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CPAC brings out most-watched conservatives

The 2016 presidential elections are still 21 months away but a key first test for Republicans is taking place outside Washington, D.C.
GOP hopefuls take the stage at CPAC 02:07

CPAC, the largest gathering of conservatives all year brought the GOP A-list to Washington a full 21 months before the next presidential election.

Among them were many likely Republican presidential hopefuls making their cases and illustrating their targets.

"Obamacare is a trainwreck. And that's actually not fair to train wrecks," said Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie tried to show he was a staunch conservative.

"I ran as a pro-life candidate in 2009," he said. "Unapologetically spoke at the pro-life rally on the steps of the state house, and vetoed Planned Parenthood funding five times out of the NJ budget.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks Friday at the conference, but polls show he is struggling against other conservatives because of his support for immigration reform and common core education standards.

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