West: A 'New America' is Coming

In his keynote address to CPAC, freshman Rep. Allen West urged the audience to usher in a "new America" by rejecting the failed ideas of the left.

When Rep. Allen West was announced as the CPAC keynote speaker, it was fair to say that many people were not sure what to expect from the freshman congressman. As David Keene admitted in his introduction, before Allen West spoke the first time at CPAC several years ago, "he hadn't heard of him."

If there were any concerns that West was not up to the challenge of a strong keynote speech, they evaporated as soon as he began speaking. He opened with an acknowledgment to the crowd for their role in the conservative movement: "Thanks to you, we have a GOP House majority", and in the first of many firm remarks: "You have endured hostile attacks from the liberal left, such as being called racist; perhaps they should see who is standing here as your keynote speaker". His reference to being called “Worst Person in the World” multiple times only bolstered his credibility.

He very quickly developed an emotional connection with the audience, stating that despite predictions of his vulnerability from the Cook Political Report and Politico, that "standing here in front of your, I don't feel so vulnerable"

The theme of the speech was how the nation was on the verge of what West coined a 'New America': "I believe we are standing on the dawn of a verge of a new America, if we adhere to those fundamental conservative principles." This would of course be in opposition to liberalism: "liberal progressivism evolved after our constitution. It has repeatedly failed all over the world, so why do we think it could be successful here in the United States of America."

He started his three pronged speech with governance (or as he termed it: "Effective Constitutional Government") and gave many policy proposals that the audience applauded at loudly, plans to cut $100 billion from the federal budget, plans to cut the EPA, and warnings about a coming White House plan to incentivize people to buy electric cars.

On health reform, West managed to praise all the elements of Obamacare that cost money (closing the doughnut hole, banning denial of care for pre-existing conditions, adding those under 26 to parental plans) while attacking all of the features that raised money (taxes and the mandate).

West also asked the audience: Why did we have a financial meltdown in 2008? He answered: "go study the Community Reinvestment Act."  And while he also cited the repeal of Glass-Steagall, that response received a standing ovation.

The second prong of his speech was on foreign policy, or as he characterized it: "Peace Through Vigilance and Resolve and Strength."

At this point it was clear that not only was West an effective speaker, but either he or his speechwriter went to great care to give the speech gravitas.  He quoted Burke: "All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing," before declaring that "political correctness has no place in our national security strategy" in arguing that it caused the Ft. Hood shooting.

On the topic of Egypt, West stated that while "I applaud the flames of freedom" he was also was concerned about historical examples.  He added: "let us be reminded of the lessons of the revolution in Iran" and also of the Taliban.  West noted: "Many praised the departure of Hosni Mubarak, but I would have much rather have seen the departure of Ahmadinejad and the theocrats in Iran."

He even found a way to return to topics that other CPAC speakers had touched on (such as the START treaty) but spoke about them with a language: "Never surrender your nuclear deterrent to those who prescribe to Machiavelli, not Kumbaya"

When he got to the final prong of the speech, he acknowledge that it "Might be a hot topic here at CPAC", a likely reference to the controversy over GOProud.

He quickly went through a bullet point list of values voter points, among others:  "Yes, there is a definitive American culture", "We must respect and honor the unborn", and "We must hold sacred the institution of Marriage between a man and a woman."

He even quoted Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan to underline his points: "The breakdown in the family will haunt the United States of America."

West concluded by recounting his life story, and how he served in the military and now commits himself to the conservative movement: "This son of America stands before you on this grand stage, committing himself to this country."

West may not have been a well-known name before CPAC, but he will certainly be well known now. Whatever your opinion on the content of the speech, it was expertly delivered and showcased West's ability with rhetoric and an ability to make even topics that everyone else had heard this weekend seem fresh and new.

Follow Noah on Twitter: @noahkgreen

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