AMERICA FEST 2024: A Study in MAGA Desolation
As I stood at the America Fest 2024 afterparty, I was greeted by a familiar face, that of Kari Lake, the former television news anchor and failed gubernatorial candidate. However, the warmth of the occasion was short-lived, as Lake suddenly became unhinged, screaming at me in mid-air, “DON’T TOUCH ME! YOU ARE A PIECE OF SHIT!” The verbal abuse continued, with Lake repeating the phrase over and over, pinching my arm like an angry grandmother. Her husband, cameraman Lake, seemed oblivious to the scene, but the growing crowd of onlookers, including right-wing conspiracist Laura Loomer, eventually stepped in to calm the situation.
The encounter was a reflection of the broader vibe at the event, where people seemed less happy and fulfilled than expected. Even Kari Lake, who went from local TV anchor to failed gubernatorial candidate to director of the Voice of America in a short span, didn’t appear satisfied. Instead, her behavior was marked by frustration and anger.
The America Fest 2024, a four-day event featuring prominent conservative speakers, seemed lacking in energy and passion compared to previous years. The crowd reaction to the speeches was tepid, with speakers struggling to find new enemies to rally against, as most of the establishment foes had been defeated and were no longer perceived as threats.
Outside the venue, a group of young MAGA supporters gathered around an elderly protester carrying a sign that read “Dementia Don,” taking great pleasure in berating the man. This encounter, like many others throughout the weekend, suggested that the MAGA crowd wants to go to war, but lacks a clear vision for what they want to achieve once they get to Washington.
Despite the overall desolation, there are a few caveats to consider. The TPUSA America Fest event itself continues to be a remarkable spectacle, with 21,000 devotees making the pilgrimage to Arizona before Christmas. Additionally, there is no need for MAGA to find meaning, as they have their Spiritual Leader, Donald Trump, who provides the purpose and bounty.