Glenn Beck, Right Nation Rally In Hoffman Estates

By aaroncynic in News on Sep 20, 2010 7:30PM

Thousands of conservatives donned tri-corner hats and pledged to “take back the government” at the Right Nation 2010 event in Hoffman Estates this weekend. Attendees shelled out anywhere from $70 to $1,200 to hear speeches from conservative all stars as Andrew Breitbart, Dick Armey, and Aaron Schock, Illinois gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady and of course, Glenn Beck.

Beck took the stage Saturday night and performed his usual routine - a mix of banal calls to “set things right” and to “restore America.” Beck called out corruption in Illinois specifically, asking attendees to “raise your right hand and swear you will stop sending politicians to the rest of us, until you get it right.” He also took time out to mock Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity saying “Get away from my french fries, Mrs. Obama. First politician that comes up to me with a carrot stick, I’ve got a place for it. And it’s not in my tummy.” About 140 people paid the $1,200 price tag to meet and have their picture taken with Beck.

A few hundred protesters gathered outside during the day to challenge the prince of Fox News. Conservative hot head Andrew Breitbart shouted at the demonstrators, accusing them of assembling under the guise of the SEIU. Protest organizer Reverend Rodney Reinhart denied any union involvement and told the Sun Times “Let’s not kid ourselves - this is about racism…This is about money. The cheapest seat in the house is $77.” About 5,500 tickets were sold for the event at the 10,000 seat Sears Center. The event was sponsored by the United Republican fund to raise money for various conservative candidates.