At CPAC, the ‘America First’ Crowd Ponders Giving War a Chance

Key Points:

• At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, a symbolic bean poll initially showed close support for the war in Iran, but later shifted significantly in favor of military action after a large influx of beans appeared.
• The poll, organized by Republicans for National Renewal, highlighted a growing conservative divide over the conflict initiated by President Trump and Israel a month ago, with some skepticism about the war’s duration and potential escalation.
• CPAC, led by Trump supporters Matt and Mercedes Schlapp, generally leaned toward supporting the military action, but concerns about a prolonged conflict and the use of ground troops were prevalent among attendees.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed confidence that the war would be short, lasting weeks rather than months, and stated that ground troops would not be necessary, though many at CPAC remained wary of a longer, bloodier conflict.
• The event underscored tensions within the conservative base as they grapple with rising gasoline prices, stock market declines, and uncertainty about the war’s impact on the U.S. and its future military involvement.