Republican National Committee Chariman Reince Priebus gavels the 2012 Republican National Convention into session during the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012. Reuters
Mitt Romney, RNC occupy center stage
Ron Paul for president supporters walk the floor of the Republican National Convention during the opening session in Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012. Reuters
Mitt Romney, RNC occupy center stage
Delegates bow in prayer during the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012. Reuters
Mitt Romney, RNC occupy center stage
Standing in front of a large U.S. national debt clock, Republican National Committee Chariman Reince Priebus addresses the 2012 Republican National Convention opening session in Tampa, Florida, August 27, 2012 Reuters
Mitt Romney, RNC occupy center stage
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush (C) tours the stage after the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida August 27, 2012. Reuters
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