Inside the Beltway: Ronald Reagan revolution still a force at CPAC

NEWS AND OPINION:

It is an annual spring rite for conservatives. The Conservative Political Action Conference — CPAC — is now underway, once again staged at an impressive resort on the banks of the Potomac River, just seven miles south of the nation’s capital. This is CPAC No. 45, by the way. The theme this year — and perhaps just in time — is “What Makes America Great,” sure to appeal to some 13,000 devotees assembled to hear robust speeches from smart people.

But there’s another draw this year.

“Are we in need of a conservative revolution? America is in dire need of individuals who will stand up for freedom amid these turbulent times. America’s history has shown there are leaders who have been called on to stand up and fight for this nation. No leader embodies that character more than President Ronald Reagan who truly had a vision for this nation and believed in the goodness of the American heart,” report the esteemed contributors to a remarkable new book.

That would be “Reagan at CPAC: The Words that Continue to Inspire a Revolution,” an unprecedented collection of all the inspiring speeches that Reagan himself made at the annual gathering.

Vice President Mike Pence wrote the preface. The work was edited by American Conservative Union president Matt Schlapp. Those contributors include Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Mark Meadows, Daily Wire editor-in-chief Ben Shapiro, Michael Reagan and National Rifle Association executive vice president Wayne LaPierre.

“Ronald Reagan’s wisdom is more relevant today than ever, Reagan’s wit, passion, and insight are on full display in these addresses that roused the conservative movement when it was embattled — and that celebrated its successes when Reagan led conservatives to political victory and the White House, An all-star cast of conservative contributors put Reagan’s words in context while showcasing the remarkable relevance of Reagan’s insights to the challenges we face today” notes publisher Regnery Books.

None of this is lost on CPAC director Carin Walters, who first attended CPAC as a college student a decade ago — and has not missed one since.

“I’ve spent almost all of my adult life working with and for CPAC to deliver grassroots conservatives the best annual event possible. I have spent the last few years focusing on how we can better engage young people through programs like the Activist Boot Camp as well as ensuring that the three cornerstones of conservatism are properly represented — economic freedom, foreign policy, and the inherent dignity of life,” Mrs. Walters tells Inside the Beltway.

CPAC FIRES UP THE CHARM

CPAC is up and running with purpose, brusque energy and considerable charm.

“The conference unites the political leaders of the conservative movement with the people who make up the movement. As President Ronald Reagan said in 1985, ’CPAC is the opportunity to dance with the one who brung ya.’ The powerful combination of knowledge and activism is critical for the advancement of conservatism,” the organizers advise.

The huge roster of well over a hundred speakers is led by President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence and a multitude of lawmakers — among them Sens. Mike Lee, David Perdue, Marsha Blackburn, Lindsey Graham and Josh Hawley. Reps. Devin Nunes, Matt Gaetz, and Jim Jordan. Govs. Scott Walker and Matt Bevin also will be along, as will most of President Trump’s Cabinet.

And just a few of the topics on the agenda, which includes 150 speeches and forums: “Marketing Marxism: There’s Nothing New About the Green New Deal; “How to Create Quality Journalism in a World of Fake News” and “Rebels with a Cause.”

OBAMA PRODUCTIONS ARRIVES

Let us recall that former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama signed a multiyear agreement with Netflix to produce programming for the online streaming giant after the former first couple left the White House. Let us also recall that Netflix now has a paying audience of 139 million. They also will soon have the Obama fare: the couple has assembled a new executive team for their venture and a slate of productions are in the works.

“The appointments represent the first sign the Obamas are serious about building the company and moving forward with production,” notes Variety analyst Will Thorne, who speculates that the incoming fare could include scripted and unscripted series, docu-series, documentary films and features.

ONE FOR THE PERRY BELMONT HOUSE

The nation’s capital is loaded with spectacular historic buildings — including the Perry Belmont House, a stately Beaux Arts mansion north of the White House.

On Sunday, the inimitable Irish tenor Anthony Kearns — a third of the famed Irish Tenors — will be on hand at the site to serenade a spate of noteworthy folks from the Embassy of Ireland to mark the beginning of Irish American Heritage Month. Also present with their spouses: Hynek Kmonicek, ambassador to the U.S. of the Czech Republic, Stanislav Vidovic, ambassador of Slovenia, and Keith Azzopardi, ambassador of Malta. The emcees are Barry Dixon — an interior designer well known to HGTV viewers — plus former Fox Five anchor Will Thomas.

A champagne toast, plus tours of the fabulous house are included. Happily, all proceeds go to help preserve Perry Belmont House. Curious? The big doings can be found on Eventbrite.

POLL DU JOUR

• 48 percent of Democratic voters have a “sense” about who they want as the Democratic nominee for president but are still undecided; 54 percent of liberal Democrats, 46 percent of moderate Democrats and 35 percent of conservative Democrats agree.

• 28 percent of Democratic voters have a “strong opinion” about who they want as nominee; 29 percent of liberal Democrats, 27 percent of moderate Democrats and 25 percent of conservative Democrats agree.

• 19 percent of Democratic voters are not sure who they want as Democratic nominee; 14 percent of liberal Democrats, 24 percent of moderate Democrats and 31 percent of conservative Democrats agree.

• 5 percent of Democratic voters have no opinion; 3 percent of liberal Democrats, 3 percent of moderate Democrats and 8 percent of conservative Democrats agree.

Source: A Politico/Morning Consults poll of 681 registered Democratic voters conducted Feb. 22-24.

• Follow Jennifer Harper on Twitter @HarperBulletin.