$25,000 Trump Painting, QAnon Merch And A White Nationalist Ejected: The Wildest Moments Of CPAC
Topline
Right-wing Republicans descended upon Dallas, Texas, this weekend for the second Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) of 2021, an event filled with viral moments underscoring the party’s fealty to former President Donald Trump and the increasing prominence of conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JULY 09: Attendees listen during the Conservative Political Action Conference CPAC … [+]
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Key Facts
White nationalist Nick Fuentes attempted to attend CPAC with a group of his supporters, but was seen on videos posted to social media being ejected from the event.
Far-right conspiracy theories flourished elsewhere at CPAC, where QAnon merchandise was ever-present and one attendee handed out cards, first obtained by Forbes, laying out a bizarre plan to “restore Donald J. Trump in days, not years.”
Prolific vaccine skeptic Alex Berenson spoke at the event and touted the government’s failure to meet its vaccination goals, which prompted applause from the audience.
Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) – who is being sued for telling Trump supporters to “start taking down names and kicking ass” at a rally preceding the Capitol riot – told CPAC attendees to “fight” and “sacrifice” like Revolutionary War soldiers.
Pastor James Altman said in a morning prayer “let us realize our health is in the name of The Lord, who actually did make Heaven and Earth,” adding, “that’s all the science we need to know.”
Key Background
CPAC is a gathering of conservative activists that has been hosted by the conservative lobbying organization American Conservative Union since 1974. Two events have been held in 2021, the first taking place in Orlando, Florida, in February.
Chief Critic
“It’s horrifying. They’re cheering about someone saying that it’s a good thing for people not to try and save their lives,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease effort, said of the crowd cheering for low vaccination rates. “I just don’t get that, and I don’t think anybody who’s thinking clearly can get that,” he added.
Big Number
70%. That’s the share of CPAC attendees who voted for Trump in an unscientific straw poll of the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came second at 21%, with all others garnering 1% or less.
Crucial Quote
“If it’s bad, I say it’s fake. If it’s good, I say that’s the most accurate poll ever,” Trump said of the straw poll, the result of which he did not know, during a speech to the conference on Sunday.
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