DC Threads Interviews Lisa De Pasquale

Posted by Camille F. on May 08, 2011

 

Lisa De Pasquale is the former director of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)—one of the most important events on the political calendar for conservative activists, candidates, and elected officials.

Now that Lisa is free to share her personal views on the nation’s political landscape, we thought it would be fun to hear what she has to say.

You can also read more from Lisa at:  humanevents.com

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Most people reading this probably know you from your former role as the director of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).  How did that position come about for you?

I attended my first CPAC in 2000 as the program director of a cosponsoring organization.  It was where I met my mentor, Ann Coulter, so it's always been an important event for me.  In spring of 2006, the CPAC Director at the time came to me and said she was leaving and recommended me for the job.  I was flattered and very grateful!

Prior to your role at CPAC, what was the level of your involvement in conservative politics?

I was program director at conservative women's organization.  This entailed organizing mentoring events for college women and campus lectures with conservative women speakers. In college I was just focused on school and work and really didn't have much time for campus activism. 

In high school I loved listening to Rush and watching his TV show. Yes, Rush had a TV show! Spring break my senior year I went to Panama City, FL and got a tattoo of the Republican elephant, so my politics were pretty set before I even voted for the first time. For the generation before me, Reagan was the conservative icon. For me, it was Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter.

From your view "on the inside" how did the conservative political landscape change from your first day with CPAC to your last?

When I started working with CPAC in 2006, the movement was more DC-based.  Planning for CPAC 2007 was similar to 2011 because it was the first look at the likely Republican presidential candidates.  It was harder to get the likely candidates to confirm in 2007.  Many may remember that Sen. McCain didn't speak in 2007 (he did come in 2008, though). In my 5 years, CPAC's attendance has gone from 4,800 (CPAC 2006) to 11,000 (CPAC 2011). 

Unfortunately, I can't take much of the credit. It's largely due to the activists, bloggers and others who have elevated CPAC to a must-attend event.  Obviously, there were some controversies over the last couple years on what groups should be allowed at CPAC.  It's my hope that CPAC and the conservative movement continues to grow in numbers. This doesn't mean compromising principles, but allowing all conservative groups to participate in dismantling the Obama Administration and his policies.

Today, there are "organized" events (like CPAC, SRLC, etc.) and "grassroots" efforts (the TEA Party, 912 groups, etc.) that make up the conservative movement. In your mind, what are the strengths and/or weaknesses of each of these approaches?

The biggest weakness for organized events like SRLC and CPAC is the perception that they don't reflect the grassroots' concerns.  I can't speak for SRLC, which is a party-focused event, but CPAC did make an effort to reach out and highlight grassroots efforts.  CPAC isn't just about the big name speakers on the stage.  Its strength is that there are tons of smaller events set up by the many participating organizations, training, networking, parties, movie screenings, etc. I think it's one of the only organized events that really has so many other activities going on.  I should point out that the very first tea party was organized to take place on the first day of CPAC 2009 because so many conservative from across the country were in town.

One thing that organized and grassroots now have in common is attendance. Thanks to the internet and social media, local events have a greater reach.  Also, with so many strong conservative leaders like Sarah Palin, Ann Coulter, Michele Bachmann and Andrew Breitbart speaking at grassroots events, they're able to bring a lot of press to the local organizations.  The weakness for these events is that the "tea party" moniker has become a magnet for people who want to take advantage of the movement for financial reasons. A successful conservative event should be judged on its outreach, networking opportunities and ability to energize the movement. The events that set out to be money-making ventures usually fail. 

Now that you have the freedom to go in a new professional direction, what role do you hope to play in the political arena?

I'm looking forward to politics being fun again!  My role at CPAC wasn't to have a public opinion on political matters, so I'm definitely looking forward to the freedom to speak my mind.  I don't assume anyone cares, but it will still be fun!  Professionally, I'm not sure if I'll stay in politics.  Time will tell...

You have met the most well-known conservatives and Republicans in the country. As 2012 approaches, what are the most important characteristics for the Republican presidential candidate to have in order to resonate with the American voters?

I think we need a Republican candidate that can connect with voters.  I know that sounds vague.  It's the political equivalent of the obscenity rule -- you know it when you see it. Most politicians are good at making speeches and throwing in a couple quotable lines. That's just the bare minimum.  Voters want more than that.

Now that the conservative movement is largely driven by "regular people" and not beltway insiders, many voters want that same authenticity from their leaders.  Judging by some of the most popular leaders today, voters also want someone who is willing to be combative with Democrats on the important issues.

DC Threads was founded as a fashion-related way for people to live and share their political views.  Do you feel that people are more or less willing to share their political opinions today?

Hmm, that's hard to say. We're in a hyper-political time and people may want to stay away from divisive issues when it comes to friends, family and dating. For those who work in politics, it's so much a part of their identity that it seems impossible NOT to talk about their political views.

I think we're seeing a different set of issues on the table.  Issues like affirmative action and prayer in schools are not on the forefront anymore. People are broadly talking about the role of government. Maybe we don't know someone who has been denied a job or told not to pray, but most of us know a government worker or public school teacher.  It may make it harder to be vocal in certain circles.  Politics has become more personal. So, short answer: It depends!

Now, for the question you're dying to answer: Who is the most fashionably stylish politician in the United States today?

It's hard to judge male politicians. Most wear dark suits and red or blue ties. For those that venture into Nantucket red pants, congrats on your style, but I don't want to hang out with you. Speaker John Boehner makes bold tie choices and his suits are well-tailored. Honorable mention for Rep. Allen West because he has the best accessory: a Harley.

For stylish female, she's not a politician, but Mary Matalin is fabulous. I was recently at a fundraiser at her home for the conservative organization GOProud and she had the stylish trifecta -- great shoes, great jewelry, great interior designer.

Any thoughts on which politician could use a makeover?

I have to pick someone who is least likely to ever be a future employer.  Seriously, I don't mean this as a politically-based choice, but First Lady Michelle Obama needs guidance.  Unlike Mae West, when she's good she's very good, but when she's bad she's BAD. The First Lady seems to fluctuate a lot.  There are a couple silhouettes that have been great for her and she should stick to those rather than chasing trends or designers. (Dis)Honorable Mention: Debbie Wasserman Schultz's hair. 

Finally, if these were the only 3 stores on the planet, which do you choose - GAP, Old Navy, or Banana Republic?

Old Navy. If I don't have a choice in stores, at least Old Navy has a good variety of color and at their prices I can buy every one of them.

Any parting words of wisdom for the folks reading this interview?

Eventually I'll get around to starting a petition to ban pantsuits for women. Please sign it. 

If you're working in the DC area, save a place for me in line if you ever see the Red Hook Lobster Truck.

Read Human Events, Ronald Reagan's favorite newspaper.

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