page_title: 2012 Republican National Convention
section_title: Thursday, August 30: Eastwood, Rubio and Romney
hierarchical_section_title: 2012 Republican National Convention / The convention / Speakers / Thursday, August 30: Eastwood, Rubio and Romney
caption_attribution_description: English: Clint Eastwood at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, during the press conference for Changeling (at that time untitled The Exchange).
context_page_description: The 2012 Republican National Convention was a gathering held by the U.S. Republican Party during which delegates officially nominated former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin for president and vice president, respectively, for the 2012 election. Prominent members of the party delivered speeches and discussed the convention theme, "A Better Future." The convention was held during the week of August 27, 2012, in Tampa, Florida at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The city, which expected demonstrations and possible vandalism, used a federal grant to bolster its police force in preparation. Due to the approach of Hurricane Isaac, convention officials changed the convention schedule on August 26, 2012; the convention came to order on August 27, 2012 and then immediately recessed until the following afternoon because of the risk of Isaac hitting Tampa.
context_section_description: Actor and director Clint Eastwood made a planned surprise appearance at the convention, speaking at the top of the final hour. He spent much of his speech time on a largely improvised routine addressing an empty chair representing President Obama. In at least two instances, Eastwood implied the President had uttered profanities directed both at Romney and Eastwood. Eastwood's remarks were well-received within the convention hall, but responses were mixed in the media. Film critic Roger Ebert commented "Clint, my hero, is coming across as sad and pathetic. He didn't need to do this to himself. It's unworthy of him".  Comedian Bob Newhart, who had popularized empty-chair interviews in the 1960s, tweeted in his deadpan humor style, "I heard that Clint Eastwood was channeling me at the RNC. My lawyers and I are drafting our lawsuit".
  Thursday night concluded with Romney's acceptance speech.  He announced that if elected, a Romney administration energy policy would take "full advantage of our oil and coal and gas and nuclear and renewables". Romney also joked about the Obama administration's policies on climate change, saying "President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet", a line which elicited laughter from the convention audience.  By way of contrast, Romney continued "MY promise...is to help you and your family."
  Thursday's speakers included:
  Connie Mack IV,  United States Representative from Florida's 14th congressional district and 2012 Republican nominee from Florida for U.S. Senate.
  Newt Gingrich, former Republican Speaker of the House and 2012 Presidential candidate & his wife, Callista Gingrich.
  Craig Romney, son of Mitt Romney.
  Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida accompanied by teacher Sean Duffy and former student Frantz Placide.
  Cathy McMorris Rodgers, United States Representative for Washington's 5th congressional district.
  Grant Bennett, CEO of CPS Technologies and former consultant of Bain Capital.
  Ted and Pat Oparowsky and Pam Finlayson from Mitt Romney's former congregation
  Bob White, chairman of Romney for President campaign.
  Thomas G. Stemberg, founder of Staples Inc.
  Ray Fernandez, owner of Vida Pharmacy
  Kerry Healey, former Lt. Governor of Massachusetts.
  Jane Edmonds, former Massachusetts Secretary of Workforce.
  Clint Eastwood, actor; he was confirmed to be the "mystery speaker" that had been subject of media speculation since the opening day of the convention.
  Marco Rubio, United States Senator from Florida.
  Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts and nominee for President of the United States.
caption: Actor Clint Eastwood
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