On Friday afternoon at CPAC, Dana Perino, co-host of The Five, shared life lessons, as well as some tidbits for millennials from her book, And the Good News Is…: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side.
On millennials, Perino suggested they get a bad rap. But, she doesn’t see the demographic that way. She also pointed to how there are four generations going to the polls, who all see and understand the world differently. Millennials make up a quarter of the population.
Rob Bluey of the Heritage Foundation, Benny Johnson of IJ Review, and Katie Pavlich of Townhall then took the stage as the four discussed millennial issues.
Perino started by mentioning an oft-cited finding, that many millennials no longer believe in the American dream. Bluey suggested that it’s because they don’t have faith in the institutions, don’t trust the news media, and because they are the first generation not to be better off than their parents.
Millennials live in a dangerous world, and Perino questioned if conservatives address that better. Pavlich spoke to how millennials are frustrated with the mistrust from older generations and want to interact with rather than be enemies with other countries.
Millennials are concerned with terrorism, but they see terrorism as an overseas issue. They are concerned with defeating terrorism, but also with how it is done. This is to do with the fear of unnecessary intervention, and how personal rights and privacy could be affected.
Perino also asked about a defining moment in millennials’ lives so far. Johnson spoke to all millennials, not just conservatives. He compared Chris Christie’s face behind Trump to millennials looking at the first paycheck and realizing how much was taken away. He believes it can be a move towards economic freedom for millennials.
On that note, Perino suggested that millennials might be attracted to socialism, which received boos. Sanders did acknowledge that Sanders’ views are what appeals to millennials.
Perino followed up by asking if there are better conservative alternatives. Bluey continued by saying it’s about personal responsibility and taking the government out of it, which received much applause.
Pavlich jumped into say it’s important lenders are held accountable for the loans they give out, especially when students aren’t told what they’re getting into.
The panel also discussed the decline in abortions, and how millennials are more pro-life than other generations, particularly because of technology and science.
Bluey referenced that technology, and how ultrasounds and the pregnancy centers purposefully located next to abortion facilities can both change views.
Pavlich stood up to the left for how they accuse conservatives of not turning to science, but it’s the “pro-choice movement [that] has jumped the shark.” Millennials care about humanity. On that note she spoke to how NARAL made such a fuss on Twitter over Super Bowl ads which humanized unborn babies, showing how extreme they were, a comment which was met with much applause.
While Johnson initially did not wish to comment, Pavlich countered that being a man doesn’t mean you don’t have an opinion. Johnson eventually suggested asking liberals why they believe in global warming, and then ask when life begins, both of which are based on science.
Pavlich ended on a heartwarming note, reminding millennials of the momentous time and experiences to be had at CPAC.
