Title: The Race for Vice Presidential Nomination: A Display of Loyalty and Defiance at CPAC 2023
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in 2023 became the stage for Republican hopefuls to showcase their unwavering loyalty to the former president, Donald Trump, and demonstrate their readiness to defend him against political opponents. The event marked an open season for contenders looking to secure a spot as Trump’s running mate in the upcoming presidential election.
New York Representative Elise Stefanik and Florida Representative Byron Donalds were among those who invoked Trump’s name frequently during their speeches, praising him and expressing unwavering support. Stefanik went as far as to claim that her constituency was now “Trump and Elise country.” Byron Donalds, who mentioned Trump by name only twice during his speech the previous day, shared a foreign policy vision that resonated with Trump’s ideologies.
Former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii attempted to stay neutral regarding the vice presidential selection, while South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem took shots at some of her fellow contenders. The competition for Trump’s vice presidency has been a simmering backstage drama for weeks, if not longer, and this year’s CPAC provided an opportunity for the hopefuls to present their cases in a more explicit manner.
Vivek Ramaswamy, Ohio Senator JD Vance, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, and other potential vice presidential candidates also addressed the crowd. Each contender worked to appeal to Trump and his supporters, demonstrating their loyalty and showcasing their ability to defend Trump and attack political adversaries.
Speaking about the legal challenges faced by Trump, Ben Carson told the crowd, “They’re incredibly unfair, and if we allow this to happen, America will never be the same again.” Despite the perception that CPAC was the unofficial beginning of the vice presidential nomination process, event organizers and participants acknowledged that Trump would make the ultimate decision.
The CPAC straw poll invited attendees to vote for their preferred vice presidential pick, with results set to be released on Saturday. Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, which holds the event, stated that while not scientific, the poll provides valuable insight into Republican and conservative sentiment.
Trump himself fueled the speculation during an appearance on Fox News, expressing praise for various potential running mates, including Tim Scott, who skipped CPAC to join Trump at a campaign event in South Carolina.
Each contender attempted to navigate the fine line of showcasing their conservative credentials and loyalty to Trump without appearing overly eager for the vice presidency. As in 2016, when Mike Pence filled those requirements for Trump, considerations like party insider approval and appealing to specific voter demographics are less relevant this time around.
Former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, despite her obliviousness to the vice presidential chatter, fiercely defended Trump from a unique perspective as a former ally to his political enemies. Gabbard stated, “I don’t think Joe Biden could handle this pressure. I’ve known him for a long time. Do you think he could handle it?”
Stefanik and Ramaswamy, who have both expressed interest in serving in a Trump administration, compared themselves to the former president. Stefanik claimed that her constituency was now “Trump and Elise country,” while Ramaswamy endorsed Trump as a commander-in-chief capable of leading the nation in a war between those who love America and its founding ideals and those who hate it.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem raised doubts about other Republicans, suggesting they had pursued their own interests instead of supporting Trump. She stated, “Last year, when everyone was asking me if I would consider running for president, I said no. Why would you run for president if you can’t win?”
Attendees at CPAC were already speculating about Trump’s potential vice presidential pick and evaluating each contender’s strengths and weaknesses. Edward X. Young, a 64-year-old visitor from Brick, New Jersey, favored the idea of a “Donald/Donalds” ticket and considered Ramaswamy to be “very exciting.” However, he acknowledged that striking a balance between Trump’s experience and a newer candidate’s energy might be necessary.
Bodie Brewer, a 17-year-old from Reading, Pennsylvania, believed that the party should consider candidates from a new generation to attract diverse voters and usher in a post-Trump era.
The age factor also played a role in the vice presidential selection, as Trump would be 78 on Inauguration Day if he wins the presidency. Philip Whitby, a 71-year-old from Winter Park, Florida, emphasized the importance of selecting someone capable of stepping in as president if necessary.
However, Whitby acknowledged that predicting Trump’s choice was a futile effort, stating, “Trump’s gonna surprise us because that’s what he does.”
