CPAC Highlights – Part One

My first trip to the CPAC has been a fruitful experience.

Michael Waltz, the national security advisor, spoke at CPAC.

Hello from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)! This is my first time attending this impactful event, which officially launched on Thursday. My journey began at 3 AM to catch a 6 AM flight, including a layover in Dallas. Traveling with a group of nine, we were initially set to remain together on the same plane. However, last-minute, we were informed of a plane change that threw us into a whirlwind. Rushing off one plane and quickly moving to a different gate, we faced an unexpected two-hour delay.

Despite the initial chaos, a ray of Southern hospitality brightened our experience. The gate agent, with a warming smile, offered us the chance to pre-board, calling us her “special nine.” This kind gesture fostered a sense of camaraderie and made us feel valued, a feeling that resonated throughout our trip.

As I finally reached National Harbor, just outside of DC, I couldn't shake off the disappointment. The delays caused me to miss crucial moments of Thursday’s conference, including Vice President J.D. Vance’s opening remarks and the unforgettable spectacle of Elon Musk receiving a chainsaw from Argentine President Javier Milei. Though disappointing, I am inspired to make the most of the rest of the conference and engage with the significant discussions ahead.

I am going to try something different for the following two newsletters. Instead of focusing on one particular issue, I will share some highlights from CPAC, including interesting people I met and worthy quotes from speeches I’ve heard.

Friday was my first full day at CPAC. Here are some notable discussions and quotes.

On Education

Jack Brewer, a former NFL player and the founder of the Jack Brewer Foundation, brought a unique perspective to the education panel. His talk centered on two key points. First, he emphasized the importance of not treating young people as victims, as this can strip them of their motivation to improve.

Second, Mr. Brewer underscored the urgency of ending America’s Fatherhood crisis. Too many children are being born into single-parent households, lacking the presence of a father figure. Research has shown that 'children who grow up in a two-parent household have a lower incidence of behavioral, emotional, and academic problems.' Therefore, Mr. Brewer stressed, 'Our education system will never work if we don’t put men back in the home.'

On National Security

Michael Waltz, the national security advisor, addressed a number of issues from the war in Ukraine to the conflict in the Middle East. He was very adamant about three things: the Ukraine war will end; Iran will not be allowed to have nuclear weapon; and Hamas is the “worst terrorist organization,” and should be “never allowed to run Gaza.”

When asked about his motivations, Waltz, a former Green Beret, displayed the bracelet he wears. This bracelet, which honors the fallen Green Berets with whom he served, serves as a daily reminder for Waltz to live in a way that honors their sacrifice. This commitment to their memory is his greatest motivation.