Among the Young Conservatives

Newsweek Web Exclusive

Email To A Friend

Please fill in the following information and we'll email this link.

SPONSORED BY

On Friday, the biggest star is none other than Newt Gingrich, a man who rose to political heights when much of today's audience (myself included) was still in kindergarten. Before delivering a 45-minute speech addressing the budget, national security and the future of the Republican Party, Gingrich entered the ballroom down its center aisle, shaking hands with hundreds who leaped out of their seats to literally rub elbows with the former Speaker of the House. Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" blared from the speakers. "This is the largest, most enthusiastic CPAC in history," said Gingrich, and the crowd roared.

Downstairs, in a subterranean exhibition room, dozens of organizations set up booths and passed out pamphlets on everything from public-policy graduate programs to the Freedom Doctrine. "I'm happy to see young people are so interested in conservative issues," said Zaid Abuhouram, a 19-year-old who worked at the booth for Young Americans for Liberty, a continuation of the group Students for Ron Paul.

Tim Schumann, 24, agreed, and cited Ron Paul's Friday afternoon speech as one of the hottest events CPAC had to offer. "No one else [but Ron Paul] is principled," he said. "Everyone's here, cheering for the House leadership for voting against the stimulus. But where were they for eight years?"

Contempt for the Bush years is palpable, but the overall message of the weekend is a move forward. And if the enthusiasm of CPAC's collegiate base has anything to say about it, this move will happen quickly and decisively. "I thought this would be an older audience," Offner said of CPAC. "But not only are these students Republicans, they're real conservatives. I think that's why everyone is so excited—it's about reclaiming the party. This is our responsibility"

As I exit the hotel for the day, I am handed a flier for a free happy hour called "The Shots of Freedom," sponsored by a group called Students for Saving Social Security. Maybe this really is spring break for college Republicans.

« Prev Page

Member Comments

- Reply
- Report Abuse
Posted By: sagebrushwy @ 04/06/2009 5:39:29 AM

again, you are saying you won't fight for a select few....which is your opinion. You haven't proven it is about a select few, it's just your opinion. And what makes you think this is like hitlers time...another thing that is your opinion,. Don't take the oath if you are not mature enough to stand behind it.
- Reply
- Report Abuse
Posted By: ythao109 @ 03/27/2009 8:26:51 PM

I think reasons why this year's conference event drew an increase of 2,000; from 7,00- 9,000 some people, is because our newly elected president, Obama, made history for being the first African president. It's great having an increase of young people being educated in political events because they are the future regardless of background. Hopefully later on there will be a larger increase in conference attendee turnout than this.
As what person 4876 said, "The people who attend the CPAC's are being politically socialized. From this, I would expect to see slightly more conservative voting in the future, as the number of people attending these events increase." I would agree with what he said but soon problem such as "too many conservative?" and not enough liberals will go on the rise.
- Reply
- Report Abuse
Posted By: KAB09 @ 03/27/2009 10:07:22 AM

Like person4876 said, I find it interesting that the CPAC are gearing their events towards a younger demographic because most peoples political beliefs are formed while they are young adults. if this trend continues over the years it will be interesting to see how the next election goes and how the parties continue to change.
However, I do wonder why it is taking these political parties so long to openly engage young people who are the future and will one day have to be the leaders . I would think that this would have started a lot earlier .