To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Zee Cohen-Sanchez: Beating Charlie Kirk at his Own Game
Aug 26, 2025
Zee Cohen-Sanchez, founder of National Ground Game and an organizer dedicated to mobilizing young voters, joins the conversation. They explore how conservative groups like Turning Point USA are eclipsing Democrats in engaging Generation Z. Topics include the appeal of influencers such as Charlie Kirk, the challenges of progressive infighting, and strategies to counter extremist voices. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for effective outreach and the importance of youth engagement in shaping political movements today.
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Community Trumps Policy On Campus
- Turning Point USA fills a social and community void for isolated college students, especially young men.
- That sense of belonging, not policy, drives many campus shifts to the right.
Large Fundraising, Many Small Donors
- Charlie Kirk raised roughly $100 million in 2024 with about 500,000 individual donors.
- His broad small-donor base makes his operation resilient beyond a few big funders.
Social Perks Drive Recruitment
- Many students attend conservative events for social reasons like trips and networking rather than ideology.
- No left alternative offers the same social infrastructure, boosting conservative organizing success.