It’s Day Two of CPAC 2022 and there is a buzz in the air, as the event prepares to host the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, on Saturday evening. Attendees can be heard making preparations to get their seats early, and security around the resort has increased exponentially even during the afternoon hours of this Friday. Americans – at least the ones here at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort – are anxious to hear from their president.

Trump’s presence still looms large at this event, and if one had fallen asleep in November of 2020 and woken up this day, one would believe Donald Trump is still the president. Vendors can be spotted along the streets outside the hotel selling Trump merchandise: everything from giant Trump flags to MAGA hats to “Trump won” t-shirts. And frankly, their business seems to be booming. Red hats can be seen everywhere, and many attendees are unashamedly adorned in Trump paraphernalia. I’ve overheard several conversations speculating on a 2024 run for the former president. While the news coming out of Ukraine is stark, there is a thread of optimism running through CPAC. The media may have silenced him in many ways for now, but CPAC is clearly still Trump country,

That being said, there was another personality who has people around here buzzing this weekend and that’s Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis spoke on Thursday during opening sessions, and he blew the roof off the place. The legacy media may be trying to pit Trump against DeSantis, but here at the nation’s largest conservative political gathering, neither one seems to be competing for the hearts and minds of the people. They seem equally adored. DeSantis should really think about getting some branded merchandise out there. Those street vendors surely haven’t seen the roof of their profit-making ability yet.

At CPAC 2021, the mood seemed to reflect a sense of corporate shock. Attendees and media alike seemed to be recovering from the brutal election, and many were just relieved to be among brethren and friendly faces. COVID was still causing social havoc, and the gathering felt like a respite.

The mood this year seems more…itchy. Conservatives are itchy to get into another election cycle. They seem eager to right the wrong of 2020. Much of the conversation — both onstage and off — is surrounding how the GOP and conservatives can take advantage of the disillusionment of the Democrat base and go grab those voters who are now experiencing severe sticker shock, now that the “grown ups” are in charge.

Of course, after Trump’s appearance, the biggest event will be the straw poll. Typically this far ahead of a general election, CPAC straw polls are more fun than anything. This year, CPAC voters will be acting as the canaries in the coal mine. With so many people desperate to get these next few years behind us so we can flush this current administration, the CPAC straw poll will give people a real sense of just how serious they are about some candidates, but two in particular — Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump. This humble writer has no predictions to make. Frankly, both seem equally popular here this weekend, and every person I’ve spoken to has expressed excitement and affection for both.

If I’m being honest, many of my conversations around the issue have seemed to lean towards Trump staying off the ballot and making himself a media threat and “kingmaker.” Ron DeSantis seems to have a bit of an edge in 2024 sentiments, but as we’ve learned the hard way over the last few years, it’s best not to lean too heavily on predictions. We are officially in uncharted territory.

The CPAC front page airs live coverage of general session panels and speeches. Of course, we’ll continue to bring you coverage and opinion from the RedState front pages as well.

Oh, and…

Let’s Go, Brandon!