Earlier this month, a regional conservative political action conference commonly known as CPAC was held in Texas, July 9-11, 2021 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The theme was “America Uncanceled.” These events are considered the largest gatherings of conservatives in the world.
Last February, another CPAC gathering was held in Orlando, Florida. Review the full agenda for the Texas conference here: https://cpac.conservative.org/agenda/
There were hundreds of speakers with thousands of attendees over the three days. The keynote speaker was President Donald J. Trump, who spoke to about 4000 people on Sunday afternoon. I had a chance to meet many of the speakers and network with hundreds of the attendees. Some social media including YouTube appear to have blocked Trump's speech on their platforms. Here is a link to the CSPAN coverage of his remarks: https://www.c-span.org/video/?513311-1/president-trump-speaks-conservative-political-action-conference
One of the highlights for me was the opening prayer by Father James Altman. He has been put on leave by the Catholic Church or some say “cancelled” for saying things like “You cannot be a Catholic and a Democrat.”
Father Altman told me in a short interview that the bishop notified him by Federal Express mail of his suspension. I told him he should had not signed for the letter. He said it was just left in his mailbox. He is fighting the suspension (cancellation) and has support. Here is an article I wrote earlier this month.
Another featured speaker was South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. She, along with Florida Governor Ron DiSantis, are touted as the best leaders keeping their states open while controlling the Covid 19 outbreak. Both are considered presidential hopeful front runners in 2024. DiSantis won CPAC's straw poll if President Trump decides not to run. Governor Noem will be the keynote speaker this Thursday at the Lake County Republican Gala in Wheeling, Illinois. Tickets available at this link. http://lcgop.org/attend-an-event/
Congressman Matt Gaetz was seen all over CPAC but apparently was not invited to speak on the main stage. He has been doing rallies across the country with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green. Over that weekend Green appeared at a fundraiser with Illinois Congresswoman Mary Miller in Effingham, Illinois attended by over 1000 people.
Former Secretary of Health & Human Services Ben Carson spoke to a packed room. He talked of changes in education and the need to get people off welfare. His quote which made the rounds on social media was, “But what really had a negative impact was when government came along and said, ‘There, there, you poor little thing, I’m going to take care of of all your needs and started implementing policies that would be destructive to the family formation.'”
US Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee was a featured speaker. She criticized big tech, the liberal media, and suppression of the lab-leak theory with the origin of Covid.
Former Olympian Bruce Jenner, now going by the name Caitlyn Jenner, was making the rounds at CPA as a recall candidate for Governor of California. I asked Jenner for a quick photo of which she replied, “Let’s do it.”
Breaking this week, radio talk show host Larry Elders announced he too is running for governor of California.
Allen West was at CPAC after announcing he plans to run for Governor of Texas. Greg Abbott is the current Governor who is under fire from all sides for his handling of COVID and not following a more conservative agenda. Donald Huffines has also announced that he’s running for governor and was working the room all weekend.
Vernon Jones was at CPAC Texas and announced he’s running for Governor of Georgia. He’s a former state representative and a former democrat. He is considered a “walk away” which is a person who walks away from being a democrat.
The next CPAC will tentatively be on March 3, 2021 with a location not announced yet. There are rumors of Florida but who knows? You can find more information about the American Conservative union here: https://www.conservative.org/
Mark Weyermuller is a small business person, retired real estate professional, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist, frequent guest on talk radio, and regular contributor to Illinois Review. This is his sixth time attending CPAC.
Founded in 2005, Illinois Review is the leading perspective and source of conservative news, opinion and information in Illinois. Follow Illinois Review on X at @IllinoisReview.
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