Attendees gather for the memorial service of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21. Eric Thayer/Getty Images
As informed by CNN
After the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk, Republicans are looking for ways to engage youth and conservative activism in the country, turning the tragedy into a catalyst for political mobilization and participation of younger voters.
«Get involved, get involved, get involved», – said Vans. «Create a TPUSA chapter or join what already exists. If you’re over 40, volunteer at your local party. Write an op-ed in your local newspaper. Run for office», – he added.
A month before the important elections in New Jersey and Virginia and a little more than a year before the midterms, several Republican candidates are counting on Kirk’s death to play the role of a boost to higher turnout among young conservatives.
Turning Point USA remains a key element of Republican mobilization efforts, particularly in the context of supporting Trump. Trump highlighted Turning Point’s and Kirk’s contribution to the growth of support among young people, though official inquiries have remained without response.
Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is running for reelection against Democrat Jay D. Jones, emphasized that many Republicans, including the youth, are angry and focused, but ready to act right now; voters often reach out to him asking to talk about the murder.
«So many people either celebrated it, or justified it, or downplayed it, and it shocked them and gave them quiet resolve to express their votes at the polls»
On Virginia radio, conservative host John Fredericks noted a sharp increase in engagement of voters on the right and interest in the Republican candidate Winsome Sears, who trails Democrat Abigail Spanberger in public polls.
«The mantra here is simple: if you seek to get revenge for Charlie’s death, step away from the keyboard. Get off social media. This achieves nothing. If you want to send a signal, you have one opportunity to do it now – in Virginia and via early voting»
Malena Lianos, president of the Virginia Democratic Youth, has been going door-to-door in recent weeks, urging voters to support Democrats. She does not believe that Kirk’s murder radically changed the state’s political landscape, but notes increased vigilance among voters.
During early voting, Lianos noticed a man with a “We are Charlie” sticker, but she believes that overall economic concerns, unemployment, and clinic closures could resonate more with voters.
«If the candidates on the Republican ticket in Virginia were more synchronized and already had momentum, I’d be for it – but I’m not too worried that this will affect our race»
In Republican television ads across the country, images of Kirk appear and references to him.
«They dealt a blow to President Trump. They killed Charlie Kirk, and they will crush households with inflation»
Bulso described himself as a fighter and a “reserve” for the Republicans needed by Congress after showing footage of Kirk and the battered Trump. A Bulso campaign aide declined to comment.
Another Republican candidate, Buddy Carter, also mentions Kirk’s murder in an ad, stating that the radical left, in its approach to ideology, bears violence.
«The radical left with a corrupted ideology ends in violence»
Carter also emphasizes a general sense of anxiety stemming from what he calls anti-conservative hatred, highlighting the need to raise awareness about political violence.
“I constantly have supporters telling me to be careful. It’s really unbearable there,” Carter said in an interview with CNN.
The Republican candidate for Virginia governor, Earl-Sears, also used images of the suspect in her new digital advertisement, hinting that Abigail Spanberger’s comments about “rage” as a symbol of reckless speech in a tense political environment could influence future events.
«Abigail condemned and will continue to condemn statements that mock or justify political violence of any kind – period»
The issue of political violence does not belong to only one side. In Minnesota, the Democratic Party referenced the deaths of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in June, underscoring the threatening context of political debates. Carter himself asserts that Kirk’s death spurred hyper-activation of voters who believe the left is to blame for violence.
«In all my years, I can say: I have never seen such a spiritual awakening as we are witnessing now»
It seems that Charlie Kirk’s death could become a catalyst for mobilization among the youth and strengthening Republican support, despite debates about the consequences. In the current rhetoric, the focus is on voting security, accountability, and joint efforts to counter violence in politics, aiming to unite different groups around a more moderate approach and responsible public rhetoric.
Don’t miss other news:
- Jimmy Kimmel returns to late-night TV, addressing Donald Trump’s attacks and defending free speech amid controversy and high ratings.
- Mitt Romney revealed he urged the Biden administration to preemptively pardon Donald Trump to avoid political persecution, sparking debate on justice and politics in the US.
- Charlie Kirk, a key conservative activist close to Donald Trump, played a vital role in mobilizing youth support and shaping the MAGA movement’s future strategies.
