The Intelligence from The Economist One nation, under God, divisible: Charlie Kirk’s memorial
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Sep 22, 2025 Adam Roberts, Digital Editor at The Economist, delves into the political aftermath of Charlie Kirk's memorial, revealing tensions between Trump's combative rhetoric and the widow's call for forgiveness. Tim Cross, Senior Science Writer, discusses intriguing new research highlighting sunlight's overlooked health benefits beyond vitamin D. The conversation also touches on a cultural shift in pop music, where artists are increasingly critiquing mediocrity in men rather than portraying them as outright villains.
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Memorial Became A Political Rally
- The Charlie Kirk memorial mixed genuine mourning with a partisan rally that amplified political messaging.
- Adam Roberts warns the administration may use the event to justify crackdowns on left-leaning groups and critics.
Forgiveness Versus Political Combat
- The event juxtaposed Erica Kirk's message of forgiveness with Donald Trump's combative rhetoric on stage.
- That contrast signals a tension between private grief and public political exploitation.
Martyrdom Framing And Spiritual War
- Religious language framed Kirk as a martyr and recast political conflict as a 'spiritual war.'
- That framing could deepen evangelical support and be used strategically in future messaging.