The 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was a buzz of excitement as attendees showed equal interest in two potential vice presidential candidates for former President Donald Trump as he gears up for the presidential election in November. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy emerged as top picks, each securing 15 percent of the straw poll votes.
This year’s CPAC straw poll took a different approach by focusing on the vice presidential pick, a departure from previous years where discussions mainly centered on the presidential nomination. Trump’s anticipated landslide victory in the presidential poll highlighted this shift in focus.
The four-day event held outside Washington concluded with the straw poll results, which sparked discussions and speculation within the Republican party. Several Republicans considered potential vice presidential candidates for Trump spoke at CPAC, including Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Kari Lake, a Senate candidate from Arizona.
Following Noem and Ramaswamy in the poll were former Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, now an independent, with 9 percent, and Stefanik and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) with 8 percent each. The focus on the vice presidential race at CPAC highlights the ongoing discussions within the Republican party as Trump maintains his lead in the primary contests.
As the presidential election draws closer, the speculation and interest in potential vice presidential candidates continue to grow. The CPAC straw poll results have provided valuable insights into the preferences of conservative voters and the direction of the Republican party leading up to the November election.
Overall, the 2024 CPAC was a platform for lively discussions, debates, and the showcasing of potential leaders within the Republican party. With the presidential election on the horizon, the focus on the vice presidential pick has added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the political landscape.
