Quick CPAC 2011 round-up with videos – UPDATE: Herman Cain

I’ve been thinking about attending CPAC in Washington, D.C. for the past few years. Jim and I have discussed going down for the three days and even broadcasting his show from the venue. I figure it would be pretty cool to meet some like-minded bloggers and share an adult beverage or meal with friends. Maybe CPAC 2012 will be the year?

Although I’m certain there were some very good panels and speeches, there were two individuals who seem to have stood out this year. First, we have the video from Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) who closed the CPAC 2011 conference. Sorry about the stretched screen, but I wanted to get this posted up prior to tonight’s e-mail. West’s speech starts at about 8:20 in.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnwJDCK1rk8

The second video is from Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. His speech starts about 8 minutes into the video. Click on the image and you’ll be routed to a good-quality video over at CSPAN.

What did you think about these speeches? Both of these men do qualify for president of the United States in my book. I’m not saying they could or will win, but they are qualifed.

UPDATE: Here’ one that Ed Morrissey says if you watch one speech from CPAC, this is the one.

Whether one thinks that Cain has a chance of making inroads for the nomination or not, there is no doubt at all of Cain’s value to the conservative movement. In this speech, Cain delivers a stirring stemwinder, reminding people to “stay informed, stay involved” — and ruffled some feathers by telling CPAC that “stupid people are ruining America”:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZDkacOveF0&feature=player_embedded

If you are not familiar with Cain, he is the former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza and radio talk host. But even here, there’s drummed up phony lefty controversy. The speech got a bad review from a “25 year old white boy” at the Politico:

Cain didn’t live up to that reputation at CPAC. He had one or two memorable lines, such as: “Stupid people are ruining America.” But one or two middling zingers do not a credible candidate make.
Given his flat performance, Cain’s going to have to work extra-hard going forward to win a place in the 2012 process.

Writes Stacy McCain at his blog:

My first thought: Who anointed Alexander Burns as the Decider?

Why does a liberal columnist for a liberal newspaper get to decide who are the winners and losers at a conservative conference? A little research revealed that Alexander Burns is a graduate of Harvard University, so there’s your answer. Upon receiving his disploma, every Harvard graduate acquires the right to tell the rest of us what to think.

Ahhh, Harvard. That explains it.

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Steve McGough

Steve's a part-time conservative blogger. Steve grew up in Connecticut and has lived in Washington, D.C. and the Bahamas. He resides in Connecticut, where he’s comfortable six months of the year.

4 Comments

  1. joe_m on February 14, 2011 at 7:27 am

    I would vote for Allen West for President before I would vote for Mitt Romney.

    Same for Mitch Daniels.

    If the Republicans give us another RINO or party hack, I won’t cast a vote for President.

    With members like Palin, Paul (both),?West and Daniels we should be able to turn the party around.

    One can only hope but that is more than I’ve had for the Republican party in a while.



  2. Marilyn on February 14, 2011 at 8:10 am

    We are always on the lookout for?rising conservative stars.? Allen West cought our attention in 2009 when he started his campaign and we will remain consistet contributores.??His love of this Country, it’s principles & values as a Nation of oppertunity not entitlement.? His understanding of what a military missionn is and when undertaken the word Win, is the only option.? Not yet?known well enough for 2012, but lookout down the road.??



  3. Gary J on February 14, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    I'd vote for a Democrat before I'd vote for Mitt Romney. At least a democrat will tell you who he is.  Romney slid in Obama care oops romneycare. Now he wants to do the same to the whole country? No thank you,we need smaller government and less control no matter what or how.



  4. Lynn on February 16, 2011 at 3:19 am

    All I know is, if the Conservatives mess up this election and don't unite behind one candidate we are doomed. Please don't get enamored with one candidate too early. We NEED to win this one, dare I say it…. Yep, win one for the Gipper!



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