CPAC stands for "let's talk"

What do tea parties, the NRA, pro-life groups and Ron Paul have in common? They all come to CPAC.

Knowing that a whole movement can come together for a big conserva-fest is always heartening, as meeting and speaking are the obvious first steps to building a coalition that can win, especially in first-past-the-post systems. Unlike CNN's interpretation (conservatives agreeing with conservatives) CPAC goes well beyond the main ballroom speeches, applause and standing ovations. As with a party conference it's the fringe events and networking that count.

Which is exactly why movements that have many souls need get-togethers like CPAC desperately. How can they otherwise present a united front at election time? This year there's an even greater incentive to meet and talk: the tea partiers. This phenomenon is a gigantic pool of new voters. They are potentially Republican but will not be toyed with. CPAC and similar conferences are the ideal way for them to showcase their views and dedication without adopting a narrow party brand. What's better: a reception with a party apparatchik or talking to hundreds of ordinary people?

Politics isn't all soundbites and bigwigs. CPAC might mot set the party course, but it's sure a great indicator of where the tide is going. That, for a political party, is a very good asset.