I just got back from CPAC. During these three days--just a little less than two years out of a presidential election-- prognosticators, pundits, and plain old people have been wandering the exhibit hall, rapt at speeches, and wrangling public opinion to try to glean some clue as to whom conservatives might throw their weight in the 2008 primary season. And, what will make them throw it any which direction?

One helpful, anecdotal measure of conservative feeling is the reaction to applause lines. So, what are conservatives clapping about these days?

Michael Steele. The Maryland Lt. Governor and former senate candidate emceed Thursday night's dinner, garnering at least one standing ovation upon his entrance. He also spoke of being the first African-American elected state-wide in Maryland, and of the honor of using the same office as Thomas Jefferson once used when the fledgling nation's capital was in Annapolis.

"I'm sure Thomas Jefferson wonders, 'how did a brother wind up in my office?'...There are probably some conservatives in here who wonder 'how did a brother wind up at CPAC?' Well, I want to tell you, there are a whole lot of conservative brothers and sisters out there. We should be about opening up the doors and the windows and inviting everyone to our table because it's the table of opportunity."

John Bolton. The Stand-Off 'Stache was on hand to give the keynote on Thursday night, and also earned a raucous standing ovation.

Wayne LaPierre. Big applause for the gun guru, but not quite a standing O, which reflects the success of the gun movement more than a lack of enthusiasm. Because so many gun battles have been won, the issue is less urgent than it once was.

David Keene of the American Conservative Union thanked Vice President Dick Cheney for being there and thanked the Lord he was able to make it, making reference to the recent attempt on the VP's life in Afghanistan:

"That he survived that attempt on his life is something for which we should all be grateful. That he is here with us tonight is something we should all celebrate."

Huge applause for that. Quite the contrast with some of our friends on the other side of the aisle.
President Bush. Perhaps the least talked-about elected official at CPAC was the President himself. Folks talked about the surge, the troops, the war, the economy, but never the man himself. In his speech, Cheney "brought personal greetings to all of you from our President George W. Bush."

Meh. He got one enthusiastic "woo!" but mostly one-step-above-polite applause.

Judges. Could it be that conservative activists an