Donald Trump emerged as the decisive winner in the highly anticipated straw poll sponsored by the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), solidifying his position as the favoured candidate of the Republican grassroots in 2024 with a dominating 62 per cent advantage.
Trump easily defeated his closest competitor, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who garnered barely 20 per cent of the vote. This outcome was not surprising, given that Trump has won the last five CPAC straw polls, which gauge attendees' preferences for president.
Carla Sands, Trump's former ambassador to Denmark, told the Epoch Times she anticipated the outcome.
She stated, "[Trump] was the former president who received more Republican votes than any previous U.S. president." "It doesn't surprise me."
Yet, Sands had positive things to say about Desantis.
She said, "Desantis is fantastic." "He is an excellent governor, but Trump was the greatest president."
Trump received 59 per cent of the votes at last year's CPAC straw poll in Orlando, while DeSantis placed a distant second with 28 per cent. Several potential Republican presidential contenders, including DeSantis, Mike Pence, and Tim Scott, skipped this year's CPAC.
Trump's former deputy assistant to the president, Sebastian Gorka, shared the same sentiments. When asked if he was surprised by the outcome of the vote, Gorka responded, "Of course not."
Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake praised both President Trump and Governor Desantis, but she deems Trump to be the more capable candidate.
Lake told The Epoch Times, "This nation needs Trump." And he understands how to win.
Moreover, Lake commended Governor Desantis on his work in Florida. She and others commented on Trump's charisma and vitality, stating that these are significant reasons why he will likely be the nominee in 2024.
Trump's success in the straw poll demonstrates his enduring appeal among the Republican Party's conservative base and his status as a vital force inside the party.
"Thank you for that wonderful straw poll," Trump stated in his subsequent speech. That was a significant victory.
Trump is slated to deliver a speech at the conference on Saturday evening, joining two other announced presidential candidates, Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, who have already addressed the meeting.
