CPAC – Your Guide to the Conservative Political Action Conference

When you hear about CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual gathering of U.S. conservatives, policymakers, and media influencers. Also known as Conservative Political Action Conference, it serves as a showcase for ideas, campaign strategies, and emerging leaders. The event began in the early 1970s and has grown from a modest meeting in Washington, D.C. to a multi‑day spectacle in major cities. It brings together candidates, think‑tanks, and activists, creating a platform where speeches can shape the next election cycle. In short, CPAC is the heartbeat of modern conservative organizing.

How CPAC Connects to American politics, the political landscape of the United States, including parties, elections, and policy issues

CPAC doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it directly influences policy debates, the public discussions around legislation, regulation, and governmental priorities. A speaker’s tagline at the conference can become a talking point on the Senate floor or in a campaign ad. That’s why journalists watch the event closely—what gets shouted from the stage often filters into the national conversation. In this way, CPAC encompasses policy debates and requires media amplification to reach voters. The conference also fuels grassroots activism, sparking local meet‑ups and fundraising drives across the country.

One of the biggest drivers of CPAC’s power is media coverage, the reporting, analysis, and live streaming that broadcast the event to a global audience. Networks set up live feeds, social platforms clip key moments, and pundits break down the rhetoric in real time. This coverage creates a feedback loop: the more a speaker trends online, the more the party’s messaging team leans into that narrative. The result is a rapid diffusion of ideas that can reshape campaign strategies within weeks. CPAC influences media coverage, and in turn, media coverage amplifies CPAC’s impact on public opinion.

All these pieces—conference speeches, policy debates, media buzz, and activist energy—combine to make CPAC a unique barometer of the conservative movement. Below you’ll find a curated mix of articles that dissect the latest CPAC headlines, profile breakout speakers, and analyze how the event steers the political agenda. Whether you’re tracking emerging policy trends, looking for behind‑the‑scenes stories, or just want a quick recap of the most talked‑about moments, the posts that follow give you a full‑coverage snapshot of why CPAC matters today.

Steve Bannon's Controversial Gesture at CPAC Causes Uproar Among Global Conservatives
5 Mar

Steve Bannon, during a CPAC speech in Maryland, made a gesture that resembled a Nazi salute, leading to international backlash. French far-right leader Jordan Bardella canceled his scheduled speech in protest, while Bannon mocked his decision. Czech politicians responded with mixed reactions, reflecting growing unease over far-right influences in the conservative movement.

French Far-Right Leader Cancels CPAC Speech Amid Controversy over Bannon's 'Nazi Salute'
3 Mar

Jordan Bardella, the leader of France's National Rally, withdrew from CPAC after Steve Bannon's controversial gesture mimicking a Nazi salute. Bannon's action followed by derogatory comments sparked outrage, casting a shadow over the event. The conference, featuring key far-right figures, faced criticism for extremist rhetoric and comparisons with past controversies, like Elon Musk's gesture at a Trump rally.