We stopped off at Key's Cafe this morning in downtown St. Paul, just a few blocks from the site of the RNC. It's been the home of MSNBC's Morning Joe, which, during the conventions, is xpanded from three to five hours on the network's schedule. EP Chris Licht tells us the free flowing format works for guests as well the anchors — drop in at the cafe, get on the show.

That includes pundits, campaign reps, elected officials and the NBC/MSNBC regulars of Brokaw, Matthews, Buchanan and Barnicle. Also along for the ride in Denver and St. Paul, TV's Willie Geist and Scoop columnist for msnbc.com, Courtney Hazlett.

We talked to Joe & Mika after the show about the early hours, the cafe concept and what's really behind those reports of a fractious MSNBC family. Also, click continued to see the Hollywood type who showed up at the diner today.

Actor, producer Ron Silver showed up at the grill. Mika tried to get him booked for tomorrow's show...