CPAC
I had a wonderful time at the Conservative Political Action Committee Conference.
Out of the hundreds of people I met, I found 3 fans of my work. I know, it's small--BUT--considering the fact that I'm a neophyte, that's pretty cool! One lady showed me that I was saved as a favorite on her laptop! Aha!
I think I was more happy to see my fans then they were to see me. LOL.
On Wednesday Evening when I arrived, I went to the bar and was able to meet some very interesting people. The most interesting individual of that evening would have to be Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs. She is so informed and kind, all I could do was listen and internalize the wealth of knowledge that she had about Radical Islam.
Da tech guy interviewed me and Andre Harper. It was my first on-camera interview, I was a little nervous-but I'm working on conquering my fears. Don't judge me. I'm clearly a work in progress. Focus on the family also interviewed me...you can view that here.
On Thursday morning, I had the privilege of hearing Marco Rubio speak. Marco Rubio is running against Governor Charlie Christ in the state of Florida. Marco Rubio spoke about American exceptionalism. The reason why his speech resonates with me even now, is because his story resembles mine. My parents emigrated here from Haiti. Marco Rubio's parents came here to flee the oppressive regime of Fidel Castro. Marco Rubio's parents, and both my mother and father worked hard to make sure that we capitalized off of everything that this country-this GREAT country has to offer...to anyone willing to fight for it.
I was also most pleased by Mitt Romney's speech. That man is POLISHED. As far as I could see, He never used notes, and spoke eloquently about the current administrations missteps regarding the economy, foreign policy, and YES the up coming electoral blood bath.
There were two pleasant surprises by Dick Cheney (introduced by daughter Liz Cheney) and Scott Brown.
On Friday, I had the privilege of interviewing a few college students, and also adult sponsor attendees for my friends over at "solidprinciples.com". One of the individuals who was gracious enough to let me interview him was Jonah Goldberg (author of Liberal Fascism and co-founder of National Review Online).
The HIGHLIGHT of my time at CPAC was meeting Ann Coulter. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Ann Coulter.
I know, I know, she can be polarizing, and incendiary-but that's what I love! I admire her tenacity to speak her very informed opinions unapologetically. That takes strength. So, I went up to Ann Coulter at the book signing, and I said, "Hey Ann Coulter, I blog! I go by the name of 'Afroconservative' aka 'Nappy Head Republican! I love your work!"She laughed and said "Great!". She reached over and signed the "Godless" copy that I had and I said, "Ann, go to my blog and don't forget it's 'afroconservative' aka 'nappy head republican'!" She laughed again and said, "I WILL! With a name like that, who can forget you?"
The picture came out blurry, but I'm sure you can tell it's her.
I also was able to attend an intimate setting for the Young Americans Foundation where Ann Coulter addressed a semi-small crowd of conservative students. I was a little annoyed that we had to stand the entire time-but I guess they compensated for this by giving us light refreshments. When Ann came out, I waited till everyone stopped applauding and I yelled, "The Nappy Head Republican LOVES YOU ANN!!" I guess, since I was the only Black face, everyone became noticeably uncomfortable, some people laughed reluctantly, but Ann, waved at me and smiled. Is it not politically correct for me to call myself a "Nappy Head Republican"???
I also attended a bloggers round table. As one of the few Black faces at CPAC, I'll tell you that I was so pleased at how receptive the bloggers were. I brought up the Tancredo incident, and everyone agreed that it was distasteful. I was pleased at how receptive and open they were to talking about race-something I don't necessarily get from most of the conservatives I know who want to abolish any form of "race talk" because that's what "liberals do!"
I met Star Parker at the Urban Conservative forum.
On Saturday morning, I was able to network with more people and I also met Mr. Newt Gingrich. He was so kind, and gracious! I was so excited to meet him. Conservatives often lambaste him for not being "conservative enough" but he is trying to draft bipartisan solutions for many of America's issues without getting caught up in left-wing, right-wing rift raft.
What I didn't like so much....
Hannah Giles seemed like the media attention got to her head. When the YAF meeting was taking place, she opened up for Ann Coutler...her opening line was, "You guys better not be talking while I'm talking the way you were talking while the other guy was up here!" People laughed, but most people including myself were thinking..."Who is this chick to be talking to people that way?"
She went on to say, "I love Ann Coulter, I grew up listening to her so that I can combat the lies of my leftist teachers. And, now, well, now, Ann talks about me! I can't believe she talks about me! She talks about my skin, and my tan...and I'm like 'wow ann is talking about me'"
Ok airhead.
Lastly, I was annoyed that EVERY speech was about how Reagan was this AWESOME president.
Sometimes, when I hear conservatives talk, I think, were Reagan and Abraham Lincoln the ONLY Republican presidents? There was Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, George Bush I & II....? Hello people?
EVERY SPEECH WAS ABOUT taking this country back from the socialists! Blah blah blah. I have Attention Deficit Disorder, so there's only but so much of that I can take.
Solutions anyone? Policy proposals anyone? The audience is an audience of mostly conservatives...you don't need to convince us of what Reagan did....
I never thought I would be in a room filled with 10,000 conservatives. Not only did I meet some amazing people, I was pleasantly surprised that almost everyone was kind, friendly, open, and accepting. Don't listen to what the leftists have said-this conscious black conservative had a blast.
Out of the hundreds of people I met, I found 3 fans of my work. I know, it's small--BUT--considering the fact that I'm a neophyte, that's pretty cool! One lady showed me that I was saved as a favorite on her laptop! Aha!
I think I was more happy to see my fans then they were to see me. LOL.
On Wednesday Evening when I arrived, I went to the bar and was able to meet some very interesting people. The most interesting individual of that evening would have to be Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs. She is so informed and kind, all I could do was listen and internalize the wealth of knowledge that she had about Radical Islam.
Da tech guy interviewed me and Andre Harper. It was my first on-camera interview, I was a little nervous-but I'm working on conquering my fears. Don't judge me. I'm clearly a work in progress.
Focus on the family also interviewed me...you can view that here. On Thursday morning, I had the privilege of hearing Marco Rubio speak. Marco Rubio is running against Governor Charlie Christ in the state of Florida. Marco Rubio spoke about American exceptionalism. The reason why his speech resonates with me even now, is because his story resembles mine. My parents emigrated here from Haiti. Marco Rubio's parents came here to flee the oppressive regime of Fidel Castro. Marco Rubio's parents, and both my mother and father worked hard to make sure that we capitalized off of everything that this country-this GREAT country has to offer...to anyone willing to fight for it.
I was also most pleased by Mitt Romney's speech. That man is POLISHED. As far as I could see, He never used notes, and spoke eloquently about the current administrations missteps regarding the economy, foreign policy, and YES the up coming electoral blood bath.
There were two pleasant surprises by Dick Cheney (introduced by daughter Liz Cheney) and Scott Brown.
On Friday, I had the privilege of interviewing a few college students, and also adult sponsor attendees for my friends over at "solidprinciples.com". One of the individuals who was gracious enough to let me interview him was Jonah Goldberg (author of Liberal Fascism and co-founder of National Review Online).
I know, I know, she can be polarizing, and incendiary-but that's what I love! I admire her tenacity to speak her very informed opinions unapologetically. That takes strength. So, I went up to Ann Coulter at the book signing, and I said, "Hey Ann Coulter, I blog! I go by the name of 'Afroconservative' aka 'Nappy Head Republican! I love your work!"She laughed and said "Great!". She reached over and signed the "Godless" copy that I had and I said, "Ann, go to my blog and don't forget it's 'afroconservative' aka 'nappy head republican'!" She laughed again and said, "I WILL! With a name like that, who can forget you?"
The picture came out blurry, but I'm sure you can tell it's her.
I also was able to attend an intimate setting for the Young Americans Foundation where Ann Coulter addressed a semi-small crowd of conservative students. I was a little annoyed that we had to stand the entire time-but I guess they compensated for this by giving us light refreshments. When Ann came out, I waited till everyone stopped applauding and I yelled, "The Nappy Head Republican LOVES YOU ANN!!" I guess, since I was the only Black face, everyone became noticeably uncomfortable, some people laughed reluctantly, but Ann, waved at me and smiled. Is it not politically correct for me to call myself a "Nappy Head Republican"???
I also attended a bloggers round table. As one of the few Black faces at CPAC, I'll tell you that I was so pleased at how receptive the bloggers were. I brought up the Tancredo incident, and everyone agreed that it was distasteful. I was pleased at how receptive and open they were to talking about race-something I don't necessarily get from most of the conservatives I know who want to abolish any form of "race talk" because that's what "liberals do!"
I met Star Parker at the Urban Conservative forum.
On Saturday morning, I was able to network with more people and I also met Mr. Newt Gingrich. He was so kind, and gracious! I was so excited to meet him. Conservatives often lambaste him for not being "conservative enough" but he is trying to draft bipartisan solutions for many of America's issues without getting caught up in left-wing, right-wing rift raft.
Hannah Giles seemed like the media attention got to her head. When the YAF meeting was taking place, she opened up for Ann Coutler...her opening line was, "You guys better not be talking while I'm talking the way you were talking while the other guy was up here!" People laughed, but most people including myself were thinking..."Who is this chick to be talking to people that way?"
She went on to say, "I love Ann Coulter, I grew up listening to her so that I can combat the lies of my leftist teachers. And, now, well, now, Ann talks about me! I can't believe she talks about me! She talks about my skin, and my tan...and I'm like 'wow ann is talking about me'"
Ok airhead.
Lastly, I was annoyed that EVERY speech was about how Reagan was this AWESOME president.
Sometimes, when I hear conservatives talk, I think, were Reagan and Abraham Lincoln the ONLY Republican presidents? There was Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, George Bush I & II....? Hello people?
EVERY SPEECH WAS ABOUT taking this country back from the socialists! Blah blah blah. I have Attention Deficit Disorder, so there's only but so much of that I can take.
Solutions anyone? Policy proposals anyone? The audience is an audience of mostly conservatives...you don't need to convince us of what Reagan did....
I never thought I would be in a room filled with 10,000 conservatives. Not only did I meet some amazing people, I was pleasantly surprised that almost everyone was kind, friendly, open, and accepting. Don't listen to what the leftists have said-this conscious black conservative had a blast.
Wow, wow, wow! I just found you and I love your blog! As a Mexican, Jewish female who spent most of her adult life on the left, I can totally relate to you.
I love your photos and your review of CPAC. Interesting what you said about Reagan. I feel the same way. WE GET IT! I look forward to getting to know you through your blog.
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Hey there, I wanted to tell you, I am sorry I was not able to catch up with you after our initial meeting. The Breitbart-Blumenthal tete de tete totally consumed my attention the rest of the afternoon. Thanks for the shout out in you above post. Keep up the good work and I hope we have a chance to meet again. My name is in my e-mail address. Please let me know if you are ever in the Atlanta area.
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I agree. I wish I could have come to CPAC and seen you! But coming from Utah would have been more than my wallet could handle right now. Next year though for sure. I agree with your Reagan comments. Some of us don't even remember him, as wonderful as he was. I've been thinking a lot lately that the Republican party needs to be more forward looking than backward reaching. People view our party as the party of reminiscing, because the fact is, we do way too much of it. We can have conservative values and be progressive through them. Instead of just thinking and talking about Reagan, we need to do Reagan-esque things today. We need to create the Reagans of today.
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I'm sure you have a long successful blogging future ahead of you.
Look forward to seeing you next year (assuming I can make it)
Stay well
DaTechGuy
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Great blog...your honest experience @ Cpac. Wishing you continued success.
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Hello Vanessa
I've found your blog recently and I liked very much. I'm also a huge fan of Ann Coulter and other conservative writers and bloggers. Here in Brazil we are under the most vulgar and corrupt leftopathy for decades, and unfortunally there's no hope this could change at all. Meanwhile, I do my best reading and learning from people like you. Congratulations and jeep up the good job!
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