My most recent broadcast from CPAC (the Conservation Political Action Conference) in Washington last week were not only eye opening but troubling in regards to what I heard and saw. Here are just a few examples:

Ann Coulter long considered one of the right's most prolific speakers, resorted to calling former North Carolina Senator John Edwards "a faggot" in describing Edwards stance on the war in Iraq, Coulter who was appearing as a speaker and book signer enraged moderates and liberals not at the conference, and made all in attendance uncomfortable in this inappropriate attack. Cutler's best response, "it's just a joke silly."

But the name-calling, long a critical difference between Republicans and Democrats, made republicans on a equal playing field.

John McCain who declared his official Presidential candidacy on the Letterman show, skipped CPAC entirely, save for a last minute change of heart, in which McCain's campaign tried to set up a weak "meet and greet in a suite" and was simultaneously rebuffed cy CPAC organizers.

Though Rudy Giuliani gave a riveting speech to the faithful, he skipped most if not all radio interviews choosing instead to employ former California Gubernatorial candidate now Campaign Policy Chairman Bill Simon to run around trying to answer questions about the former New York Mayor's stance on abortion and gun control.

Mitt Romney won the straw poll, employing a combination of pointed comments on methods to deal with illegal immigration, and employing hundreds of volunteers many appearing to be below the legal voting age to place stickers and encourage people to vote Mitt. The Mittmites would stand behind Romney chanting, "Mitt, Mitt, Mitt!!!!!!" Romney's people working the radio row ahead of him seemed more concerned about him not being asked the questions about his Mormon faith, than whether his economical success in Massachusetts could take shape on the national scale. Still he seemed to be on task and looked very Presidential.

And then there was Newt Gingrich. I still don't understand why he was there. He seems a man caught weighing being delectable, and smart as a businessman. Gingirch, insisting he is not running for President, gave repeated interviews sounding all the while like the guy who had the best answers to the big questions. However, it would appear he has taken a hard look at the money to be raised, and perhaps has thought about how critics will use his past to hammer him out of the race. Though I have asked him twice if he would run, Gingrich denies it. Seems Newt has studied the facts and concluded there is no percentage in it for him.

The most disturbing thing I picked up was how angry the party seems at itself for letting it's value system decay. Though they claim unity, the number of participants who showed disgust at the president's lack luster performance in this term is still growing. Illegal immigration and the treatment of the two agents sent to prison has them the most angry. In April there will be a five day immigration reform march on Washington organized by KOGO, San Diego host Roger Hedgecock. We will be there. Will you?