The College Republicans at the University of South Florida had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. for a few days and attend the 2017 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). If someone is a conservative college student, it is highly recommended that they attend the conference if they are able to do so. Not only is it a time to have fun, but it is a time to learn about the United States’ history in the nations’ Capitol, to meet respected conservatives from various organizations, and to find new job opportunities.
While the trip was only for a few days, it was a busy few days. There was always something going on, always someone speaking, and always someone to run into. There was never a dull moment and the millennial conservatives from USF made the most of it. Aida Vazquez-Soto, an Odyssey writer, student ambassador for Prager University, and Turning Point USA campus coordinator at USF, had the amazing opportunity to meet with and interview former Arizona State Representative Kelli Ward (R-AZ). Mrs. Ward challenged incumbent Senator John McCain (R-AZ) for his Senate seat in 2016 but lost in the Republican primary. Ms. Ward is planning to run for the U.S. Senate again in 2018. Furthermore, Miss Vazquez-Soto met with her connections and may have secured an interview with another high-profile individual.
During CPAC, two Liberals from Americans Take Action passed out small Russian flags with “Trump” written on them. It just so happened that Tyler Dever, another member of the College Republicans at USF, was one of the first people, if not the first person, to be handed these flags and be told to pass them out. Mr. Dever, while discussing the event that quickly went viral with the other College Republicans, was overheard by a Los Angeles Times reporter who subsequently asked for his comments. Mr. Dever also had the opportunity to be interviewed by Judge Jeanine Pirro for her show “Justice with Judge Jeanine.”
Throughout the day, news contributors and radio hosts were met and plenty of pictures were taken. Guy Benson, a Fox News contributor, Political Editor at Townhall, and co-author of “End of Discussion,” took the time to talk to the College Republicans at USF. Mr. Benson is a genuine conservative, down-to-earth and even suggested the organization should have him come speak on campus. Hopefully, that can become a reality. The College Republicans greatly appreciate Mr. Benson taking the time to attend CPAC and talk to some of his fans and supporters.
Great to meet a group of @USFCRepublicans at #CPAC2017 pic.twitter.com/Ib1VRMXtKm
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) February 24, 2017
Personally, I had the opportunity to meet syndicated radio host and Fox News contributor Mike Gallagher (aka The Happy Conservative Warrior) and be a guest on his radio show for a few minutes. Mr. Gallagher happened to recognize me from my Twitter avatar, as we follow each other, and he graciously brought me over to talk with him.
@radiotalkermike, unbelievably, recognized me from Twitter. Thank you for the opportunity to meet and talk with you. Huge fan! #CPAC2017 pic.twitter.com/Ctwh7d0Bzi
— Micah (@MicahT1995) February 24, 2017
Besides meeting well-known people, CPAC provided a career fair that is any conservative millennial’s dream. Job applications, internship applications, information regarding trips to different parts of the world, and information detailing each organization’s goals were provided to those who attended the job fair. Connections were made and numerous opportunities arose for those in attendance.
The clubs Chapter Chair, Chris Happel, and Vice Chair, Bailey Cunningham, did a fantastic job organizing the trip and it was undoubtedly a success. The trip could not have happened if it was not for the generous donations from the Hillsborough County Republican Party, the Alafia Republicans club, and the West Pasco County Republican Club. The College Republicans at USF would like to thank these organizations and we are extremely grateful for their support and generosity.
