By Mark Weyermuller -
“The reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated” is a quote from Mark Twain that comes to my mind in reference to Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
The Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Keep America Great (KAG) movements are alive and kicking. President Trump set the record straight Sunday while telling his vision for the immediate future.
I attended the Conservative Political Action Conference commonly known as CPAC this past week in Orlando, Florida. The conference is billed as "the largest gathering of conservatives in the world."
This year, the theme was “America Uncanceled.” Free speech have been under attack for conservatives.
The highlight of the week was a speech by President Donald J. Trump. The speech solidified the fact that President Trump is the head of the Republican Party. He discussed the future of the GOP, issues with the past election results, formation of a new super PAC and fake news. The speech was full of optimism for the future. The former president also confirmed there will be no third party but only the GOP, with him at the lead.
Trump discussed his many accomplishments while pointing out the failures of the new Biden administration. At one point during his speech, the enthusiastic crowded starting chanting, “WE LOVE YOU.” President Trump was moved and went off script to point out he had never heard this chant for other presidential speeches.
The conference was attended by over 4000 people. Several hotel employees said the CPAC convention here at the Hyatt Hotel was the largest gathering in the past 11 months. They were very happy to be back to work. There are heavy restrictions for fear of COVID. Multiple safety precautions were taken at the convention center and hotel.
While Florida has lifted most restrictions, in Orange County (run by Democrats) they continued to impose many rules at the conference. Most people I’ve interviewed have no fear of COVID and were very annoyed by the mask policy.
CPAC is a major networking event bringing together conservatives from across the country. For me I’ve informally interviewed hundreds of people on topics including direction of the Republican Party, thoughts on the vaccine, censorship, and reopening America.
More to follow on these topics in my next article. Part of my reporting including photos (selfies) with everybody I meet. Here are some if the 700 photos I took, not all selfies.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem
Texas US Senator Ted Cruz
Cory Lewindowski
Mr. Pillow Mike Lindell
Robert Davi, actor known for many movies including Die Hard, License To Kill, Goonies and the new feature film Roe Vs Wade. The film was shown Thursday night at CPAC.
Florida US Senator Rick Scott
Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk
Congressman Madison Cawthorn
CNN's Jim Acosta interviewed by Heather Mullin
Goya CEO Robert Unanue & Jim Economos
Congressman Marjorie Taylor Green
While much of the reported news is of the speeches in the main ballroom, I am mostly in the hallways, radio row, and even the bar. This is where you might interact with newsmakers.
Why are you and Cruz wearing a mask in the picture? Did he make you wear it? Not a good look for freedom-loving patriots! Masks make you look like a walking billboard for state-imposed fear!
me, me, MEEEEEEEEE ….