10,000 attend 2010 CPAC
More than 10,000 activists—6,000 of whom were students—attended the 37th annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held February 18 to 20 in Washington, D.C., to hear from leaders of the Conservative Movement, including Newt Gingrich, Governor Tim Pawlenty, Fox’s Glenn Beck, and more than 150 others.
During the conference, Young America’s Foundation—co-sponsor of CPAC along with Human Events, the NRA, and the American Conservative Union—held several events for students, including a private Congressional briefing with Congressmen Darrell Issa and Mike Pence. Issa and Pence discussed the latest issues in Congress and highlighted the importance of freedom in any legislation that passes.
The Foundation also hosted our 16th annual Thomas Phillips Student Luncheon, sponsored by the Foundation’s National Journalism Center Chairman and Eagle Publishing Chairman Tom Phillips. The program featured best-selling author, Foundation alumnus, and former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush Marc Thiessen. Thiessen discussed the themes from his new book, Courting Disaster: How the CIA Kept America Safe and How Barack Obama is Inviting the Next Attack. He specifically gave arguments, based on his first-hand knowledge, about the interrogation methods used by the United States against al Qaeda and other terrorists.
The Foundation’s exclusive student events concluded with a sold-out reception featuring best-selling author and popular Foundation campus speaker Ann Coulter. More than 400 students enjoyed Coulter’s trademark wit and her insights on current events. She stayed after to greet attendees and sign books and posters.
On the CPAC main stage, Foundation leaders Ron Robinson, Patrick Coyle, Kate Obenshain, Roger Custer, and Jason Mattera spoke during the weekend about the Foundation’s efforts to reach young people across the country and through our Reagan Ranch programs in California. Foundation Director Kirby Wilbur also emceed the annual Ronald Reagan Banquet featuring Congressman J.C. Watts.
Another panel featured two-minute activist success stories from Foundation student leaders Katie Poedtke, Chad Ciocci, Brian Hackett, Evan Gassman, Danny Laub, Janie Abel, and others.
Attendees also visited the Foundation’s booth throughout the weekend to pick up free resources including the popular “Ann Coulter” and “Sarah Palin” posters and our new “Barack Obama: Epic Fail” stickers.
