Day two of the 2015 Conservative Political Action Conference began at the same fevered pitch as the opening act Thursday. Presidential hopefuls drew cheers and jeers—and plenty of tweets as well.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., was the first 2016 contender to take the stage Friday. Audience reactions were mixed.
https://twitter.com/KirstenGolinski/status/571321201555054592
I saw MARCO RUBIO speak today!!! #CPAC2015 #marcorubio @marcorubio ? pic.twitter.com/sL0xkxu9o4
— Devon M. (@MissBlister) February 27, 2015
Marco Rubio's brief Americanism speech this AM didn't sound like someone running for POTUS, more Senatorial #CPAC pic.twitter.com/mcycPbcu6t
— Ashley Matt (@ashleymatt) February 27, 2015
Rubio spoke about his social conservatism and passion for life.
#CPAC2015 @BuzzPo Marco Rubio says: "Imagine if our laws protected life from birth to natural death"
— conservative-warrior (@reaganwarriors) February 27, 2015
He also stressed his outsider status and his future ambitions.
https://twitter.com/AndrewE_Johnson/status/571309758529048576
When it came to immigration, Rubio spoke of regrets on his role in the bipartisan.
Marco Rubio Walks Back His Own Immigration Reform Plans at CPAC http://t.co/0y4bpVCTm7 (FULL SPEECH VIDEO) pic.twitter.com/dQeEw4XtBE
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) February 27, 2015
The slew of presidential contenders continued with former Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Some people made fun of him.
Rick Perry currently threatening to make "three points" at CPAC speech. I'm a little worried for him…
— Jeff Blehar is *BOX OFFICE POISON* (@EsotericCD) February 27, 2015
But Perry had plenty of fans.
https://twitter.com/dand66/status/571399708268216320
https://twitter.com/roberthaus/status/571392952452251648
During the speech, he demonstrated his support for Israel.
Israel should have right to exist as Jewish state….AMEN @GovernorPerry #CPAC2015
— Sharon (@SharonLSandoval) February 27, 2015
Perry also took a shot at President Obama by yearning for the Jimmy Carter years.
Rick Perry warns of danger, uncertainty: 'We've survived worse … even Jimmy Carter' http://t.co/X5ZmdpYXhr #CPAC2015 pic.twitter.com/uDkPKLDUqy
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 27, 2015
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., drew a large audience for his speech. Supporters swarmed the main ballroom wearing “Stand With Rand” shirts.
"My plan will balance the budget in just 5 years." -Rand Paul #CPAC2015 #StandWithRand
— Producer G (@G_Humbertson) February 27, 2015
Endless red "I Stand With Rand" shirts and buttons at in the main #CPAC2015 ballroom in anticipation of Paul's speech pic.twitter.com/oSroXKieCH
— Emily Brooks (@emilybrooksnews) February 27, 2015
"President Paul" chant rises from #CPAC2015 audience. "Stand with Rand" signs popping up.
I predict he wins the Straw Poll, again. #TCCUS
— David Giffin (@D_Giffin) February 27, 2015
This was despite Paul being delayed by a Senate vote.
"At this time, Senator Rand Paul has been delayed due to a vote. He is expected to speak at mid-day. We will keep you posted." #CPAC2015
— @authoridad.bsky.social? (@authoridad) February 27, 2015
Paul discussed several topics that have excited libertarian-leaning conservative millennial voters, including curbing the power of Congress.
"We need a constitutional amendment that says Congress shall pass no law that exempts Congress itself" Rand Paul #standwithrand #CPAC2015
— Joshua Nehmeh (@JoshuaNehmeh) February 27, 2015
Things got heated later in the day as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush took the stage. The room—including the press filing center—was packed, with many people standing in the aisles to watch Sean Hannity interview the likely 2016 contender.
Talk of walkout begin to swirl.
I like Rand paul, but I can't stand his supporters. A walk out on Jeb? How old are you? #CPAC2015
— francis (@francis_ihs) February 27, 2015
Bush was greeted with a mixed reaction from the crowd.
https://twitter.com/bmcsmith92/status/571388499133394944
When pressed by Hannity on his views, Bush’s fans gave him hearty applause.
@DylanByers Without a doubt the best speaker yet at CPAC was Gov Jeb Bush.
— Jersey Shore Rises?? (@bohratom) February 27, 2015
Some questioned who these fans really were.
Jeb Bush bussed people into #cpac2015 for his speech.
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) February 27, 2015
Day three looks to be just as fun.