Most readers of the conservative blogosphere know by now that the National Review Institute hosted a \u201cconservative summit\u201d in Washington this past weekend \u2013 three days of panels and speeches. \u00a0Wonk heaven.<\/p>\n
The speeches came mainly from immediate \u2013 or in the cases of Tom Cotton, Mia Love and Arthur Davis longer term — prospects for the national ticket. \u00a0Also getting podium time: Peter Thiel (high tech entrepreneur), Harold Hamm (energy entrepreneur) Arthur Brooks (American Enterprise Institute head), Jim Demint (new Heritage head), Bill Bennett, Charles Krauthammer and, via various MC and moderator turns, Larry Kudlow.<\/p>\n
Here are a few observations:<\/p>\n
1. Notes from a debate (yes, a formal debate with podiums and a moderator) on immigration: Mark Krikorian (anti) was pitted against Hugh Hewitt (pro). \u00a0While Hewitt was the clear winner (no, I\u2019m not trying to get on the right side of my editor), what most struck me were the words not spoken or, more correctly, screamed.<\/p>\n
Several years ago, at the opening-night dinner of the CPAC conference, George Will delivered remarks on immigration very much in sync with Hugh\u2019s this past Saturday, and several in the audience shouted protests. \u00a0It was rude and a touch ugly. \u00a0Will didn\u2019t flinch and, for what it\u2019s worth, came out of it with an extra measure of my respect.<\/p>\n
This year, Hugh put the case even more forcefully, and there wasn\u2019t a word of resistance. \u00a0Now, true, the format was a debate, not a stand-alone speech. \u00a0But I chatted with Hugh afterwards and walked with him to the reception following. \u00a0As you might imagine, lots of attendees wanted to speak with him. \u00a0At least until I left to talk with other friends, not one uttered a syllable of dissent.<\/p>\n
I am not saying that harmony on immigration has broken out in the conservative community. \u00a0I am saying that the tone has changed significantly. \u00a0Conservatism does not sound as hotly divided as it was when Will spoke.<\/p>\n
2. Notes from the speeches by the presidential mentions: Wisconsin congressman and recent vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, and Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal. \u00a0I missed most of a fifth talk, Virginia governor Bob McDonnell, which was slotted for first thing Sunday morning, when I had other duties to attend to.<\/p>\n
Lines from each:<\/p>\n
Ryan: \u201cWe will need prudence\u201d and \u201cIt is a mortal sin to despair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Walker: The Wisconsin recall was \u201cabout who\u2019s in charge, taxpayers or big government special interests\u201d and, attributed to Ryan, \u201cCourage was on the ballot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cruz: \u201cWe must view everything through a Rawlsian lens, how it impacts those at the bottom\u201d and \u201cThis Republican generation is the children of Reagan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jindal: \u201cAmerica has one liberal party; it doesn\u2019t need another\u201d and the GOP must show that \u201cgovernment is an unleveler of the playing field\u201d to the disadvantage of the middle income and the poor.<\/p>\n
Impressions of each:<\/p>\n
Ryan used a teleprompter (the only speaker to do so) and was extremely well tailored. \u00a0I have nothing against perfectly cut suits. But the combined effect was a touch too regal. Not a good sign for his future on a national ticket.<\/p>\n
Walker was more accessible. \u00a0He, too, had a strong message, coming from his reforms of Wisconsin government and beating the recall campaign. \u00a0But saying of himself (even if quoting someone else) that \u201ccourage was on the ballot\u201d came off as too egotistical. \u00a0In politics, you push credit to others.<\/p>\n
Cruz was obviously brilliant and well read. \u00a0How many officials in a speech without notes speak of viewing policy through a \u201cRawlsian\u201d lens? \u00a0The GOP 2012 message should have been, he said, not \u201cyou built that,\u201d but \u201cyou can build that.\u201d \u00a0Still (sorry for another shallow remark here), there is a Texas style that does not travel. Rick Perry has it over the top. George W. Bush struggled with it. Cruz needs to tone it down.<\/p>\n
Like the other three, Jindal spoke intelligently and with considerable substance. \u00a0I heard him several years ago after he first became governor. \u00a0He said things then that revealed a regional candidate, not ready for a national ticket. \u00a0Jindal at the NRI podium was much closer to big-time ready. \u00a0A really great candidate might mix Cruz\u2019 philosophic depth and Jindal\u2019s clarity and specificity.<\/p>\n
3. \u00a0Larry Kudlow\u2019s message was that the spiritual and the material are complimentary to a good life and a good nation. \u00a0\u201cKeep the faith,\u201d he said in the last session. \u201cThings are going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n
I hope so.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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