The schedule is set, the gavel's been hammered, and the 2012 Republican National Convention is underway. There's just one speaking spot that hasn't been announced yet...and it happens to be right during the 10PM hour on Thursday, shortly before Marco Rubio and the nominee himself, Mitt Romney take the stage, fueling some speculation that it's someone high-profile.
Buried deep in the convention schedule released Monday is a vague reference to a mystery speaker scheduled for the event’s final evening. “To Be Announced” has a prime speaking slot late in the Thursday program.
By then, speakers from Mitt Romney’s church will have taken the stage that night. The co-founder of Staples office-supply chain will have spoken about working with Mr. Romney during his time at Bain Capital. State officials from Massachusetts will have talked about the former governor. Olympians will have already thanked the presidential candidate for leading the 2002 Winter Games.
The only other speakers to follow “To Be Announced” will be Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Mr. Romney himself, suggesting that the unnamed guest may appear during the 10 p.m. hour when the networks all will be broadcasting the convention.
There's some speculation that it could be Sarah Palin, whose popularity among the more conservative wing of the Republican Party Romney would do well to please, given that he needs their enthusiasm come November. Other names floated include Gen. David Petraeus, Ted Nugent, or Nancy Reagan, but none of those would quite have the same effect of energizing the crowd just before Romney's speech as Palin would.