As expected, overall CPAC 2026 has been a big dud with more than half of the events sparsely attended, and more empty seats than audience members.  CPAC has been rejected by the majority of the pragmatic MAGA base, leaving only a shallow lineup of regretful podcast voices showcasing their diminished influence.  It’s a hot mess.

That said, a large gathering of organized Persians and Texas evangelicals who support Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as the outside opposition leader to Iran showed up for his keynote address.  While many in the audience likely had never heard of Pahlavi prior to today, they know they do not support the religious zealots who are being confronted by President Trump.

President Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio have kept the Pahlavi crowd at a diplomatic arm’s length as they work through the optimal solutions; however, Prince Reza Pahlavi was well received at CPAC 2026 to deliver his remarks.

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It took less than a half hour for President Trump to be declared the winner of the South Carolina primary.  It was an easy roll to victory with the former president easily defeating former Gov. Nikki Haley in her own home state.  The race was called by major networks shortly after the polls closed at 7 pm.

There are 50 delegates at stake.   How they are apportioned is a bit tricky.  Trump has a lead of 25 to 30 points in most polls, positioning him to capture the 29 at-large delegates that go to the statewide winner. The remaining 21 delegates are divided among the state’s seven congressional districts.  The winner in each district gets three delegates – and Trump has a good chance of winning all seven congressional districts.

The next primary is Tuesday, in Michigan.

LIVE RESULTS… (H/T NeverDesantis)

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