Cato Podcast Free Speech and Domestic Tranquility
Sep 18, 2025
Emily Ekins, Director of polling at the Cato Institute, and Ian Vásquez, Director of Cato's Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, delve into the chilling effects of political violence on free speech in America. They explore public opinion trends and ideological divides, particularly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Switching gears, Ian discusses the implications of Milei's electoral setback in Argentina and the resilience of Peronism. Together, they reveal a more complex picture of political tolerance and the battle for reform in Latin America.
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Growing Tolerance Among Small Groups
- Polling shows no majority backing political violence, but tolerance among minorities is growing.
- This rising tolerance gives reason to worry about democratic norms and civility.
Violence During Campus Debate
- Gene Healy described Charlie Kirk as a campus speaker doing peaceful persuasion when he was shot.
- He highlighted the chill of Kirk bleeding to death under a sign reading 'Prove Me Wrong.'
Which Groups Show More Tolerance
- YouGov polling finds small but notable cohorts who justify or celebrate political violence, concentrated among the very liberal and younger people.
- These minorities are growing and merit concern despite most Americans rejecting violence.
