Staff Reports
NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland – The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is buzzing with excitement as conservative attendees show their unwavering support for former President Donald Trump. The event is not only a chance for them to express their preference for Trump, but also an opportunity to size up who should be his running mate for the 2024 presidential election.
CPAC 2024: Trump fans dish on vice presidential favorites at confab of MAGA faithful https://t.co/HQm08YXO9U https://t.co/HQm08YXO9U
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 23, 2024
Trump’s potential vice presidential candidates, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, are all set to take the stage at the conference, giving attendees the chance to get a feel for their options. While the results of the straw poll won’t be revealed until Saturday, Washington Examiner interviews with CPAC attendees have provided insight into the most and least favored candidates.
It’s clear that attendees are not fans of Haley or DeSantis. One attendee from Delaware, Amy, had a strong negative reaction to Haley, expressing doubts about her loyalty to the Republican party and criticizing her foreign policy views. Others echoed similar sentiments, with some even suggesting that Haley should join the Democratic ticket instead.
DeSantis also faced criticism, with one attendee labeling him a “turncoat” for initially stating he would sit out of the presidential race this cycle. However, there were a few positive remarks about DeSantis, particularly commendation for his performance as governor, and some thought that 2028 might be a better timing for his presidential aspirations.
Along with DeSantis and Haley, other potential VPs like Rep. Byron Donalds, Gov. Kristi Noem, Sen. J.D. Vance, and Rep. Elise Stefanik are making their cases to the CPAC crowd. However, attendees raised concerns about the experience and visibility of some of these candidates, with doubts about their suitability for the vice presidential role.
The straw poll includes notable names like Sen. Tim Scott, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, and even former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Attendees expressed skepticism about some of these choices, questioning their name recognition and suitability for the role of vice president.
As the excitement and speculation continue to build at CPAC, it’s clear that attendees have strong opinions about who they want to see on the 2024 Republican ticket. With Trump set to address the crowd and a pivotal primary in Nikki Haley’s home state on Saturday, the conference promises to be a hotbed of political fervor and debate.
The potential vice presidential selection is a crucial topic of discussion, and attendees at CPAC are taking their time to carefully consider who they want to see on the ticket come November. The buzz and anticipation surrounding the event highlight the passion and dedication of conservative voters as they gear up for the upcoming election.
