• CPAC holds its first meeting in Poland just before the presidential election.
• Kristi Noem urges Polish voters to support conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki.
• Contrasting visions presented by both candidates: a liberal EU supporter and a conservative skeptic.
• Matt Schlapp claims conservatives face a common threat from "globalists."
• The conference serves as a rallying cry for global conservative unity.

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the United States' leading conservative gathering, convened in Poland for the first time, coinciding with a critical presidential election between a liberal candidate and a conservative supported by former President Donald Trump. The election, set against polarizing views, features Rafał Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw in favor of the EU, and Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian skeptical of the EU, outlined CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp's remarks at the event, which occurred five days before the election, according to Indiatimes, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.

During the opening speeches, Kristi Noem, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary and a Trump ally, encouraged Polish citizens to elect Nawrocki, declaring, "We need you to elect the right leader," as she articulated his potential to steer Poland towards conservative values. She criticized Trzaskowski's leadership, labeling it as "an absolute train wreck," and emphasized the importance of a leader who aligns with Trump, indicating this would strengthen the U.S.-Poland relationship. Noem also highlighted the role of the U.S. military presence in Poland, aimed at assuring security amid ongoing tensions with Russia, as noted by Los Angeles Times and NPR.

Matt Schlapp articulated concerns regarding the global conservative movement's challenges, asserting that conservatives worldwide confront "globalists" who threaten fundamental values. He posited that the outcomes of elections, including those in Poland, bear significant implications for freedom globally. His comments resonated with attendees, many of whom share apprehensions about their political futures as global influences shift, according to Indiatimes, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.

The conference location in Jasionka, near Rzeszow, signifies a conservative stronghold, previously a hub for U.S. and Western military aid to Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion. CPAC has evolved since its inception in 1974, progressively aligning itself with Trump’s populist policies and expanding its mission to foster a global conservative movement. This evolution has attracted participation from international figures, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, reinforcing the idea that global conservatism is on the rise, highlighted by Indiatimes, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.

John Eastman, a notable speaker at the event, posited that the Polish presidential election represents a "decisive moment for the future of Western civilization," warning of a cultural erosion that could extend to Eastern Europe if left unaddressed. He praised Poland's pivotal role in countering such ideological threats, making the upcoming election a significant event not only for Poland but also for broader Western values, as described by Los Angeles Times and NPR.