Conservative commentator Candace Owens has made a sharp return to YouTube, launching a blistering critique of a major conservative youth conference in her first episode of the year. After a brief hiatus, Owens did not mince words as she dissected the recent Turning Point USA's AmericaFest (AmFest), held from December 18 to 21.
A Scathing Review of AmFest's Purpose and Tone
Owens immediately set the tone for her critique, expressing strong disapproval of the event's atmosphere. She controversially compared the gathering to a "convention for a pyramid scheme." In her view, the conference felt more like a leisure trip to Las Vegas or an adult Disney World than a serious political assembly meant to connect with grassroots supporters.
She agreed with comedian Tim Dillon's assessment of AmFest as a "bad reality drama," arguing that the event lacked authenticity and failed to resonate with ordinary people. Owens questioned the core purpose of the gathering, suggesting that financial considerations and public image took precedence over forging genuine connections with the conservative base.
Controversial Decisions and Personal Criticisms
Owens directed particularly harsh criticism at what she described as a "ghastly" decision by the organizers. She referenced a tent set up at the event that, in her opinion, was a disturbing reminder of the location where Turning Point USA's founder, Charlie Kirk, was shot. Owens claimed this was a conscious choice, allegedly approved by Michael McCoy's wife, and insisted that Erika Kirk must have been aware of it.
The commentator also took aim at the platform given to fellow conservative voice Ben Shapiro. Owens pointed out a perceived hypocrisy, stating, "Ben Shapiro did not really like Charlie when he was alive, but he gave us a million dollars, so he is going to be at AmFest." This remark prompted a public response from Shapiro during his own speech, where he urged the audience to call Owens out. Owens fired back a day later, reiterating that Charlie Kirk himself had not been fond of Shapiro.
Owens' Broader Concerns and a Striking Metaphor
As her episode progressed, Owens expanded her critique to express deeper anxieties about the direction of political movements. She used a powerful and unsettling metaphor, stating, "I feel like we are fighting machines. I think these people are not humans, that they are sentinels that maybe look like humans."
This comment underscored her belief that the event and the figures involved represented a detached, mechanized form of politics, far removed from the human concerns of everyday citizens. Her return episode, titled "You Won't Believe What Happened While We Were Off Air... | Candace Ep 284," has reignited debates within conservative circles, adding fresh fuel to existing discussions about the nature and future of such large-scale political conferences.
