Highlights from AmericaFest: The Conservative Gathering of the Year
Phoenix AmFest: A Family Feud on a Grand Stage
When Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest convention hit its midway point, Erika Kirk aimed to inject some levity into a charged atmosphere. After the tragic assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, in September, she led the influential conservative organization with a remark that echoed through the crowded venue: “Say what you want about AmFest, but it’s definitely not boring.” Her comparison of the event to a Thanksgiving dinner where family squabbles take center stage encapsulated the essence of the lively debates that unfolded.
Conservative Feuds Take Center Stage
During the four-day conference, some of the most prominent figures in conservative media turned their spotlight not on leftist opponents, but rather on each other. It became apparent that factions within the right were vying for influence and control, signaling potential fractures in the Republican Party and raising questions about the future dynamics of Donald Trump’s coalition.
Shapiro’s Scathing Critique
A defining moment came when Ben Shapiro, co-founder of the media outlet Daily Wire, took to the stage following Kirk’s opening address. His critique aimed squarely at fellow conservatives, branding several as “morally bankrupt.” He denounced Candace Owens for her inflammatory rhetoric and condemned Megyn Kelly for her “cowardice” in not standing against Owens’ conspiracy theories related to Charlie Kirk’s death. Shapiro didn’t stop there; he labeled Tucker Carlson’s decision to host controversial figure Nick Fuentes as an “act of moral imbecility.”
Retaliation on the Same Stage
The atmosphere quickly heated up. An hour later, Tucker Carlson responded directly, mocking Shapiro’s attempts to “deplatform” dissenters. Steve Bannon also entered the fray, labeling Shapiro “like a cancer” spreading negativity within the movement. In response, Kelly dismissed Shapiro’s standing within the conservative landscape and declared their friendship over, illustrating the deepening rifts among right-leaning pundits.
The Israel Debate: A Divisive Issue
One of the most contentious topics during the conference was Israel. While historically a cornerstone of Republican support, some attendees questioned if this allegiance conflicted with Trump’s “America First” narrative. Carlson made remarks condemning civilian casualties in Gaza, while Bannon criticized Shapiro’s unwavering support for Israel, coining the term “Israel first crowd.” This debate hinted at a significant schism within the party, with implications for the broader conservative agenda.
JD Vance’s Inclusive MAGA Vision
As the conference approached its end, Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech that sought to unify rather than divide. Vance emphasized that loving America should be the only criterion for joining the MAGA movement, refraining from denouncing extremism or specifying boundaries within the coalition. Erika Kirk publicly supported Vance, pledging to rally Turning Point’s resources behind his potential candidacy for the presidency in 2024.
Gavin Newsom: The Favorite Target
California Governor Gavin Newsom, seen as a leading Democratic contender, emerged as a prime target for criticism. Vance ridiculed him as a “California liberal” responsible for issues like rolling blackouts and crime. The event saw surprise appearances, including Nicki Minaj, who humorously adopted Trump’s nickname for Newsom, further solidifying the governor’s role as a punching bag at the conference.
The Rise of the Make America Healthy Again Movement
Another noteworthy presence was the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which signaled a burgeoning influence within the right-wing ecosystem. Spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy, head of the Department of Health and Human Services, MAHA sought to address health and environmental concerns amid growing tensions with other factions of the MAGA coalition. Wellness influencer Alex Clark sparked discussions about EPA policies, raising questions about environmental regulations and their alignment with MAGA objectives.
By showcasing a blend of personal vendettas, political aspirations, and ideological divisions, AmericaFest illuminated the evolving landscape within the conservative movement, foreshadowing the power struggles that may shape the Republican Party in the coming years.