Charlie Kirk is dead. The influential conservative advocate was shot on a college campus in Utah, doing what he does—speaking to college students and inviting them to debate him.

For me, and for many others, this news hit hard—far harder than the attempt on President Trump in Butler, PA and any other recent act of political violence. It’s not just that Kirk was young, only 31, or a husband and father with two little ones. It’s the kind of figure he was, and what he represented.

Charlie Kirk was not some kind of polarizing firebrand. He was a 6’5” olive branch, inviting anyone and everyone who disagreed with him to engage in measured, friendly debate. He represented every reasonable conservative who stands firm on their beliefs but is willing to have good faith conversations. What is the right supposed to do now? Send another friendly debater out into the crosshairs?

Thats why this is so different...

jackwilkie.coSeptember 11, 2025

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