The Take 2025 in Review: What Charlie Kirk’s death says about political division in the US
Jan 1, 2026
In this insightful discussion, Matthew Boedy, a rhetoric professor at the University of North Georgia, dives into the implications of Charlie Kirk's tragic death. He explores Kirk's rise as a controversial figure and his influence on young conservatives. Boedy shares his fears regarding the future of U.S. democracy, discussing the potential for increased polarization and political violence. He also examines the dynamics of grief and criticism surrounding Kirk's legacy, emphasizing how inflammatory rhetoric can exacerbate societal divisions.
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Personal Reaction To Kirk’s Death
- Matthew Boedy describes learning of Charlie Kirk's death while driving and being moved to tears for Kirk's family and the nation.
- He frames the shooting as a "flashing red light" for American democracy and worries we crossed a line with political assassination.
Turning Point's Institutional Expansion
- Boedy explains Turning Point USA's growth from a campus group into a $100 million cultural operation with high-school and international branches.
- He argues the group now targets seven cultural arenas, exporting its model abroad.
'Western Civilization' As Cultural Code
- Boedy says "Western civilization" for Kirk blended democracy, Christianity, and racialized ideas about the West.
- He links Kirk's call to restore a Christian cultural majority to MAGA-style politics.