The speculation is over. Republican National Convention Chairman Reince Priebus announced this morning that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will get the coveted keynote speaking slot. In this press release, Priebus praised the straight-shooting governor as a model of "bold Republican leadership."
Convention keynote speeches have a history of launching careers--notably, some guy named Barack Obama, who gave the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
Many had thought the RNC keynote honor might go to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. Instead, he'll introduce the man of the hour, Mitt Romney, on the closing night of the convention--a position that's certain to raise Rubio's national profile. At the RNC four years ago, 38.9 million television viewers watched John McCain accept his party's presidential nomination. That figure rivals the number of viewers for the opening ceremonies of the London Olympics.
In this written statement, RNC Chairman Priebus that Rubio, who is the son of Cuban immigrants, was the ideal speaker to introduce Romney because he "symbolizes the greatness of the American dream."
