Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Executive Director Dan Schneider believes it is a “mistake” for former Vice President Mike Pence reportedly not to attend the annual conservative gathering.
MSNBC host Joshua Johnson asked if former President Donald Trump asked to be a part of CPAC or if he was invited.
During the Sunday evening interview, Schneider said, “We sent out invitations to some of our intended speakers very early on, actually when he was still president before the election, as we did the same thing with Vice President Pence.”
“We are pleased the president will be joining us, and we’re disappointed the vice president’s not coming,” he continued. “We think it’s a mistake for him not to come.”
Additionally, Schneider said of Pence, “He is a real champion for conservatism.”
“He’s spoken at CPAC 13, 14 times over the years, and I know if he were to come to CPAC, he would be treated very warmly with great respect, and frankly, I really hope that he reconsiders, and if he wants to come, we’ll make room for him.”
Schneider also defended CPAC’s decision to have Trump speak at the upcoming gathering:
Next week Donald Trump is set to make his first public appearance since leaving office, during @CPAC. @ACUConservative’s Executive Director @Schneider_DC defends their decision to welcome Trump back: pic.twitter.com/pFhqYe76Gw
— The Week with Joshua Johnson (@TheWeekMSNBC) February 22, 2021
Reports indicated Trump plans to speak at the gathering on Feb. 28.
“He’ll be talking about the future of the Republican Party and the conservative movement. Also look for the 45th President to take on President (Joe) Biden’s disastrous amnesty and border policies,” a source told Reuters.
CPAC will be held Feb. 25-28 in Orlando, Florida.
