The Conservative Political Action Conference kicked off on Wednesday with tons of enthusiasm and hope for a strong Conservative change in this country. The speakers at the convention included Mitt Romney, Marco Rubio and a surprise appearance and speech from Dick Cheney. Cheney received a warm welcome as he told the crowd “I think 2010 is going to be a phenomenal year, and I think Barack Obama is a one-term president.”

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney took to the stage and didn’t hold any punches back on Obama. “In case you didn’t hear the late-breaking news, the gold medal in the downhill was taken away from American Lindsey Vonn. It was determined that President Obama is going downhill faster than she is,” Romney said. He also added “It has become clear who is responsible for President Obama’s lost year, the 10% unemployment year—President Obama and his fellow Democrats. So when it comes to pinning blame, pin the tail on the donkeys.” Romney also outlined a strategy to help Conservatives regain their nation
“We will strengthen the economy by simplifying and lowering taxes, by replacing outmoded regulation with modern, dynamic regulation, by opening markets to American goods, by strengthening our currency and our capital markets” he said. “Instead of leading the world in how much we borrow, we will make sure that we lead the world in how much we build and create and invest.” He added, “We will promote and defend the American ideals of political freedom, free enterprise, and human rights. We will stand with our allies, and confront those who threaten peace and destroy liberty.”

Marco Rubio gave an incredible speech. He opened the speech by stating how
“2010 is a referendum on the very identity of our nation.” Rubio is currently running for Governor in Florida against Charlie Crist.

An unlikely face was also spotted attending the CPAC convention. MSNBC host Rachel Maddow was seen strolling around the exhibits at the convention. This was the progressive host’s first time being at the convention.