Donald Trump was the surprise speaker at CPAC in Washington Thursday, and the billionaire real estate developer and entrepreneur wasted no time leaving an impression. The reality TV host told the crowd he was considering a run for the GOP 2012 presidential nomination and would decide by June.
"The U.S. is becoming the laughingstock of the world," said Trump. "They view our leaders as weak and ineffective."
Trump also went specifically after President Obama, "Our current president came out of nowhere... [He has] no track record... nothing to criticize."
'The Donald,' as he is called, was a last minute add to the schedule and the crowd gave him a rousing reception. "Considering the shape the U.S. is in right now, we need a competitive person, a highly competent person, or we're going to have very serious problems, very soon."
But the highlight of Trump's speech may have been when he took on the large and loud group of Ron Paul supporters in the hall. "By the way, Ron Paul cannot get elected. I'm sorry folks," Trump said as Paul supporters jeered. "I like Ron Paul... but he has zero chance of getting elected."
Trump also made a point of getting on the record with some of his conservative political positions. "I'm pro-life and I will fight to end Obamacare and replace it."
Trump was also a huge attraction for the media and was constantly trailed by a cabal of reporters and cameras from the moment he walked in the door.
Read more: http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/02/10/donald-steals-show#ixzz1Du6zSiJa
Showing posts with label CPAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CPAC. Show all posts
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Ron Paul Wins Presidential Straw Poll at CPAC
For the second year in a row, Ron Paul won the presidential straw poll at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, earning 30 percent of the vote.
The Texas congressman, known for his libertarian views, ran for president in 2008 but was never a serious contender for the GOP nomination.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a 2008 GOP candidate who is expected to run again, came in second place with 23 percent of the vote. Romney won the previous three presidential straw polls before Paul snapped his streak last year.
Many convention-goers booed when the results were announced but the Paul supporters drowned them out with chants of "Ron Paul! Ron Paul! Ron Paul!"
Paul's consecutive victories in the straw poll have frustrated many GOP faithful who would rather see a more credible contender win. A CPAC official told Fox News that the big story is not Paul winning again but rather the strength of Romney's second-place finish.
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie came in a distant third with 6 percent of the vote, followed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich with 5 percent.
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels all received 4 percent. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin got 3 percent. Businessman Herman Cain, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and South Dakota Sen. John Thune earned 2 percent. Former U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour finished with 1 percent.
Fox News' Jake Gibson contributed to this report.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/12/ron-paul-wins-presidential-straw-poll-cpac/#ixzz1Du5LxfRN
The Texas congressman, known for his libertarian views, ran for president in 2008 but was never a serious contender for the GOP nomination.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a 2008 GOP candidate who is expected to run again, came in second place with 23 percent of the vote. Romney won the previous three presidential straw polls before Paul snapped his streak last year.
Many convention-goers booed when the results were announced but the Paul supporters drowned them out with chants of "Ron Paul! Ron Paul! Ron Paul!"
Paul's consecutive victories in the straw poll have frustrated many GOP faithful who would rather see a more credible contender win. A CPAC official told Fox News that the big story is not Paul winning again but rather the strength of Romney's second-place finish.
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie came in a distant third with 6 percent of the vote, followed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich with 5 percent.
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels all received 4 percent. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin got 3 percent. Businessman Herman Cain, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and South Dakota Sen. John Thune earned 2 percent. Former U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour finished with 1 percent.
Fox News' Jake Gibson contributed to this report.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/12/ron-paul-wins-presidential-straw-poll-cpac/#ixzz1Du5LxfRN
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