No Convention Speeches for Gingrich, Perry, Bachmann and Cain
Four high-profile former presidential candidates will apparently not be speaking at the Republican National Convention later this month in Tampa, Fla, The New York Times reports.
Newt Gingrich will be teaching workshops that will be dubbed “Newt University,” while Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., and Herman Cain will be holding a “unity rally” at a mega-church outside of town. Texas Gov. Rick Perry has also been passed over for a speaker’s role.
(See Who Is Speaking at the GOP Convention)
Convention planners are still considering whether to add Donald Trump and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to the schedule, according to The Times.
Trump tells The Times that he's still popular with voters. “They like what I say,” he said. “I’m a very popular guy, as crazy as it might sound. It’s nice to be loved.”
During convention week, Trump will be honored as "Statesman of the Year" by the Republican Party of Sarasota County, Fla., about an hour's drive from the convention.
