"CPAC Auditions: Trump's Potential VP Picks Vie for Spot by His Side"
Potential vice presidential contenders, including Senator J.D. Vance, Representative Elise Stefanik, Gov. Kristi Noem, and Kari Lake, auditioned for the spot at Donald Trump's side during their appearances at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Their speeches emphasized loyalty and deference to Trump, with fiery rhetoric and flattery, as they sought to appeal to the former president, who faces legal troubles. Stefanik, in particular, aggressively defended Trump and portrayed herself as an early supporter, despite previous private criticism.