On the eve of its annual Conservative Political Action Conference, American Conservative Union staff circulated internal talking points that addressed questions swirling around two controversial speakers and one conference sponsor.
According to an email obtained by the Washington Examiner, ACU Finance Director Ryan McGowan sent an email just before 6 p.m. Wednesday evening that read, “ACU Comms wanted to share with you the following talking points if you are approached by the media.”
The body of the email, pasted below, addressed speakers French politician Marion Marechal-Le Pen and former Wisconsin Sheriff David Clarke, as well as sponsoring organization the American Principles Project, each of which has drawn criticism from conservatives, and liberals, rankled by CPAC’s decision to give them a platform.
The full talking points are included below:
Marion Maréchal-Le Pen
Many people seem to be confusing CPAC speaker Marion Marechal-Le Pen with her aunt Marine Le Pen. She has publically distanced herself from her aunt and stands for classical liberalism (i.e., conservatism). She has expressed support for school choice, private property, lower taxes, less government spending, market competition, and traditional marriage.
American Principles Project
CPAC sponsor APP is hosting a panel discussion on conservative voices being silenced on the internet. APP invited Pamela Geller to participate on the panel. She initially accepted but she then made her participation contingent on APP including another person who was obviously a poor choice. Pamela is actively promoting a version of events that are intentionally inaccurate designed to mislead and mischaracterize the construction of this presentation. She is no longer a participant, her claims that the panel is cancelled are false and the panel will move forward as intended.
Sheriff David Clarke
Pressure is being applied by liberal activists, media, and social media influencers associated with #Resistance to cancel Sheriff Clarke’s remarks on immigration reform at CPAC. Our sense is that these forces are identifying targets and organizing in an effort to take charge of our schedule. Despite their efforts, rest assured ACU/CPAC will remain in charge of the ACU/CPAC agenda.
