GOP GATHERING WILL HIGHLIGHT TRUMP FAMILY, CELEBRITIES
List of speakers also is notable for who it does not include: key GOP members
The speakers at the Republican National Convention next week will include a smattering of congressional leaders, former primary competitors, celebrity supporters, Benghazi survivors and members of the candidate’s family, the Republican National Committee announced Thursday.
There’s also a Las Vegas casino owner, a pro golfer and a former underwear model.
“The convention’s theme, ‘Make America Great Again,’ will focus on the core themes of Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump’s campaign: national security, immigration, trade and jobs,” Jeff Larson, CEO of the 2016 Republican National Convention, said in releasing an initial list of speakers.
Two of the announced speakers — Mark Geist and John Tiegen — are survivors of the attack in 2012 on a U.S. facility in Benghazi, Libya, the focus of one of the nights at next week’s convention.
Trump and other Republicans have criticized Democratic candidate and former secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her handling of the attack that killed four Americans, including an ambassador.
The GOP released only a partial speakers’ list. Retired quarterback Tim Tebow decided not to join the roster of speakers at the convention in Cleveland.
The list features some of the people Trump is considering for the running mate slot, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and former House speaker Newt Gingrich.
Another favorite for running mate is not on the list released Thursday: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, an absence likely to fuel speculation that he is Trump’s choice.
A few of Trump’s primary opponents are on the list, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Ben Carson, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
The initial speakers’ list is notable for other absences — including John Kasich, a former Trump opponent who is governor of Ohio. It is unclear whether Kasich will even attend the convention.
Sarah Palin, the 2008 vice presidential nominee who was an early and ardent supporter of Trump, was also not on the list released Thursday.
A number of high-profile Republicans who have criticized Trump plan to skip the convention.
Scheduled speakers include lawmakers such as House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa.
Four of Trump’s children — Ivanka, Eric, Donald Jr. and Tiffany — are scheduled to speak dur- ing convention week. The tycoon’s oldest children have become highly influential advisers over the course of their father’s campaign.
There are also religious speakers — including Jerry Falwell Jr. and Haskel Lookstein, a New York rabbi who converted Ivanka Trump to Judaism — and guests from the business world, including Las Vegas casino owner Phil Ruffin and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel.
Sports celebrities attending the convention include golfer Natalie Gulbis and Dana White, president of Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Also on the list: former underwear model Antonio Sabàto Jr.
Trump spokesman Jason Miller said, “This impressive lineup ... represents a cross-section of real people facing the same challenges as every American household.”
“The convention’s theme, ‘Make America Great Again,’ will focus on the core themes of Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump’s campaign: national security, immigration, trade and jobs.” Jeff Larson, convention CEO