For the first time in nearly a decade, President Donald Trump did not attend one of the biggest annual meetings of conservatives. But even in his absence, the Conservative Political Action Conference revolved around him.

There were disagreements over his war with Iran, pride over his immigration crackdown and lots of encouragement to avoid infighting as the Republican Party faces a difficult midterm election.

It was a contrast with last year’s gathering, when conservatives were riding high after Trump’s return to office and Elon Musk waved a chain saw to symbolize his new role leading the Department of Government Efficiency.

From the conference’s opening moments, speaker after speaker appealed for unity.

“They want us divided,” warned Mercedes Schlapp, a senior fellow at CPAC whose husband, Matt, chairs the organization.

Evangelist Franklin Graham said the war with Iran represents a “critical time for our country.”

“We can discuss our differences, but do it with respect without attacking and tearing down the other person,” he said. “Save that for the socialists.”