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.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

I do believe I may have jizzed my pants.

(Of course, It's slightly unfortunate that this list would seem to suggest Martinez and Rice are completely out of contention for the veepstakes. But still.)

[Psychic Octopus]

Great list. But why Scott and Kasich? It just doesn't seem very... practical. They are both pretty unpopular in their home states. Rice is disqualified from the Vice Presidency now, I guess. Christie would be a great keynote speaker. I think this will be a pretty perfect preview for the 2016 election, considering it is likely that we'll see a lot of these people running (should Romney lose) for president.

[California8429]

I do believe I may have jizzed my pants.

(Of course, It's slightly unfortunate that this list would seem to suggest Martinez and Rice are completely out of contention for the veepstakes. But still.)

I really do hope this brings both into the spotlight as the future of the party.

[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".

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

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".

True...Adlai's speech was so good that it got him the nomination, so hopefully Scott will suck .

Any word on the keynote?

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Martinez, Rice and Haley...heeeeeeeeeeeeell yeah.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

I still think Martinez has a reasonable shot at becoming the first female president. Hopefully she uses this slot to her advantage.

[Eraserhead]

Rick Scott? lol! Maybe they shouldn't have had the convention in Florida...

[useful idiot]

Of the few articles I've read, it seems strange that none of them mention the most glaring absence: the party's previous VP nominee. Not that the party, or anyone really, wants her to have a major role. Hopefully for the GOP this doesn't mean she's speaking in primetime later on...

[Lincoln Republican]

I too was dreaming of a Rice VP candidacy, but alas, I always knew it was only a dream.

But such a sterling assemblage of gifted patriots I have never witnessed.  

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

But such a sterling assemblage of gifted patriots I have never witnessed.  

Even more patriotic than Biden, Gore, the Clinton's, Obama, Warner, and everyone from 2008?

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

I guess Romney is paying back Haley for her early support, even if she wasn't able to deliver South Carolina.  Perhaps Haley will seek DeMint's seat in 2016 since all indications are he will not be running again.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

2016, huh? Better get Sheheen to run again; we have a seat to win!

[Landslide Lyndon]

  Perhaps Haley will seek DeMint's seat in 2016 since all indications are he will not be running again.

!!!!

[Okay, maybe Mike Johnson is a competent parliamentarian.]

  Perhaps Haley will seek DeMint's seat in 2016 since all indications are he will not be running again.

!!!!

'He' is DeMint.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

LOL, they invited a guy who was fined $1.7 billion for Medicare fraud. What a bunch of crooks.

[MorningInAmerica]

Anyone want to place bets on whether or not Governor Beverly Perdue will be getting a speaking slot at the DNC. Something makes me doubt it.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

  Perhaps Haley will seek DeMint's seat in 2016 since all indications are he will not be running again.

!!!!

'He' is DeMint.

Yup.  Jim has said he won't run and moreover he isn't actively fundraising for himself.  He might change his mind, but I think it is more likely than not that he will at the very least be taking a sabbatical from holding office.

[Keystone Phil]

So is this the final list? And no Santorum speaking role? They really know how to poke us in the eye. I see how it is.

[Maxwell]

Other than Rice and Martinez, this is a pretty disastrous list.

[RogueBeaver]

Relax Phil, it's just the first batch. Though I wouldn't be surprised if they think Huck fils the SoCon slot and leave Santorum off.

Someone not in Veep speculation I'd love to see speak: Rudy.

[Maxwell]

Relax Phil, it's just the first batch. Though I wouldn't be surprised if they think Huck fils the SoCon slot and leave Santorum off.

Someone not in Veep speculation I'd love to see speak: Rudy.

Huckabee is the (i hate to say it) the somewhat likable frontman for social conservatism nowadays, and Santorum is just completely divisive. As much as I dislike Huckabee, he's easily the better choice.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I too was dreaming of a Rice VP candidacy, but alas, I always knew it was only a dream.

But such a sterling assemblage of gifted patriots I have never witnessed.  

Yeah, especially that felon Rick Scott.

[Keystone Phil]

Rick Santorum was the clear runner up in the 2012 primaries. To exclude him is a disgusting, inexcusable snub of epic proportions.