Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty put in the tough spot of trying to explain to CNN why there were members of extremist groups in attendance this weekend at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Dallas.
Reporters attending the conference say there were members of white supremacist groups attending the conference, where former President Donald Trump spoke, among a number of conservative politicians and personalities.
Pawlenty, a Republican who once ran for President being interviewed by CNN's Brianna Keilar, says unfortunately "goofballs" can attach themselves to any political movement.
"We have all kinds of examples of people who are encouraging violence or behaviors that we would otherwise accept are outside the norm on the left demonstating that all over the country," Pawlenty said as Keiler cut him off.
"But a political conference where a former president is speaking?"
"What difference does it make if it's a hotel ballroom or a street corner," Pawlenty responded.
Reporters at CPAC documented members of the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and Three Percenters; all far-right militia groups.