TAMPA, FL (RNN) - Buzz is building around a so-called "mystery" speaker reportedly appearing on the final night of the Republican National Convention.
CNN and FOX News are reporting it's Clint Eastwood, but that hasn't stopped delegates and attendees alike from batting around guesses at the Tampa Bay Times Forum about who the person might be.
A number of high profile Republicans are skipping this year's RNC, leaving many to speculate if the absence is just a thinly veiled set up for a convention surprise.
"I hope it's Sarah Palin, I just like her," said Erica Coleman, from St. Petersburg, FL.
Four years ago, Palin accepted the vice presidential nomination at the convention, but bowed out of this year's festivities.
Some delegates speculated President George W. Bush would be the mystery speaker, also a convention no-show. Bush has kept a low profile this political season, not actively campaigning for Romney.
He gave a low-profile endorsement in May, telling a following camera crew "I'm for Mitt Romney," as he jumped on an elevator and the doors closed.
An aide said the former president is enjoying his time out of the political limelight and would not be attending the convention.
Dr. Wayne Reynolds, from Athens, AL, thought the speaker was less political and more Hollywood.
"Who else would make my day?" he joked, a reference to the timeless Clint Eastwood line from Dirty Harry. "C'mon, Obama, make my day."
"He's a mayor and he knows how to run a business and balance a budget. Not only is he a Republican, but he's smart, he's tough and he represents our values."
Eastwood served as the Republican mayor of Carmel, CA from 1986 to 1988 and many media outlets have speculated he will indeed take the stage Thursday night.
If Eastwood is the guy, the GOP isn't commenting. The Romney camp would not confirm if a mystery speaker would take the podium.
"If there was a mystery speaker, then it wouldn't be a mystery," said Russ Schriefer, a Romney aide.
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