KQED's Forum Mourning Charlie Kirk, Trump Blames the Left for Political Violence
Sep 23, 2025
Shadi Hamid, a Washington Post columnist focused on U.S. politics, and Jeremy W. Peters, a National reporter for The New York Times specializing in free speech, dissect the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's killing. They discuss how influential Republicans are using grief for political gain while undermining democratic norms. Hamid highlights the jarring contrast between Kirk’s widow’s forgiveness and Trump’s aggressive rhetoric. They also explore the implications of zero-sum politics and the need for a national dialogue to strengthen democracy and free speech.
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Grief Weaponized Into Political Warfare
- The Kirk memorial became a political rally where grief was repurposed into partisan blame.
- Shadi Hamid warns this weaponization threatens democratic norms like free speech and due process.
Zero-Sum Presidency Undermines Unity
- Trump framed politics as zero-sum and openly embraced hating opponents at the memorial.
- Jeremy Peters says that attitude institutionalizes an us-versus-them presidency rather than unity.
Widow's Forgiveness Versus Political Rage
- Erica Kirk forgave her husband's killer and invoked Christ as her model for forgiveness.
- Shadi Hamid contrasted that message with Trump's aggressive remarks at the same memorial.
