With the Republican National Convention less than a week away, the lineup of speakers is starting to take shape. Whereas a prototypical convention will have speakers ranging from political upstarts to party veterans, presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump seems to be throwing that idea out the window. Throughout his campaign, Trump has shown that he is not your average political candidate, and his proposed speaker list is a reflection of that.
Although he is struggling to attract A-list stars, The New York Times reported he still wants to add a little bit of celebrity to the event. Sports stars, relatives and political officials he admires are just some of the groups that will be represented in Cleveland. Trump is also taking a different approach to each day, with a few concentrating on a specific theme. The speaker list is subject to change, but this is the preliminary list for each day:
Day 1: Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani; his wife Melania Trump; and political newcomer, Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas. The first day will have a Benghazi focus, with border-patrol agents on hand.
Day 2: The second day of the convention will place focus on the economy, with some heavy hitters taking the podium. UFC President Dana White will be on hand, who may have a lot to say on the subject. Other speakers include Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell; Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker; and Trump’s children Tiffany and Donald Trump Jr.
Day 3: The third day of the festivities comprises more political stars, including Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had an awkward interview with Anderson Cooper following the Orlando nightclub shootings. Others include Texas Sen. Ted Cruz; Newt Gingrich; and the mystery vice-presidential nominee.
Day 4: Trump is pulling out all the stops on the final day with former football star Tim Tebow, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, and Ivanka Trump on hand to speak. Trump himself will also take the stage that night.
It seems to be an eclectic mix of speakers, and Trump looks to be doing his best to reinvent the Republican Party. The guest list has elicited some interesting responses from the public:
https://twitter.com/Slade/status/753579631836626944
https://twitter.com/tchop__StL/status/753578421041655808
https://twitter.com/oliviaLbecker/status/753577513184616449
Just noticed Scott Baio isn't on the RNC Convention speakers list. Such bullshit. Zero stars.
— shauna (@goldengateblond) July 14, 2016
What is interesting to point out is that Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is missing from the list, only fueling more speculation of whether he’ll be Trump’s vice-presidential candidate.
(Via the New York Times)