SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow received a standing ovation after delivering an hour-long speech titled “Lessons for Young Conservatives” at the Young America’s Foundation’s (YAF) June High School Student Conference at Reagan Ranch on Saturday.
“The conference attracted 266 high school students from over 125 schools across 24 states,” YAF conference director Madison Habersetzer told Breitbart News. It’s the largest high school event of the year for the youth organization known for managing Ronald Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo and hosting conservative speakers on college campuses across the country.
In a speech titled “Lessons for Young Conservatives,” Marlow began by sharing his background of growing up in left-leaning Los Angeles, attending the University of California, Berkeley, where he met Andrew Breitbart while a student, and offering insight into how Breitbart News has become at the forefront of some of the biggest stories of the century, particularly Brexit and the rise of Donald Trump.
The next part of the speech was about “Lessons from Andrew Breitbart.” Marlow, the first employee hired by Breitbart for the then-nascent Breitbart News Network, implored young conservatives to be warriors, but also to have fun doing it. Andrew Breitbart, the quintessential “happy warrior,” accepted. Marlow suggested that the conservative movement was trying to realize one of Andrew Breitbart’s dreams: to replace the left as the culturally significant political movement. He also shared other lessons Andrew had gained, including insights into the insidious nature of establishment media.
The next part of the speech was taken directly from Marlowe’s latest article. The New York Times bestseller, Defeat BidenMarlowe offered a wry take on lessons conservatives can learn from Joe Biden’s longevity, including the importance of resilience in the face of great adversity and the importance of organizing without alienating groups of voters and donors who can help a cause.
The concluding part of the speech was undoubtedly the most energizing: “Lessons from Alex.” Marlow shared several insights that can help young people survive and thrive not only in their careers but in life in general. Marlow began by emphasizing the importance of networking, finding mentors, and working hard “for free” until you have marketable skills.
He then moved on to the part of his speech that got the strongest reaction from the audience: the importance of appearance. Marlowe said that “being attractive” is the only “super power” humans can acquire. He therefore explained that it is beneficial to have as polished an appearance as possible. This can be achieved by lifting weights, not dressing “sloppily,” and taking care of your health and nutrition. He suggested that this makes life much easier since in the modern age, “looking good” is the easiest way to get attention.
Marlow also delivered a sobering message about social media addiction. He said many young people need to make a conscious effort to reject the unfulfilling lives they live in the virtual world and choose a more meaningful life away from screens. He said that Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and the Chinese Communist Party through TikTok are forcing their own algorithms on young Americans, distracting them from what really matters.
The talk ended on an encouraging note, with Marlowe saying he believes it has never been easier to be successful, thanks in part to many of his peers in the audience unable or unwilling to apply the fundamental principles outlined in the talk.
“This is America, the greatest country in the world where anything is possible,” Marlowe said, “but if we waste time, you and we will fail.”
“Your country needs you, so go out and fight,” Marlowe told them.
AWR Hawkins of Breitbart News also appeared as a presenter at the YAF event and drew praise from the students.
“All of the speakers on the final day were fantastic, especially Alex Marlow,” said one home-schooled student. “I’m heading off to college so his talk was especially helpful.”
“Alex Marlow’s speech encouraged me to be ambitious and work hard instead of just sitting around,” said another.
How to support Young America’s Foundation YAF.org.
