Former president Donald Trump made a triumphant return to politics this weekend as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was held in Oxon Hill, Maryland. His supporters filled the ballroom, chanting "Four more years" as he spoke on Saturday. The event served as a reminder of his influence over the right-wing party and his enduring strength as a possible 2024 presidential candidate. While Trump's appeal to his hard-core base could not be overstated at the event, public opinion polls suggest many Republicans are looking elsewhere for a candidate, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis, who has not declared a presidential bid, made a concerted effort over the weekend to burnish his profile. He spoke at Republican fundraisers in Houston and Dallas, as well as a gathering for Republican donors in Florida. He also gave a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. While DeSantis did not attend CP