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Conservatives declare war on socialism in CPAC battle cry

“America vs. Socialism” is the umbrella theme at the biggest annual gathering of conservatives under way at the National Harbor in Maryland. Many attendees are wearing “Make America great again” or “Keep America great” hats.



The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) marketplace is as brash and unapologetic as ever.

T-shirt legends include “God, guns, Trump 2020” and, in a parody of The Terminator film franchise, “Trumpinator. I’ll be back.” There are Trump novelty pens and socks. A blue full length dress proclaims “Make America great again.”



Not invited this year is Utah Senator Mitt Romney, the sole Republican who voted for the president’s conviction at the impeachment trial. A placard with Romney’s face says: “Used Trump for political gain... and then stabs him in the back.”



When Charlie Kirk of the pro-Trump student group Turning Point USA referred to Romney during a speech, the crowd booed and Kirk responded: “Correct. Every time his name is mentioned, you should react that way.”



Once given the cold shoulder himself by CPAC, Donald Trump now enjoys a cult-like status here and is due to speak on Saturday. On Thursday, his deputy, Mike Pence, told the crowd: “I know you’re going to say yes to four more years of President Donald Trump in 2020.”



There were chants of “Four more years!” and “USA! USA!”



Trump won the Democratic debates “in a knockout”, the vice president declared. “The truth is today’s Democratic party has been taken over by radical leftists who want higher taxes, open borders and late term abortions.”



He attacked frontrunner Bernie Sanders in particular but warned that “despite what the media tells you, there are no moderates in this Democratic field”.



During Pence’s speech, a protester dressed as Trump was removed by security.