Ron Paul Supporters Heckle Cheney, Rumsfeld at CPAC

Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011.

/ AP Photo/Alex Brandon

WASHINGTON -- Most of those preparing for the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington this week anticipated a division over social issues, but the real conflict at the convention today erupted between young libertarians and supporters of the Bush administration.

The annual convention has attracted about 11,000 conservatives to the nation's capital, many of them young supporters of libertarian icon Ron Paul. They were ready this afternoon to show their opposition to the Bush administration when former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was presented with the conference's "Defenders of the Constitution" award.

Loud boos resounded through the convention hall as Rumsfeld's name was announced on stage. The numerous young attendees got up from their seats and filed out of the room in protest.

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The commotion only grew when former Vice President Dick Cheney surprised the audience by showing up to honor his longtime friend and White House colleague.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney addresses CPAC.

/ AP Photo/Alex Brandon

The crowd was on its feet, some cheering "Cheney for president!" The boos from CPAC's libertarian contigent continued and at times interrupted Cheney's remarks.

"America is stronger and more secure" because of Rumsfeld's service, Cheney said, prompting one person to loudly shout, "Where's bin Laden at!"

Some of the vice president's supporters shouted, "Shut up!" and started a loud chant of "USA, USA!"

The jeering continued, with some yelling "draft dodger!" at Cheney.

As he accepted his award, Rumsfeld articulated the neoconservative position that has angered libertarians as the United States continues to spend hundreds of billions a year on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Isolationism is a luxry America and the world cannot afford," Rumsfeld said to applause. "Radical Islamists are not cutting back from their recruiting [or other investments]... Neither can we."

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Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com. You can read more of her posts here.

[doublek321]

It sure sounds like Rumsfeld thinks that unless we're at war w/ a country, we're isolated from them. Is he next going to suggest that we start attacking our allies?!

Ron Paul wants to TRADE WITH and SPEAK WITH other countries. He just is anti-militarism. It's sickening how the neocons have been in charge of this party for this long. It sure seems that this is changing (thankfully!) due to Ron Paul's influence on the young people in this country.

[waterboy17]

Ron Paul for President? If you want to just hand the presidency to O on a siver platter for another term, go ahead and nominate Ron Paul. Ron Paul vs what is perhaps the greatest campaigner of our lifetime is like a featherweight against a heavyweight.

[bk2012]

not necessarily true...a lot of liberals are upset that Obama has strayed so far center and that he's failed to keep a good many of his campaign promises. Ron Paul draws the left with his consistent foreign policy stance and he draws the right with his consistent monetary stance. Could this be a meeting of minds??? Ron Paul is up in the air, it would be a very interesting campaign to see.

[babooph]

Little George & his aids only speak before stooges-they got a big shock from the tea bag guys..

[pwgrant]

"Defender of the Constitution Award"?! Now there's irony for you.

[Red_feather]

Ron Paul for President in 2012!

[bpai99]

That's below the belt, calling Cheney a draft dodger just because he got 5 deferments. Just because you're not willing to fight for your country doesn't mean you can't strongly advocate that others to do so.

[crazyname]

Liberals are not conservatives, maany are democrats that put on an air of conservativism To bad. Neither one of these guys played the game of politics, they did and said what they thought was right, and din't follow the politically correct line that most politians do. We need more of that! We cannot afford any more political correctness, we are not all the same, and the politically correct are only out for themselves and the special interests and haven't the balls to stand up for the people they serve.

[stn_sage]

Well...it looks like the 'P.R. event' to try to whitewash their images, didn't work! Even conservative Republicans know what irresponsible criminals these two are! IF they were smart, they'd retire and stay out of sight!

[Multi-Basking]

Might be some hope in there for the new Repubs after all. Hope this is the wave of the future for Republicans. Good for you guys!!!

[crazyname]

Independents are not repbulicans or conservatives, they are people that don't fit into either party or only take out parts that fit their needs. Liberals don't like people with strong wills and high morals, they want politically correct people in washington that back down when confronted, and don't speak from the heart. Dem's are happy with canned speeches and generalaties that mean nothing. They want warm fuzzies, and a fiddle to play while the world around us collapses.

[slippedonbs]

crazyname February 11, 2011 11:46 AM EST

I think that pointing out that liberals as being weak willed and have bad moral character shows to me that you are not a true independent...are you? Liberal does not mean socialist or communist, just as conservative doesn't mean fascist or Nazi.Just because I belong to one party or another does not mean that I walk lock step with my every one of my party's position. I would hope that goes for politicians too.The dems have their blue dogs. The republicans used to have "mavericks", that all (but Ron Paul), disappeared during the Bush years

[formrusmcsgt]

by formrusmcsgt February 10, 2011 8:32 PM EST
The jeering continued, with some yelling "draft dodger!" at Cheney.
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10 to 1 FNC won't run it.