Rick Scott, Pam Bondi speaking at RNC, but not Sarah Palin?

Republicans release official 'partial list' of convention speakers Thursday

(CNN) – The planned speakers at the Republican National Convention include Heisman-winning quarterback Tim Tebow, Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi and Peter Thiel, the billionaire Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

The roster of speakers starting Monday is a colorful mix of political leaders, entertainers, personalities and Donald Trump family members -- in keeping with his campaign's unorthodox style, first reported by The New York Times.

Recommended Videos



The convention released an official "partial list" Thursday, which did not include Tebow, though CNN confirmed his spot with a Trump adviser. Also not on the list, former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Tebow later said in a Thursday night Facebook post that his attendance was simply a rumor. 

Each night of the four-night gathering in Cleveland will center on a different theme, the Times said, such as security, immigration and the economy -- and could include presentations on controversial material such as former President Bill Clinton's past infidelities.

The first night's focus will be on security and immigration, with discussions of the Benghazi attack and the U.S. border. Speakers include Jamiel Shaw, whose son was killed by an undocumented immigrant, and Cotton. And, as first reported by Fox News, Benghazi attack survivors Mark Geist and John Tiegen will also speak at the convention.

On the second night, speakers will emphasize the economy. Presenters include Dana White, the UFC president, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, whose name has appeared on some VP shortlists, and Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will also speak, in addition to Donald Trump Jr. and Tiffany Trump.

The third night includes a slot for the vice presidential nominee to speak with no name listed, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is also slated for earlier that evening. Also speaking will be Sen. Tex Cruz, Eileen Collins, a pioneering woman astronaut, and Bondi, who was thrust into the national spotlight following the Orlando terror attacks.

The presumptive GOP presidential nominee, Trump will speak on the fourth and final night. Earlier speakers include The Times report about Tebow, the decorated college football quarterback, RNC Chair Reince Priebus, business leaders such as Thiel, and daughter Ivanka Trump, who has served as a leading voice in her father's inner circle.

A number of other Republican lawmakers, business leaders, and celebrities are also slated to appear. Notably, many Republican leaders have also said they will skip the convention, a list that includes former President Bush 41 and 43, former GOP presidential nominees Sen. John McCain and Mitt Romney, and several current GOP lawmakers.


Recommended Videos