ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to kick off CPAC in Orlando today, as some of America’s most prominent conservatives gather for four days of schmoozing, discussions and speeches.
DeSantis plans to deliver the first talk at 1:30 p.m. at the Conservative Political Action Conference held at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort.
The governor is not the most high-profile speaker, however. Former President Donald Trump is returning to Orlando for its second year of CPAC on Saturday. On Sunday, the results of a straw poll for president in 2024 will be announced.
DeSantis is appearing following a panel discussion entitled “AWAKE NOT WOKE,” by American Conservative Union chair Matt Schlapp, notably the only agenda item entirely in all caps.
Among the other panels are: “Domestic Terrorists Unite: Lessons from Virginia Parents;” “Are you ready to be called a racist: The courage to run for office;” “How to talk to your neighbor without starting a backyard brawl;” “The Truth about January 6th;” “Silly Doctor! Sex Changes Aren’t for Kids;” “Lock Her Up, FOR REAL;” and “The Moron in Chief.”
Other scheduled speakers include U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., appearing at a panel entitled, “They Can’t Shut Us Up!”; James O’Keefe of Project Veritas; and U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley
In advance of CPAC, an anti-Trump group called the Republican Accountability Project announced it was placing more than 100 billboards all around Central Florida to try and counter-program the conference.
“I wouldn’t recognize today’s GOP. Reagan wouldn’t either,” reads one billboard quoting Nancy, a former Republican from Colorado.
“I left the GOP,” reads another quote from Steve, a former Republican from Wisconsin. “It needs to be about more than Trump.”
CPAC, normally held in the Washington, D.C. area, moved to Orlando for the first time last year after Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan imposed COVID restrictions. DeSantis welcomed visitors to what he called the “oasis of freedom” that was Florida.
Other CPACs have been held or scheduled in Texas and Hungary.
____
