CPAC’s Power Wanes as Comedian Captures Conservative Conference “Funeral”

CPAC’s Declining Influence Evident at Recent Conference

The Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, once a major gathering for Republican presidential hopefuls, is showing signs of diminished power. For years, CPAC has been a significant platform in American politics, starting with Ronald Reagan’s address in 1974. However, recent years have been marked by scandal, and this year’s event highlighted a clear decline in its influence within the Republican Party. Notably, former President Donald Trump, a consistent fixture, did not attend for the first time since 2016. Vice President J.D. Vance, who won the CPAC straw poll for the 2028 ticket, was also absent.

Key Figures Absent, Low Turnout Reported

The absence of top Republican figures was striking. Senator Ted Cruz did attend, but his appeal seemed limited, garnering only about 1% in the straw poll. Comedian Jason Selvig, reporting for The Good Liars, attended the conference and observed a notable lack of energy and participation. He described the event as feeling like a “funeral” for CPAC, suggesting the glory days are over and the movement’s power has shifted to other organizations.

Low Ticket Prices and Empty Seats

Selvig noted a stark contrast in the event’s accessibility and attendance compared to previous years. Ticket prices were significantly lower, with some available for under $50, a steep drop from past events. He observed that despite the cheap tickets, the main speaking halls were not full, and an overflow room remained unused. This lack of engagement from attendees suggested a waning interest in CPAC as a central force in conservative politics.

Shifting Ideologies and Concerning Rhetoric

Interactions with younger attendees revealed a sense of disillusionment with CPAC’s current state. Some described coming to witness what they felt was the “funeral” of the conference, confirming its decline. More concerning, however, was the rhetoric Selvig encountered, which he described as bordering on white nationalism and sounding racist. Some participants expressed views that the United States was founded by Europeans, that this is the nation’s core identity, and that God blessed America for conquering the land from its original inhabitants. This ideology included a strong push for literal biblical teachings in schools, a significant departure from the Trump-focused messaging of the past.

“It was very different from the people we talked to before who were like, Trump is number one. It seems like it’s moving in a different direction that is not Trump, and to me, I find that worrying.”

The Rise of New Voices and Ideologies

Selvig suggested that while not explicitly stated, there’s a growing influence of figures like Nick Fuentes among young conservatives. He heard from parents whose college-aged children are actively following Fuentes. This indicates a potential shift within the movement towards more extreme or fringe ideologies, moving away from the Trump-era populism that previously defined CPAC. The way these young people are talking about politics is markedly different from what Selvig experienced at earlier Trump rallies.

Contradictory Views and Dismissal of Key Issues

Interviews with attendees highlighted some striking contradictions. One supporter, when asked if Donald Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize, responded affirmatively while also advocating for aggressive military action against Iran. This cognitive dissonance was not isolated, as Selvig noted multiple people expressing similar views. Furthermore, when topics like Jeffrey Epstein and the Epstein files were brought up, many attendees seemed dismissive, treating it as a non-issue, which Selvig found notable.

The Future of Conservative Gatherings

The recent CPAC event suggests a significant turning point for the conference and potentially the broader conservative movement. With key figures absent and a noticeable lack of enthusiasm, CPAC’s role as a primary political incubator appears to be fading. The emergence of more radical ideologies among younger attendees, coupled with the dismissal of significant issues, points to a fractured and evolving conservative landscape. What comes next and which organizations will fill the void left by CPAC’s diminishing influence remains to be seen.

Source: “Funeral for CPAC”: The Good Liars’ Jason Selvig paints a not-so-flattering portrait of CPAC (YouTube)