OXON HILL, Maryland — Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a stark warning about a "crisis within conservativism" amid its recent losing streak.
Without directly naming-dropping former President Donald Trump, Pompeo appeared to take aim at him, contending that the movement needs strong leaders of "real character" to take on the battle for conservative principles during his address to the Conservative Political Action Conference.
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"The losses are a symptom of something much bigger. It's a crisis in conservatism. We've lost confidence that we are right," Pompeo warned. "I'm convinced we're unstoppable when we are fully committed to freedom, quality, the basic things we all have — an unwavering faith in our founding principles."
His speech drew occasional cheers and even laughter at his jokes from the audience modestly packed into the Potomac Ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center just outside of Washington, D.C. Spectators in the room donned an assortment of MAGA-branded attire, encapsulating the robust support for Trump at the assembly.
"I've heard some who claim to be conservative excuse hypocrisy by saying something like, 'Well, we're electing a president or a Sunday school teacher.' That's true, but having taught Sunday school, maybe we could get both. It's time to make sure we are living out these very things we're asking others to do."
He noted that he was "not quite over" the 2022 midterm elections, laminating how Republicans lost "race after race."
"They lost trust in the conservative ideas, and this is the task that's in front of us, and I am convinced we can do it," he said, referring to voters.
Underscoring the importance of conservatives needing to start winning again, Pompeo rattled off a slew of flashpoints, such as the war in Ukraine, suspected Chinese spy balloon, and more to contend that the "future of our American miracle is on the line." He also gave a nod to his book, insisting that the United States cannot "give an inch."
Again alluding to Trump, without naming him directly, Pompeo recounted how Trump told him to "shut the heck up" when he publicly railed against China as secretary of state. Pompeo has subsequently revealed in interviews that he followed Trump's orders, but in his address, Pompeo countered that "we should never shut the heck up when we're defending the United States of America."
Pompeo also stressed that Republicans shouldn't "hand that government more power under the guise of conservatism."
Initially, Pompeo was slated to speak Thursday, but that was postponed due to a scheduling issue.
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For weeks, Pompeo has been testing the waters and mulling a 2024 run, which would put him on a collision course with his onetime boss former President Donald Trump. As part of this, he has given numerous interviews, waded into top political debates, and engaged in activity in key early primary states.
Other 2024 hopefuls, including declared candidates such as Trump, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy also agreed to address CPAC. However, a handful of potential contenders such as former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), and others skipped the event, avoiding a split-screen with Trump.
Pompeo is currently lagging behind hopefuls in sixth place, according to the latest RealClearPolitics polling aggregate.