Ron Paul at the RNC: 7 Reasons it Will Be Lame Without Him and Other Top Republicans

Impact

The RNC is revving up for what is sure to be a memorable week of impassioned speeches, informative workshops, and late nights. In spite of its packed schedule, this year’s convention might be a little less exciting than you would expect. 

Some of the GOP’s more entertaining (and oft-times controversial) figures are not slated to address the crowds with their rousing words at the RNC.

The committee’s decision to keep certain people, from Tea Party extremists all the way to former President George W. Bush, away from the mic doesn’t look like a mistake. Considering that such figures have a real penchant for making attention-grabbing controversial statements, it looks like the GOP is erring on the side of reason, rather than recklessness, in the hopes of helping Republican presidential nominee Gov. Mitt Romney win the upcoming election.

Here are seven people who won't be speaking at the RNC — and seven quotes why a tamer RNC might be a lamer one, too.

1. Michele Bachmann

 

Words of Wisdom: "I don't know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We've had an earthquake; we've had a hurricane. He said, 'Are you going to start listening to me here?' Listen to the American people because the American people are roaring right now. They know government is on a morbid obesity diet and we've got to rein in the spending." (Regarding the August 201l earthquake on the East Coast.) 

2. George W. Bush

 

Words of Wisdom"I've abandoned free market principles to save the free market system." (Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2008.)

3. Herman Cain

Words of Wisdom"The more toppings a man has on his pizza, I believe the more manly he is ... Because the more manly man is not afraid of abundance ... A manly man don't want it piled high with vegetables! He would call that a sissy pizza." (In an October 2012 interview with GQ.)

4. Dick Cheney

Words of Wisdom: "We will, in fact, be greeted as liberators." (Discussing the war in Iraq in March 2003.)

5. Sarah Palin

Words of Wisdom: "But obviously, we've got to stand with our North Korean allies." (On the radio with Glenn Beck in November 2010.)

6. Ron Paul

Words of Wisdom: "You don’t quit because you happen to be behind. You want to see how you do. And who knows? Maybe somebody will stumble." (On his possibly nabbing the Republican presidential nomination, despite having 63 delegates to Romney's 685 in April 2012.)

7. Rick Perry

Words of Wisdom"George W. Bush did a incredible job in the presidency, defending us from freedom." (On the “Today” show in November 2010 promoting his book in an interview with Meredith Vieira.)