Just as he is having a hard time lining up a VP pick, Trump is having difficulty finding speakers for his coronation in Cleveland. The Republican nominating convention will be held at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18-21.
The latest to say no is Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.
“I like Mr. Trump a lot but I haven’t even endorsed him!” said Big Ben. “And anyway, I am busy that weekend. I’m mowing my lawn. I have a lot of grass.”
Many establishment Republicans have either said they would not be attending the GOP convention or are refusing a speaking slot. A who’s who list of prominent and up-and-coming Republicans, including the three Bushes, Mitt Romney, John McCain, John Kasich, Lindsey Graham, Kelly Ayotte, and rising star Mia Love— plan to skip the GOP lovefest.
This may leave Trump no other option than his “Plan B.”
“I’m thinking about getting some of the great sports people I know, who like me a lot,” Trump said a few weeks ago. “We may call it ‘The Winners’ Evening’.”
Included on Trump’s wish list are: Tom Brady, Mike Ditka, Mike Tyson, Bobby Knight, Dennis Rodman, Lou Holz and Jesse Ventura.
If Trump follows through with his plan, it would be the first Republican convention where the stage is filled with mostly athletic supporters.
Trump did get some good news recently. The hit act of the 2012 Republican convention said they’d show.
Clint Eastwood and his assistant, “The Chair” will have a prime time speaking slot. They certainly earned such an honor after the bang up job they did for Mitt Romney!
Some of Trump’s other show biz friends have indicated they would be happy to speak at the big show.
Fresh from his smash Las Vegas act, the comedian Carrot Top has agreed to not only speak but also perform part of his comedy routine.
The list of celebrities who say they will attend the convention, and who are open to speechifying, includes: Gary Busey, Ted Nugent, Fran Drescher, Charlie Sheen, Scott Baio, and Wayne Newton.
“It’s going to be a beautiful convention,” said Trump. “Classy. Like nothing you have ever seen before, I can assure you that.”
Photo | profootballtalk.nbcsports.com
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