CPAC 2024: Trump supporters discuss VP favorites at MAGA gathering
Conservative Conference Attendees Weigh in on Potential Trump Running Mates
At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington, D.C., attendees are not shy about their desire to see former President Donald Trump back in the White House. The conference is filled with supporters donning “Make America Great Again” hats and even costumes paying tribute to Trump. However, amidst the excitement, there is also speculation about who should join Trump as his running mate in the 2024 election.
Trump has hinted at several names for his vice presidential shortlist, and many of them are scheduled to speak at CPAC. Attendees will even have the opportunity to participate in a straw poll to choose from a list of 17 potential candidates. While the results won’t be released until the last day of the conference, interviews conducted by the Washington Examiner with attendees have provided some early insights into the most beloved and disliked Republicans in the running.
Divided Opinions on Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley
Two of the most polarizing choices on Trump’s list are Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. Some attendees expressed strong opposition to both candidates. One attendee from Delaware exclaimed, “Oh God, no,” when Haley’s name was mentioned. Another attendee from Texas criticized her hawkish foreign policy views and suggested she should be on the Democratic ticket instead.
DeSantis also faced mixed reviews. While some labeled him a “turncoat” for initially sitting out the presidential race against Trump, others praised his record as governor. One attendee from Virginia believed that DeSantis should wait until 2028 to run for president, as he still had work to do in Florida.
Other Contenders and Speculation
CPAC will continue to feature speeches from more potential running mates, including Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, and Representative Elise Stefanik of New York. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will also headline the conference’s Reagan Dinner.
Ultimately, the CPAC straw poll will provide valuable insights into Republicans’ opinions on Trump’s eventual pick. The list of potential candidates includes familiar names like Senator Tim Scott and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, as well as less likely choices such as Tucker Carlson and Scott Walker.
Attendees had varying opinions on the visibility and experience of the potential candidates. Some questioned whether individuals like Donalds and Stefanik had enough name recognition, while others praised their principled conservatism. Noem, on the other hand, faced allegations of an affair, which raised concerns among attendees about inviting further controversy.
While attendees found the idea of Carlson as a running mate amusing, they considered it unlikely. Some attendees even suggested alternative choices like Kari Lake, a firebrand running for Senate in Arizona. However, there were concerns about selecting candidates who might be seen as “too much MAGA” for one ticket.
As the conference continues, the speculation and anticipation surrounding Trump’s running mate will only grow. The CPAC straw poll will provide valuable insights into the preferences of conservative voters, shedding light on who may have the best chance of joining Trump on the 2024 ticket.
What alternatives to well-known politicians like DeSantis, Haley, and Noem were suggested by CPAC attendees as fresh faces for the Republican Party?
Tead. On the other hand, there were also attendees who showed their support for Haley, praising her experience and leadership skills during her time as ambassador. Similarly, opinions were split on Governor DeSantis, with some attendees admiring his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida, while others expressed concern over his controversial positions on issues such as gun control and the environment.
A Rising Star: Kristi Noem
Another name that has caught the attention of attendees is Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota. Many attendees spoke highly of Noem and viewed her as a strong contender for the vice presidential position. They commended her conservative policies and her commitment to protecting individual freedoms. Some even compared her to former Vice President Mike Pence, with one attendee stating, ”She has the same kind of calm and reassuring demeanor that Pence had.”
Looking Beyond the Obvious Choices
While Trump’s shortlist includes well-known politicians like DeSantis, Haley, and Noem, some CPAC attendees expressed their desire for a fresh face to join the ticket. They believe that the Republican Party needs new, dynamic leaders who can energize the base and attract a wider range of supporters. Names such as Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, Representative Dan Crenshaw of Texas, and Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland were mentioned as potential options. These attendees emphasized the importance of diversity and the need to appeal to a broader segment of the American population.
The Ultimate Decision
As the conservative movement gathers at CPAC, the discussions and opinions around Trump’s potential running mate continue to evolve. The straw poll will provide a snapshot of the preferences among attendees, but ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of former President Trump. His choice of running mate will undoubtedly shape the Republican ticket and set the tone for the 2024 election. Until then, attendees at CPAC will eagerly await the release of the results and engage in passionate debates about the future of the conservative movement in the United States.
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