The Opinions The ‘Fork in the Road’ After Charlie Kirk’s Death
11 snips
Sep 13, 2025 
Jamelle Bouie, an Opinion columnist for The New York Times known for his insightful political commentary, joins David French, a conservative voice also from the Times, to discuss the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's death. They delve into his complex legacy and the rising tide of political violence in America. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating social media narratives and the tensions they create. Bouie and French emphasize the need for nuanced dialogue to better understand the implications of such incidents on our political landscape.
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Remember Honestly, Not Hagiography
- Charlie Kirk's death is a tragic event that demands honesty, not hagiography.
- Jamelle Bouie urges remembering Kirk's influence while not airbrushing his record of targeting opponents.
Political Violence Is Historically American
- Political violence has long been part of American history and is not a new anomaly.
- Jamelle Bouie warns against treating recent violence as disconnected from past American patterns.
Campus Killings Ripple Through Discourse
- The campus setting makes Kirk's killing especially consequential for public discourse.
- David French says a murder during a college debate radiates fear across campus debate culture and civic life.
