(BUMPED; UPDATED BELOW) “The Democrats think you are stupid,” Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) told the under-40 crowd at CPAC brought together by the Young Conservatives Coalition. DeMint marveled that so many young people supported Barack Obama in 2008, given that they will get the bill for the Democrats’ massive deficit spending.
The YCC is a new group founded by a network of young DC-area activists, and describes itself as “an advocacy organization dedicated to leading the next generation of the conservative movement.” At today’s even in the Omni Shoreham Hotel’s Palladian room, YCC distributed orange-and-black stickers with their motto, “It’s Our Turn.”
“People under the age of 40 are stepping up to leadership,” YCC President Christopher Maligisi told the crowd.
Grassroots activism is vital to the supporting conservatives in Congress, DeMint said. “Thank you for what you’re doing,” he said. “We have no chance at all without you.”
In a brief interview following his YCC speech, DeMint — who opposed President Bush’s attempts enact amnesty for illegal aliens — said he expects Democrats to push the immigration issue. “I’m sure we’re going to have that fight again,” he said.
UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Exclusive video interview with Christopher Maligisi:
