CPAC RECAP DAY 3:
The last day of CPAC was a very busy one with lots of high-profile speakers and intriguing breakout sessions.
-The day started with Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin, giving a strong defense of his brand of conservatism that was well accepted amongst those in attendance. He was also one of the few pols that after their speech actually came into the mass of people and shook hands with well wishers and fellow conservatives. I thought that was pretty cool Image may be NSFW.
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considering most politicians stayed in their security bubble and keep people at an arm’s length. The aspect of Gov. Walker’s speech I found likeable was his ability to articulate conservative principles-tied to specific policy and electoral success. As a successful re-call Governor he certainly occupies a position of legitimacy considering he has faced and overcome the questioning of his constituency regarding his job performance. The idea of measure success by how many people are living on liberty and not on government is reinforced in Wisconsin with Gov. Walker championing a work requirement for all able-body recipients of Government aid. This was a central pillar in the 1990’s era well-fare reform that lead to a massive decrease in the recipient of well-form because it forced people to get jobs which in turn lead them no longer needing government aid. Unfortunately, the current administration has softened this requirement.
-The next event I attended was a foreign policy panel entitled, “What is a Conservative Foreign Policy”? sponsored by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. In the aftermath of the Bush era neo-conservative reign republicans are searching for the light on foreign policy. From Rubio’s strong support of American global leadership to Rand Paul’s restrained and rules-based approach I think the next election and especially the primary season will help crystallize where the party moves on foreign policy. Because foreign policy is more reactive than prescriptive its hard to say what the winning formula is with knowing what world events will transpire over the next four years and how both sides react to them.
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I enjoyed the entertainment provided by Gov. Sarah Palin in her much-anticipated speech. While she had the crowd in the palms of her hands I think its safe to say that she is definitely in the showmanship business and recasting her self as serious politician seems at this point highly unlikely.
- Conservative stalwart, Phyllis Schlafly, Founder of the Eagle Forum, took the stage soon after Palin. Mrs. Schlafly provided a time-honored endorsement of conservatism but went a little to far when she referred to Bob Dole and John McCain as losers because they offered a different brand of conservatism. Her delivery of the attack and the substance of it I found baseless and inappropriate consider the military and civic service both men have given America.
- I enjoyed the jokes of Ann Coulter, political commentator and best-selling author. He line about congratulating CPAC for this years speaker line-up being 300 pounds lighter was hilarious and got the crowed fired up regarding the no invite given to Chris Christie. Her strong defense of a no-amnesty position has on fully display and will certainly make it hard for the republican members of the gang of eight (and congress at large) working on comprehensive immigration to strike a bi-partisan deal.
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The best part of the night was the keynote address delivered by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). No notes, no teleprompter, no stage choreograph and no podium. With his oratorical delivery so smooth it appeared as if the 35 minute speech was given entirely off the cuff. Sen, Cruz turned in a memorable performance as a politician who connects the audience with the convictions of his beliefs and the intellectual capacity to articulate those beliefs.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
