As 2018 comes to a close, we’re looking back on some of the biggest highlights from the year at The Heritage Foundation.

 

Every year at its annual President’s Club meeting, Heritage gathers its most dedicated members to participate in pressing policy discussions with leaders in the conservative movement.

 

This year’s event, which took place from Oct. 14-17, 2018, also celebrated the culmination of Heritage’s Reclaim America campaign. President Kay Coles James thanked supporters at the opening session for their dedication and generosity.

 

Here are some of the best speeches, interviews, discussions from this year's incredible event.

 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, introduced as the man “responsible for single-handedly saving the Supreme Court and the judiciary,” spoke about the lasting impact of the courts. McConnell, who is the longest-serving senator from Kentucky, said conservatives “stood up for the presumption of innocence” and did not give into the mob against Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

 

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina looked ahead to the future of the judiciary and discussed the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. Graham’s fiery defense of Kavanaugh went viral and rallied conservatives during one of the most contentious ordeals in Washington.

 

Gov. Matt Bevin delivered one of the most inspiring speeches at a President’s Club meeting, leaving attendees with a brighter outlook on the future of the conservative movement. Bevin also explained the difference between being a governor under President Barack Obama compared to President Donald Trump, the mob mentality of the left, and the impact of tax reform in Kentucky.

 

 

Did you know that before Blaze TV host Eric Bolling was on Fox News he was a former baseball player and a commodities trader? He shared with President’s Club members how he is living the American Dream, what’s fueling the Trump economy, and a cause close to his heart—the opioid crisis.

 

 

Jeff Sessions, who was serving as U.S. attorney general at the time of President’s Club, discussed a range of topics, including Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the future of the courts, and judicial encroachment. Edwin Meese, who served as the 75th attorney general under President Ronald Reagan, introduced Sessions before his remarks.

 

 

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos spoke to Heritage Foundation President Kay Coles James about why millennials like socialism and the lack of civics education students are receiving. She sat down with The Daily Signal prior to her speech.

 

 

The Heritage Foundation President’s Club was created in 1979 to recognize supporters who want to be more involved in the think tank’s work and become leaders in the conservative movement, and to establish an exclusive, core group who are the driving force behind Heritage initiatives.

 

At this year’s meeting, Heritage also hosted numerous panel discussions with policy experts and commentators. These panels included conversations about technology and the future of work, America’s security strategy, and new economic reforms that are on the horizon.

We're having a tremendous President's Club Meeting with our dedicated @Heritage members! So many wonderful speakers and great conservative leaders. #PCM18 pic.twitter.com/hX6BewVpUc

— Kay Coles James (@KayColesJames) October 16, 2018

Next year’s event will take place in Washington, D.C., from Oct. 20-23, 2019.