Five things to watch at CPAC

Republicans are gathering in Orlando this week for the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an annual event that allows grassroots activists, prominent commentators and lawmakers to rub elbows while discussing the present and future state of the GOP.

While the gabfest happens every year, this week’s conference is the first to take place after former President Trump left the White House, allowing possible 2024 presidential contenders to test their appeal to a base that remains in lockstep with the former president.

CPACs in the past few years have been lovefests for Trump, who used the event to launch his political career in 2011 and made several appearances while he was in the White House. This year is not expected to be any different – polls show Trump remains wildly popular with Republican voters, and he is set to give a keynote speech on Sunday, the conference’s final day.

Fellow speakers amount to a who’s who of prospective White House candidates, including Govs. Kristi Noem of South Dakota and Ron DeSantis of Florida; former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; and Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas), Josh Hawley (Mo.), Rick Scott (Fla.) and Tom Cotton (Ark.).

Here are five things to watch at this week’s CPAC gathering.