I've Covered CPAC for More than a Decade. The 2026 Version Was Notable-but in the Wrong Way Entirely.

"CPAC has been a fixture of the American political landscape for half a century, serving as a trade show for consultants and a vacation destination for older conservatives."

"The conference brought together attendees ranging from earnest khakis-and-blazer types to Tea Party activists in colonial garb, reflecting the diversity within the conservative movement."

"CPAC's straw poll became a key litmus test for presidential hopefuls, with campaigns often attempting to rig it by busing interns to demonstrate grassroots support."

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has been a significant event in American politics for fifty years, attracting a diverse range of attendees. It functions as a trade show for consultants and vendors, a vacation spot for older conservatives, and a convention for the Republican Party's conservative wing. CPAC's straw poll serves as a crucial indicator of the political landscape, with campaigns often attempting to influence the results to showcase grassroots support. The event has evolved from a gathering of a faction to a dominant force within the Republican Party.

Read at Slate Magazine