Join journalist Anthony Mansuy as he recounts wild experiences from CPAC, highlighting everything from the bizarre Proudcoin cryptocurrency to the chaotic behavior of the Proud Boys. His firsthand accounts delve into the darkly comedic absurdities of far-right activism and the surreal atmosphere of the event. Listen in as he navigates interviews, all while reflecting on the political climate post-January 6 and sharing personal anecdotes that reveal the strangeness of modern political gatherings.
Ivan Raiklin's attempts to mobilize far-right factions through the Proudcoin cryptocurrency reveal the desperation and absurdity of their fundraising efforts.
The event exemplified a troubling normalization of violent rhetoric among speakers, who dehumanized political opponents as threats that need to be eradicated.
Participants expressed deep discomfort and despair over the increasing infiltration of extremist views into mainstream political discourse following their CPAC experiences.
Deep dives
The Role of Ivan Raiklin
Ivan Raiklin, a far-right activist and former DIA official, is introduced as a central figure among a gathering of Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and January 6th Capitol rioters. He is attempting to mobilize these groups in a lawsuit against the Department of Justice while simultaneously launching a meme cryptocurrency called Proudcoin to fund this effort. Initially, Raiklin gained notoriety for promoting the Pence Card, a false narrative suggesting Vice President Mike Pence could overturn the 2020 election results, which contributed to the violent events of January 6th. Despite his ambitious rhetoric and self-appointed title of 'Secretary of Retribution,' the likelihood of any actionable outcomes from his endeavors appears dubious given his history of failed ventures.
Crypto Fundraising and Public Response
The launch of Proudcoin, a cryptocurrency intended to raise funds for Capitol rioters' lawsuits, is met with skepticism; within hours of its launch, the coin's value reportedly dropped significantly. This scheme illustrates the desperation among these groups to leverage trending financial tools for fundraising while escaping accountability for their actions during the Capitol riot. The event features chaotic scenes where Raiklin speaks to a small crowd, interrupted by counter-protesters voicing their dissent. The atmosphere reflects a blend of far-right extremism with humorous absurdities, challenging the seriousness and effectiveness of their cause.
Counter-Protest and Media Interaction
During Raiklin's addresses, several counter-protesters vehemently denounce the Proud Boys and their affiliates, aiming to disrupt their narrative. One counter-protester stood out, persistently using a whistle and shouting provocative statements to draw attention to the event's chaotic nature. This interaction prompted some media attendees to seek clarity amid the disorder, seeking to manage the tumultuous dynamics around Raiklin's gathering. This highlights a broader struggle, where media presence serves as a double-edged sword: aiming to report while grappling with the distractions created by competing narratives and the emotional climate surrounding the event.
Extremist Rhetoric and the CPAC Environment
As the episode progresses, speeches at CPAC showcase an escalation of extremist rhetoric where speakers label enemies of the state, including immigrants and political opponents, as subhuman threats. Figures such as Stephen Miller amplify this narrative, underscoring a broader shift towards violent imagery and divisive political language that casts opposition as existential threats needing eradication. The environment fosters a chilling ambiance, as attendees display a readiness to embrace this rhetoric, suggesting a normalization of violent ideologies within the contemporary far-right discourse. This trend indicates a disturbing trajectory for political dialogue, potentially paving the way for increased confrontation and societal divisions.
Reflections on the Event's Impact
After experiencing these events, participants express a deep sense of discomfort and despair regarding the state of American political discourse. The coverage reveals an unsettling reality where fringe extremist views increasingly infiltrate mainstream conversations, hinting at the potential for real-world ramifications. As attendees grapple with their emotions post-event, discussions reveal a collective acknowledgment of the dire state of affairs in the country. This reflection emphasizes the need for engagement and awareness, highlighting the responsibility of individuals to confront the narratives perpetuated during gatherings like CPAC.
Proudboy crypto meme coins, JFK Jr's t-shirt design, Sebastian Gorka's snuff film, multiple nazi salutes… Julian and Anthony conclude their adventures at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. But not before being totally demoralized.
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Anthony Mansuy: https://x.com/AnthonyMansuy
Editing by Corey Klotz. Theme by Nick Sena. Additional music by Pontus Berghe. Theme Vocals by THEY/LIVE (https://instagram.com/theyylivve / https://sptfy.com/QrDm). Cover Art by Pedro Correa: (https://pedrocorrea.com)
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QAA was known as the QAnon Anonymous podcast.
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