Closing summary
At the Conservative Political Action Conference today, Republicans who are not Donald Trump tried their best to convince the audience to give them a shot in 2024. Up first was his former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, who argued that the GOP’s struggle to win the popular vote in recent elections is a sign the party needs a change at the top. Mike Pompeo, Trump’s former secretary of state who may also launch a presidential campaign, made much the same argument. But several Republicans in attendance weren’t impressed. Indeed, the best received speech of the day was made by Steve Bannon, who spent 15 minutes singing Trump’s praises and condemning those who oppose him, most vociferously Fox News.
Here’s a recap of the day’s events:
A call to defund the police was a surprise applause line at CPAC.
Rightwing congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to make providing gender-affirming care to minors a felony, and believes Trump will win the GOP nomination next year.
Democrats remain behind Joe Biden, if the statements of House lawmakers are any indication.
The White House condemned Tennessee’s moves to crack down on drag shows in the state.
A big winner at CPAC this year was Newsmax, Fox News’ fringey competitor.
Updated
CPAC’s interests don’t stop at America’s borders.
Among the speakers today was Nigel Farage, who is a familiar face at these conventions. Like many who came before him today, the former leader of the Brexit party used his speech to attack the transgender rights movement, citing the resignation of Scottish National party leader Nicola Sturgeon. Here’s what he said, from the Guardian’s David Smith:
Nigel Farage: Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. "Donald Trump's mum came from Scotland. He's half-Scottish." Nicola Sturgeon wanted Scotland "to become one of the most progressive countries in the world and passed crazy legislation".
— David Smith (@SmithInAmerica) March 3, 2023
Farage: "If they can turn it around in Scotland against a woman with that level of power, can you turn it around in the United States of America?... Save America and you'll save the free world."
— David Smith (@SmithInAmerica) March 3, 2023
Updated
