Search Results

On the evening of October 8, CPAC welcomed Christian leaders to a special screening in Arizona of the new faith-filled movie Average Joe.   Elaine Beck of the CPAC Now show It’s Not About Us and Christian author Mark Victor Hansen were among the special guests at the showing.   “It’s a great story because it’s the truth,” commented Beck on the film. “I love seeing what can really happen when people fight back the right way, and they took it clear to the Supreme Court. What a great win for all of us Christian.”  “Every one of us has 100% potential but unless you’re using God, you can’t exponentialize yourself,” said Hansen on the movie’s message. “We want everyone to fulfill their destiny in extraordinary and exemplary ways. This movie does that because it takes a guy who had the guts, the courage and he had to confront his wife. He had to confront the team. He had to confront the city.  He had to confront everybody all the way to the Supreme Court.”  CPAC’s Average Joe screening strengthened the film’s message of bravery and Christian unity by bringing Christians together to receive and proclaim the message publicly and as one.   Let your local theater know you want to join the movement of Christians receiving and proclaiming this message. Average Joe is out in theaters NOW. Visit https://www.fathomevents.com/events/average-joe/  to find a theater near you.

20 days out from Election Day, polls show narrow margins between President Trump and Kamala Harris in swing states. Radio show host Larry O’Connor weighed in on the polls and how President Trump can pull out a victory on America Uncanceled with Mercedes Schlapp.  In Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, Trump leads by just 1, .2, .9, and .3 points and in Wisconsin Kamala Harris leads by .3. These narrow margins put emphasis on the get out the vote movement and raise red flags about concerted election fraud from the Left.   “I think for Donald Trump to win Michigan, this time around, he’s got to win by like four or five points to actually win by one point,” said O’Connor.  The Left is expected to use their well-oiled machine of early voting, ballot harvesting, transportation to the polls, and election fraud tactics to secure these swing states, meaning Trump’s campaign will have to work twice as hard to get voters out and overcome fraud.   Trump and Vance’s personability compared to Kamala Harris’ manufactured and forced personality are one of their great strengths in appealing to voters and giving them an edge over Harris.   J.D. Vance’s remarks at CPAC’s Arizona townhall demonstrated this well, where he spoke from personal experience on the state of the economy and helping Americans get and keep well-paying jobs.  Watch the full conversation between O’Connor and Schlapp on the 2024 election on CPAC+.

Last Wednesday, October 9, CPAC hosted key Arizona voters for a watch party of Kari Lake’s debate with Arizona Senate candidate and radical Left-wing crony Ruben Gallego.   CPAC supporter Laura H. Thilman hosted energized Arizonans to watch their two Senate candidates square off in their first and only debate.   CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp and CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp were on-site in the spin room following the debate delivering commentary on Lake’s performance to the media.   “I’ve never seen such a lopsided debate. Kari Lake kicked his butt all over the stage,” said Matt Schlapp of Lake’s dominant showing.   Lake put her opponent who is known for his profanity-plagued and hate-filled social media posts directed at Christian conservatives in his place, exposing his radical record in Congress that includes open border policies, pro-China policies, nearly $50 million in aid to Ukraine, and an anti-election integrity position.   Lake’s debate marked the opening day of early voting in Arizona, a major swing state filled with conservatives looking to overcome election interference issues to fire their radical Left-wing representatives and create safe and thriving communities once more.   See more from Lake’s debate on social media @CPAC.

Before her big debate against Ruben Gallego, CPAC endorsed U.S. Senate candidate for Arizona Kari Lake articulated her intentions to shake up Washington, D.C. and support President Donald Trump in Congress at the CPAC townhall in Mesa, Arizona.   Lake’s opponent and sitting Congressman Gallego has towed the Democrat Party line and promulgated Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ bad border policy that has encouraged and even facilitated the arrival of dangerous illegal aliens into Arizona communities.   Lake has a simple and common-sense response to this crisis:   “I want to give them a one-way ticket to their homeland.”   “We don’t want dangerous people here,” she said. “We want to be able to enjoy our quality of life, and we want to have quality of life once again. So, we’re going to be retiring Kamala Harris and Joe Biden November 5.”  On the campaign trail, Lake has become known for her no-nonsense attitude, an attitude she’s more than happy to take to Washington, D.C.   “I’m not going to Washington, D.C. to make friends,” said Lake. “I already have enough friends here in Arizona.”   Early voting has begun in Arizona, and Lake urges Arizona voters to take advantage and encourage as many friends as possible to do so as well.   Watch Lake’s full remarks on Youtube @CPAC .

“They came from the mountains and the valleys and the cities. They came from all over and what we did in 2016...it’s never been done before,” recounted President Trump in his remarks at CPAC in 2019 of the phenomenon that was the 2016 election.   In 2016, President Trump became the unexpected hero of the middle class, average American. He rallied the American people around his honest and bold personality and the simple slogan, “Make America Great Again”. After eight years of the country losing on every front (economically, militarily, culturally) President Trump’s determination to make America strong, prosperous, and stable again resonated with many Americans.   Naysayers in the Washington, D.C. swamp and mainstream media, out of touch with the sentiments of the American people, conjured a narrative that Trump could never win.   “How many times did you hear for months and months, ‘There is no way to 270’?” recalled Trump.   Trump blew 270 out of the water, winning 306 total delegates to Hilary Clinton’s 223. He crashed ‘the blue wall’ and won states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania that talking heads said he would never win.   Once in office, he continued to defy establishment convention, sticking to campaign promises by draining the swamp, building the border wall, fixing the economy, and holding allies and foes alike to American laws and international agreements. Under the Trump administration, America won and Americans won.   Trump’s presidency displayed just how different the Left and the Right are. President Trump showed that the conservative movement is the movement of working class, patriotic, common sense Americans who love their country and want it to succeed.   Watch President Trump’s full speech from CPAC 2019 on Rumble @CPAC.

CPAC and Bienvenido’s recent townhall with J.D. Vance and Arizona voters not only shared President Trump’s policy positions on top issues, but also brought together people of faith and the Latino community.   The townhall married politics and religion, welcoming Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) (75% CPAC Lifetime Rating), U.S. Senate candidate for Arizona Kari Lake, RNC Chairman Michael Whatley, and President Trump’s running mate Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) (95% CPAC Lifetime Rating). We brought these leaders together with key Latino and Arizona voters to engage in prayer and a sharing of faith, all as brothers and sisters in Christ.  We were honored to welcome Coach Joe Kennedy to the townhall stage to pray over our future Vice President J.D. Vance. Kennedy is the real life basis of the new film Average Joe, which tells his story of fighting for freedom of religion after being fired for praying at his team’s football games and which CPAC had the honor of premiering the day before. His leadership in the fight to put religion back in the public square made him the perfect figure to lead the townhall in praying for our current and future elected officials.     It’s a topic close to the hearts of the Hispanic community and the millions of Christians throughout the country whose faith and morals fundamentally inform their political stances and their vote. Moreover, freedom of religion is a constitutional right that inherently deserves protection, and CPAC is proud to be leading the fight to defend it through initiatives and events such as this recent townhall.     Stay up to date on all of our initiatives by following us on social media @CPAC and by visiting CPAC.org .

President Donald J. Trump delivered remarks at CPAC 2018 highlighting the accomplishments of his administration in just the first year of this term. Within one year, President Trump had already cut taxes, deregulated industry, reopened the oil, coal, and gas industries, and improved foreign trade deals, together creating a thriving economy and environment where everyday Americans and small business owners could prosper. Trump’s deregulation initiatives especially won the support of farmers and home builders for freeing up their lives, restoring their dignity, and allowing their businesses to grow. Reopening the energy industry promoted remarkable nationwide growth and allowed the United States to compete on the world stage, to the detriment of our enemies. While delivering economic blows to our foreign foes in China, Russia, and Iran, Trump also improved relations with our allies. He moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the capital city of Jerusalem. He bolstered our own military, backed law enforcement, and sought to protect the country by restricting illegal immigration on the southern border through the construction of a wall and the ending of Obama-era catch-and-release policies. Trump's America first policies turned the country around, setting it in a path back to greatness while sowing the seeds of patriotism once again in Americans. See more from President Trump at past CPAC conferences at CPAC.org and Rumble @CPAC.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) proposed rule to introduce a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) aimed at pedestrian head protection is a misguided attempt to address a complex issue through heavy-handed regulation. The initiative, which seeks to adopt the Global Technical Regulation No. 9 (GTR 9) on pedestrian safety, imposes unnecessary burdens on the automotive industry while offering questionable benefits to public safety. This proposal reflects broader concerns about the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to fundamentally manipulate the U.S. auto industry, with significant implications for costs, jobs, and consumer choice. Increased Automobile Costs: A Hidden Tax on Consumers The proposed rule mandates vehicle manufacturers to redesign the front hoods of passenger cars, light trucks, multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs), and certain buses to meet specific head injury criteria in simulated pedestrian collisions at speeds up to 25 mph. NHTSA argues that these changes are necessary to mitigate head injuries for child and adult pedestrians; however, the cost of compliance will inevitably be passed on to consumers. Despite NHTSA’s assertion that the redesign costs will be "negligible," the reality is that even small changes to vehicle design can ripple through the manufacturing process, affecting the entire front-end structure of a vehicle. This isn't merely a "one-time" adjustment; it's a redesign that impacts multiple aspects of vehicle development, testing, and assembly. For vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs—segments that make up about 22% of U.S. passenger vehicle sales—this could mean substantial cost increases. Add to this a $10,000 certification fee per model for compliance testing, and the economic burden becomes evident. For American families, who are already grappling with inflation and rising interest rates, these additional costs represent a hidden tax that makes it even harder to afford a new car. Questionable Risk Assessments and Dubious Safety Claims The proposed standard aims to reduce approximately 67.4 pedestrian fatalities annually, according to NHTSA's estimates. But the agency provides little to no data explaining how these numbers were calculated. The projected benefits appear dubious at best, especially when considering that the proposal targets vehicles for modifications based on a relatively narrow set of accident scenarios. Furthermore, NHTSA's reliance on Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) technology as a complementary measure raises questions about the efficacy of this rule. AEB systems were originally designed to prevent collisions with other vehicles, not pedestrians. Rapid advancements in AEB technology do not guarantee reliable pedestrian protection, and reshaping regulations around an emerging technology introduces significant uncertainty. The proposal essentially bets on unproven technology rather than providing concrete evidence that these changes will genuinely enhance pedestrian safety. The Threat to American Auto Worker Jobs This rulemaking comes at a time when the auto industry is already undergoing significant transformations, including the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) and automation. Mandating costly new safety requirements could jeopardize the economic viability of some vehicle models, leading to reduced production and potential job losses in manufacturing plants, particularly those producing trucks and SUVs, which are popular among American consumers. Moreover, automakers operating on "uniquely American platforms" may face higher compliance hurdles compared to companies using international platforms that already integrate some GTR standards. This puts U.S. auto workers at a disadvantage, as domestic manufacturers may be forced to either shift production overseas or cut costs through layoffs and automation. In an industry where competition is global, additional regulatory constraints could further erode America's manufacturing base. A Play into the Hands of Globalization and Loss of Consumer Choice The adoption of GTR 9, a United Nations regulation, signals an alignment with global standards that erodes the distinctiveness of American manufacturing. It represents a form of regulatory globalization, where domestic policy is dictated by international norms rather than tailored to American conditions. This rule effectively homogenizes the auto market, forcing U.S. businesses to comply with standards developed in a global context that may not adequately reflect the needs and preferences of American drivers. The proposal also threatens consumer choice by limiting the availability of certain vehicles. As automakers adjust their lineups to meet the new standards, models that do not easily conform to the requirements may be phased out. For example, larger SUVs and pickup trucks may be deemed unfit under the new pedestrian safety criteria. This regulatory pressure prioritizes perceived safety gains over the consumer's right to choose the vehicle that best suits their lifestyle and needs. The Biden-Harris Administration's Broader Agenda This rulemaking aligns with a broader pattern under the Biden-Harris administration of using regulatory power to steer the auto industry in a particular direction. From aggressive fuel economy standards to subsidies for electric vehicles, there is a clear attempt to reshape the market according to a specific vision of transportation that favors certain technologies and regulatory frameworks over others. While safety is a legitimate concern, the means of achieving it should not involve coercive measures that disrupt the market and impose costs on consumers and workers alike. Conclusion: A Need for Sensible Regulatory Policy The NHTSA's pedestrian protection proposal exemplifies regulatory overreach. It imposes significant costs on automakers, threatens American jobs, and limits consumer choice, all while providing questionable safety benefits. A more balanced approach would focus on encouraging voluntary compliance through the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and fostering technological innovation without mandating rigid and costly requirements. If the goal is to genuinely improve pedestrian safety, policy should focus on more comprehensive measures such as better urban planning, enhanced traffic law enforcement, and driver education, rather than reshaping the automotive industry at the expense of American workers and consumers. As the November 18 deadline for public comments approaches, stakeholders should voice their concerns and advocate for a more sensible path forward.

On Wednesday, October 9, CPAC with Bienvenido hosted Senator J.D. Vance for a townhall in Mesa, Arizona with concerned voters.   CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp and Founder and President of Bienvenido US Abraham Enriquez interviewed President Trump’s vice presidential candidate in a panel format on tough issues Arizonans are facing under the Biden-Harris administration.   Vance articulated the policies of a future Trump administration on the economy, the southern border, human trafficking, religious liberty, parental rights, and education reform. In taking questions from the audience, Vance made clear that a second Trump administration will prioritize lowering operating costs and red tape for small businesses and providing support for law enforcement officials to fight crime and drug and human trafficking and to create safer towns and cities.   Utah Congressman Burgess Owens and U.S. Senate candidate for Arizona Kari Lake also took the stage to address voters in the key battleground state.   With election integrity issues, a radical Democrat governor and Congressmen, Arizona is an important swing state in the 2024 election, and CPAC found many patriotic Arizona voters ready for a change in administration. Watch the livestream of the full townhall meeting on YouTube @CPAC .

The Department of the Interior is especially active in Nevada, and for Nevada ranchers, a positive relationship with the agency is critical to the health and prosperity of the small farms. Secretary of the Interior under President Trump David Bernhardt addressed the department’s interaction with ranchers to the Ranchers for Trump rally.  Bernhardt recalled a meeting during his confirmation process in which Senator Chuck Schumer challenged Bernhardt’s concern for the western states with the line, “There aren’t very many people out there.”  “What I said back to him was ‘The people that live out there are just as important as the people that live in New York City.’ And here’s waht you’re going out to vote for and think about voting, and this is truly the bottom line in my opinion: You’re voting for the future of your community and you’re voting to put in place a group of people that care about you, care about what you do, and care about your community’s future,” said Bernhardt.   His anecdote illustrates the difference between Left and Right, between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The one could not care less about small, family farms, and the other could not care more about uplifting American farmers.   Watch Bernhardt’s full remarks on social media @CPAC.

CPAC is proud to introduce the new CPAC Voters Guide in time for Election Day 2024.   Knowing what’s on the ballot in your state and understanding what it means can be challenging and time-consuming, but the CPAC Voters Guide makes it easy and accessible. The CPAC Voters Guide breaks down the candidates and key ballot measures on the ballot in all fifty states and Washington, D.C. Not only does the guide show which measures have the support of CPAC, but it explains the implications of each measure and why CPAC supports it. You’ll also find the important measures that do not have CPAC’s support and how they contradict our mission to protect life, liberty, and property.   The stakes are high in the 2024 election. Make sure you’re informed and ready to cast your vote on November 5 with the CPAC Voters Guide. Peruse the guide by selecting your home state at CPAC.org/Guide .

On Tuesday, October 8, CPAC hosted a special screening of the new film Average Joe in Arizona.  CPAC was joined by special guests Elaine Beck, Miss Scottsdale, Miss Arizona USA, and more.   Average Joe comes from the makers of the God’s Not Dead films and tells the true story of a high school football coach’s fight to keep freedom of religion free. The film is an inspiring story to fight for one’s belief and to live one’s faith publicly and unashamedly.   See more from CPAC’s screening on social media @CPAC and learn more about Average Joe at averagejoemovie.com .