RNC speakers announced 8/14 UPDATE: Christie to keynote; Rubio to introduce Mitt

[Mr. Morden]

Seven of the speakers at the RNC have been announced:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/article1244151.ece

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The New York Post claimed a couple of weeks ago that Christie was the likely keynote speaker, but that hasn't been officially confirmed yet.

[Mr. Morden]

Great list. But why Scott and Kasich? It just doesn't seem very... practical. They are both pretty unpopular in their home states.

Scott is kind of a formality.  They kind of have to give him a speaking slot, as he's the governor of the state the convention is being held in.  If they didn't, it would be insulting.  But there's no indication of when his speaking time would be, or how long it would be.  It might just be 10 min. at the beginning, in which he gives a generic "welcome to Florida".

[Mr. Morden]

Someone at RRH posted that Scott Walker, Ted Cruz, Luis Fortuno, Pam Bondi (Florida AG) and Sam Olens (Georgia AG) have been added to GOP convention lineup.

Yep:

http://gretawire.foxnewsinsider.com/2012/08/07/rnc-chair-reince-priebus-announcing-mroe-speakers-at-the-repub-convention/

So we now have more than 15 speakers having been announced?  Obviously, quite a few of these people won't be speaking in primetime.

[Mr. Morden]

While Christie is giving the keynote address, Rubio will be the one to introduce Romney on the last night of the convention:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/marco-rubio-to-introduce-mitt-romney-at-rnc/1245656

[Mr. Morden]

While Christie is giving the keynote address, Rubio will be the one to introduce Romney on the last night of the convention:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/marco-rubio-to-introduce-mitt-romney-at-rnc/1245656

Good choice. I would also make sure one of the elders of the GOP introduces Ryan. Any ideas? How about George H.W. Bush and/or Barbara Bush if they can muster it? They seemed in good shape back in May (especially Barbara).

Neither Bush-41 nor Bush-43 is attending the convention.

[Mr. Morden]

While Christie is giving the keynote address, Rubio will be the one to introduce Romney on the last night of the convention:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/marco-rubio-to-introduce-mitt-romney-at-rnc/1245656

Good choice. I would also make sure one of the elders of the GOP introduces Ryan. Any ideas? How about George H.W. Bush and/or Barbara Bush if they can muster it? They seemed in good shape back in May (especially Barbara).

Neither Bush-41 nor Bush-43 is attending the convention.

That goes without saying.

I think the GOP needs a powerhouse elder to introduce Ryan. Somebody who polls well with seniors. Romney could probably convince H.W. Bush or Barbara Bush to do it.

H.W. has already said that he's skipping the convention because of health reasons.