Real America’s Voice – CPAC 2026 LIVE COVERAGE (3PM Hour)

Date: March 27, 2026
Location: CPAC, Grapevine, Texas
Hosts: Bo Davis, Ben Bergquam, David Zier
Guests & Notable Voices: Representative Steve Toth, Texas Senator Brian Hughes, Mark Lynch, Joe Kaufman, Mahek Cook, Pejman Biradi, Activists and Attendees

EPISODE OVERVIEW

This live episode delivers on-the-ground coverage of CPAC 2026 from Grapevine, Texas, spotlighting the conservative grassroots, special guests, and key policy issues. The conversation highlights GOP priorities, the engagement of diverse communities (notably Iranian dissidents), current border and electoral controversies, the political future of the Republican party, and engagement strategies ahead of the midterms. Dialogues are candid, blending celebration, grievance, and calls to action.

KEY SEGMENTS & INSIGHTS

1. CPAC Atmosphere, MAGA Base & Unity

[04:26-09:24]

• Event Dynamics:

  • Hosts note the unique, calmer energy at CPAC 2026, attributed in part to President Trump’s absence—the first in 10 years.
  • High engagement from the MAGA grassroots, with robust participation from various conservative communities.

• Notable Quote:

  “The people, the MAGA base, the RAV audience and the speakers that we’ve had have been phenomenal...RAV has really been the highlight.”
  — Ben Bergquam (04:42)

• Division vs. Debate:

  • Despite anticipated intra-movement rifts, hosts report strong unity, vibrant “arena of ideas,” and a palpable commitment to liberty.
  • Warnings against “intentional division designed to distract us from our mission and who the real enemy is.”
    — Ben Bergquam (07:35-08:43)

2. Iranian Opposition, Middle East, and U.S. Policy

[10:03-15:38, 20:28-24:56]

Interviews with Iranian Dissidents

• Pejman Biradi and others express gratitude to the U.S. and Israel for support against the Iranian regime.

• Open disavowal of the MEK (People’s Mujahideen) as a legitimate opposition, labeling them “terrorist culture” and asserting the Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s legitimacy.

  “Can you sit down and negotiate with terrorists? MEK is a terrorist culture....We have to learn from Crown Prince. He hasn’t sat down and negotiated with one single terrorist in this 47 years.”
  — Pejman Biradi (12:15)

• Emphasis on a secular, democratic future for Iran, with transition guided by Reza Pahlavi and free elections.

• Ladan Homayoun: Former taekwondo champion–turned-escapee from the regime, recounts her arrest and torture for pursuing women’s sports. She echoes the readiness of Iranians for change and looks to the exiled Crown Prince for a signal to mobilize.

  “Everybody in Iran, they are super excited, and they are waiting for this small signal from Crown Prince Pahlavi.”
  — Ladan Homayoun (22:12)

Joe Kaufman (Congressional Candidate FL-23):

• Argues only Reza Pahlavi has grassroots inside Iran; calls regime “a future threat.”
• Asserts Iranians must “come to the streets now and take back their country,” paralleled with U.S. support during the Obama and Trump years.
  — [23:17-24:56]

3. Republican Politics: Primaries, Policy, & Border

[25:06-30:10]

Steve Toth (Rep., TX-2) – Defeated Dan Crenshaw in Primary

• Voters demand that Republicans “act like Republicans.”

• The border is described as the dominant voter concern:

  “The most egregious thing...is the border. The border and the border. That’s truly what it’s all about.”
  — Steve Toth (25:59)

• Critiques border bills as insufficient if crafted with Democrats, citing President Trump: “That is not an immigration bill, it’s an invasion bill.”

• Election integrity is deemed the “DNA of the Democrat party”—alleging Democrats' priority is to “make it easy for them to cheat.”

4. Grassroots Organizing & Civic Engagement

[30:17-32:09]

Grassroots Testimony (“Nancy”, Precinct Chair, West Texas)

• Inspired by Steve Bannon’s War Room, highlights local voter turnout, stresses:

  “If you don’t participate in the process, you don’t have a right to complain...You can’t be too conservative to bring back Christian values, patriotic values, our families.”
  — Nancy (30:32-31:40)

• Advice: Join MAGA groups, avoid “RINOs,” and return to Constitutional basics.

5. Texas Policy: Defending Children, Sharia Law, and Religious Freedom

[32:35-39:56]

With Texas Senator Brian Hughes:

• Celebrates Texas law (just upheld) banning children from sexually explicit drag performances and banning gender modification surgeries/therapies for minors.

  • On detransition medical care: “If you pay for someone’s transition, you must pay for the complications and for the detransition.” (34:41)

• Defends American Law for American Courts (2015), prohibiting Sharia law in Texas legal settings.

• On Muslim voters and religious freedom:

  “In America, you can believe, you can worship God as you see fit...But if you’re trying to impose foreign law...that’s where the line is.”
  — Sen. Hughes (36:49)

• Expresses inspiration from Iranian dissidents standing against oppression and for freedom, highlighting unity with American values.

6. Debates: Iran War & Trump’s Global Strategy

[38:26-39:56]

• Should the US “finish the job” in Iran?
  Brian Hughes: “It is. And I believe it’s going to be over sooner than we think...I believe they’re doing it right—get in, get out, and get it done.”
• Is Trump playing for time with Iran’s IRGC?
  Speculation about Trump’s secretive diplomacy:

  “Maybe the talks aren’t with you guys. Maybe that’s what’s happening.”
  — Sen. Hughes (39:44)

7. Election Integrity, OP Score & Grassroots Technology

[40:15-45:00]

David Dewar (Candidate, IL State Rep):

• Alleges voter disenfranchisement through wrong ballots and potential ballot manipulation.

OP Score/GoUSA

• Pejman Biradi introduces the GoUSA “OP Score”—a “political rating system” and voter match service designed to educate voters and promote America First alignment:

  “On the issues, Americans line up 85% for America first versus 15% for the progressive Democrats. That’s a fact. We proved it in 2024...”
  — Pejman Biradi (42:37)

8. Women's Leadership & Voter Mobilization

[50:09-54:55]

Interview with Mahek Cook (Ohio)

• First time at CPAC, motivated by midterms; stresses women as “powerhouses” especially for safety and finances.

• Warns of Republican complacency, especially in “safe red states.”

  “We underperform during midterms...Democrats are mobilizing...If we stay at home and sit on that couch, we will lose everything.”
  — Mahek Cook (51:28)

• Encourages women to recognize political strength, act without “asking for permission,” and participate in advocacy at all levels—even without running for office.

9. Border Crisis, Sanctuary City Fallout & Law Enforcement

[55:01-56:17]

• Ben Bergquam spotlights “packs” given to women migrants containing birth control and rape whistles as evidence of border failure and misplaced priorities.

  “American citizens that are being murdered. It has to stop. It’s time for every single American citizen to stand up...”
  — Ben Bergquam (55:01)

10. South Carolina Senate Primary: “Dump Lindsey”

[56:17-61:12]

Mark Lynch (Challenger to Sen. Lindsey Graham):

• Lists reasons for opposing Graham: poor conservative voting record (43%), “lying” about abortion, “funneling money to Hamas” via USAID—calls for Graham’s arrest for treason.

  “He’s a traitor...We’ve got to get rid of enemies inside of our Congress and get America first patriot people back that are God-fearing true conservative Republicans in office. And that’s me.”
  — Mark Lynch (58:20)

• Claims surging polling for his campaign.

• Critiques Trump's continued endorsement of Graham as realpolitik, but expects to decisively oust Graham in the 2026 primary.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & QUOTES

• “It’s not about how great you can sing...It’s about our country. It’s about God.”
  — Bo Davis, reflecting on singing the national anthem (05:43)

• “In America, you can believe what you want to believe. You can worship as you see fit. But if you’re trying to impose foreign law...that’s where the line is.”
  — Texas Sen. Brian Hughes (36:49)

• “On the issues, Americans line up 85% for America first versus 15% for the progressive Democrats. That’s a fact.”
  — Pejman Biradi (42:37)

• “You can’t be too conservative to bring back Christian values, patriotic values, our families.”
  — Nancy, West Texas organizer (30:32)

• “If we stay at home and sit on that couch, we will lose everything.”
  — Mahek Cook (51:28)

• “He’s a traitor...We’re getting rid of a traitor warmonger Gramnesty...”
  — Mark Lynch (58:20)

TIMELINE OF IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

| Timestamp | Topic / Guest | Summary | |------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | 04:26-09:24| CPAC impressions, division or unity | Calmer, “arena of ideas,” campaign for unity | | 10:03-15:38| Iranian dissidents interviews | MEK criticism, gratitude to US/Israel, push for Pahlavi | | 20:28-24:56| Ladan Homayoun & Joe Kaufman | Women’s rights in Iran, Congress campaign, Pahlavi focus | | 25:06-30:10| Rep. Steve Toth (TX-2) | Border, immigration, election integrity | | 30:17-32:09| Grassroots organizer “Nancy” | Local engagement, MAGA guidance | | 32:35-39:56| Texas Sen. Brian Hughes | Texas laws on children, drag shows, Sharia | | 40:15-45:00| Election fraud claims, OP Score | Ballot controversy & smart voting tools | | 50:09-54:55| Mahek Cook interview | Women voters, midterm challenges | | 56:17-61:12| Mark Lynch (“Dump Lindsey” campaign) | Senate race, Graham criticism, campaign pitch|

FINAL TAKEAWAYS

• CPAC 2026 is a showcase for grassroots unity, activism, and conservative priorities atop an evolving GOP—set against the backdrop of tumultuous Middle East events and domestic policy battles.
• Strong themes: Election integrity, border sovereignty, defense of children, and personal ownership of the movement.
• Diversity of voices: From Iranian dissidents to local organizers and primary upstarts, the emphasis is on “America First,” participatory patriotism, and a return to core principles.

For further details, panel highlights, and more exclusive interviews, listeners are encouraged to check Real America’s Voice media and social feeds for on-the-ground updates throughout CPAC 2026.