Itching to Get on With It – Opinion

It’s Day Two of CPAC 2022 and there is a buzz in the air, as the event prepares to host the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, on Saturday evening. The resort is crowded with people making plans to arrive early. Security has increased at the resort exponentially since Friday afternoon. Americans – at least the ones here at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort – are anxious to hear from their president.

Trump’s presence still looms large at this event, and if one had fallen asleep in November of 2020 and woken up this day, one would believe Donald Trump is still the president. Vendors can be spotted along the streets outside the hotel selling Trump merchandise: everything from giant Trump flags to MAGA hats to “Trump won” t-shirts. They are clearly in high demand and their business appears to be growing. Many people are proudly wearing Trump paraphernalia and red hats are everywhere. I’ve overheard several conversations speculating on a 2024 run for the former president. The news out of Ukraine is not good, but there’s a thread of optimism in CPAC. Although the media has tried to silence him, CPAC is still a Trump country.

That being said, there was another personality who has people around here buzzing this weekend and that’s Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis was the keynote speaker during Thursday’s opening sessions and his speech was an absolute blast. The legacy media may be trying to pit Trump against DeSantis, but here at the nation’s largest conservative political gathering, neither one seems to be competing for the hearts and minds of the people. Both seem to be equally loved. DeSantis might consider selling branded merchandise. Those street vendors surely haven’t seen the roof of their profit-making ability yet.

CPAC 2021 seemed to be a place of corporate shock. Media and attendee alike appeared to be still recovering from the horrendous election. Some were relieved to be with their brethren. COVID still caused social havoc and this gathering was a welcome respite.

The mood this year seems more…itchy. Conservatives seem eager to enter another election cycle. They are eager to correct the mistakes of 2020. Much of the conversation — both onstage and off — is surrounding how the GOP and conservatives take advantage the disillusionment of the Democrat base and go grab those voters who are now experiencing severe sticker shock, now that the “grown ups” are in charge.

Of course, after Trump’s appearance, the biggest event will be the straw poll. CPAC straw votes are usually held a long time before the general election. CPAC votes will play the role of the coal miners this year. With so many people desperate to get these next few years behind us so we can flush this current administration, the CPAC straw poll will give people a real sense of just how serious they are about some candidates, but two in particular — Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump. The humble writer cannot make any predictions. Frankly, both seem equally popular here this weekend, and every person I’ve spoken to has expressed excitement and affection for both.

If I’m being honest, many of my conversations around the issue have seemed to lean towards Trump staying off the ballot and making himself a media threat and “kingmaker.” Ron DeSantis seems to have a bit of an edge in 2024 sentiments, but as we’ve learned the hard way over the last few years, it’s best not to lean too heavily on predictions. The territory is still uncharted.

CPAC’s front page broadcasts live coverage from general sessions panels and speeches. Of course, we’ll continue to bring you coverage and opinion from the RedState front pages as well.

Oh, and…

Let’s Go, Brandon!