Vice President Mike Pence addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) around noon on Thursday, February 27.
He began his speech with an issue that is on the minds of Americans everywhere, addressing the Trump Administration’s response to the outbreak of coronavirus. “While the risk to the American public remains low, as the President said yesterday, we’re ready for anything,” Pence said.
Shortly thereafter, two raucous protestors dressed like President Trump began shouting as the CPAC crowd drowned them out and spontaneously broke out into thunderous chants of “USA. USA. USA.”
Pence tossed red meat to the conservative base and relived the recent impeachment drama by proclaiming that President Trump was “acquitted forever.”
It was his 14th time addressing CPAC, beating President Reagan’s record of addressing the conference 13 times. Matt Schlapp, the chairman of the American Conservative Union, which puts on CPAC annually, highlighted Pence’s continued appearance in his introduction of the Vice President.
Vice President Pence highlighted the priority that the Trump Administration places on its relationship with Israel. “President Trump recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights and moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.”
He went on to underscore the success that President Trump has had in nominated judges to the federal bench.
As I stand before you today, President Trump has already appointed over 190 judges to the federal courts, including Justice Neil Gorsuch and Justice Brett Kavanaugh.”
The Vice President then noted the pro-life policies of the Trump Administration.
“On the week when the United States Senate voted down a bill that would have required abortionists to provide care for babies who survive failed abortions, I couldn’t be more proud to be Vice President to a man who stands for the sanctity of human life. In one of his first acts in office, President Trump extended the Mexico City policy. He made history by becoming the first President to attend the March for Life. And just this week, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld President Trump’s pro-life rule that prohibited taxpayer dollars from funding health centers that refer for abortion. We are defunding Planned Parenthood,” he stated to the most overwhelming applause of the day.
Additionally, he touted the growing economy, the President’s support for law-enforcement and budget increases for the U.S. military. He knocked socialism and contrasted it with freedom in a not-so-veiled reference to the current Democrat leader for the presidential nomination, “democratic socialist” Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT).
Wrapping up his speech, the Vice President ended on a hopeful and spiritual note. “Keep the faith and hold freedom high. For where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
You can follow this author on Twitter @MettlerZachary
