Republican Atheists coverage of CPAC 2020 [PHOTOS INCLUDED]
For the first time Republican Atheists attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), one of the largest conservative-oriented political events in the United States. CPAC took place February 26-29, 2020, in National Harbor, Maryland. This was a great opportunity for the organization to network and connect with recognized speakers and organizations in the conservative arena.
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Shawn Poulson, who serves as Republican Atheists’ Board Member, South Regional Manager and Maryland Correspondent, attended on behalf of the organization. He was prepared with custom designed business cards with Republican Atheists’ logo, as well as his name and contact information, to hand out to organizations and individuals.
While at CPAC, Shawn spoke with representatives from organizations like Turning Point USA, The Heritage Foundation, NRA, Young Americans for Freedom, Atheists for Liberty and more. He also met former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, and even snapped a photo with her. Here is feedback from Shawn about attending CPAC..
“CPAC 2020 is possibly the biggest Republican/conservative conference in the United States, and I was excited to attend on behalf of Republican Atheists. CPAC was held on February 26-29, 2020, at the beautiful National Harbor in Maryland, just outside of DC. The multi-day event was themed ‘America vs. Socialism,’ in a clear strike against the politics of Bernie Sanders and the socialist leaning policies of all the other Democrat front runners.
So many popular speakers were showcased at CPAC that it wasn’t possible to listen to them all. I was fortunate to get a photo op with former UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, following her CPAC opening speech. I took many pictures of familiar people, such as conservative speaker Candace Owens, Matt Schlapp, Chairman of American Conservative Union, Glenn Beck and Lara Trump. I also enjoyed speeches from those I was newly acquainted with.
Overall, everyone I met at CPAC have been some of the friendliest and outgoing people I have encountered. While wearing a button ‘Conservative Atheist’ on my shirt, I received some kudos from some attendants at the showroom booths. I had a great conservative values discussion with a lady at the Heritage Foundation booth. The Turning Point USA booth was like a party and everyone was invited. The people at CPAC were very diverse, as well. Those attending were older, younger, of varying ethnicities, and openly Jewish, Catholic, or atheist.
Speech topics ranged from history and politics of socialism to current events. I heard personal testimonials from survivors about life in Venezuela and Cuba. Vice President Mike Pence gave an engaging update on the coronavirus task force, urging, ‘This is not the time for partisanship.’
At the very end, everyone wanted to get in early for the President Trump speech. I arrived at 5:30am thinking I was early when the doors open at 7, but people have been lining up since 3am and the line was wrapped around the convention center! Nevertheless, I got in and experienced my first Trump rally.
Trump spoke about recent events like the impeachment acquittal, defeating ISIS, and ending the Afghan war. He talked about the coronavirus travel restrictions with China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea, for which the media called him racist. Trump mentioned fixing bad trade deals like NAFTA and how the economy is booming under his administration with job creation up seven million since 2016, more than thrice projected. What doesn’t seem to get enough press is how the US is now energy independent. Trump entertained the audience with lively banter about his Democratic opponents like Crazy Bernie, Mini Mike, Pocahontas, Beto, Sleepy Joe, and Boot Edge Edge. You couldn’t leave CPAC without learning of Trump’s campaign promises for re-election: Criminal justice reform, medical price transparency, creating the Space Force, and enabling school choice.”
Trump CPAC speech: https://youtu.be/
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