The seemingly indefatigable Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, is also the cheerful pointman behind the Conservative Political Action Conference — CPAC — now underway just south of the nation’s capital. It is a melee of speeches, enthusiasm, socializing, intense moments and even more intense media coverage. But there is an essential mission behind it all.
“Are conservatives ready to rumble? They’ve got pitchforks in their hands. They are ready to take back their country, to be actively involved in the legislative process — and they’re in the mood to nominate an outsider. Conservatives are in a very interesting state of mind,” Mr. Schlapp tells The Washington Times.
“This year’s CPAC is all about unifying conservatives — defining their commonalities, their goals, what matters to them on a very basic level. But this is also a reminder about heritage here. The theme this year is ‘our time is now,’ taken from a speech Ronald Reagan made before CPAC in 1981. I believe many conservatives are convinced their time is now. Right now. Conservatives believe if they don’t win during this important election year, they’re going to wake up one day and not recognize America. It’s given people a strong incentive, and lots of energy,” says Mr. Schlapp.
He makes his point in 140 words.
And what was it Reagan told his audience 35 years ago? Here it is: “Our time is now. Our moment has arrived. We stand together shoulder to shoulder in the thickest of the fight.”
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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