What Next | Daily News and Analysis Candace Owens at a Turning Point
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Dec 16, 2025 Will Sommer, a senior reporter at The Bulwark, delves into the controversial figure of Candace Owens and her evolving relationship with Turning Point USA. After Charlie Kirk's murder, Sommer reveals Owens' toxic conspiracy theories and the planned private summit with Kirk's widow. He traces her rise from Gamergate activism to right-wing media, discussing her fallout over antisemitic comments and the implications for the Republican landscape. The conversation hints at how Owens’ rhetoric could impact Turning Point's future and fundraising efforts.
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AmFest Signals GOP's Youth Shift
- AmericaFest (AmFest) is a rowdier, influencer-driven alternative to CPAC that signals the GOP's youth direction.
- Will Sommer says AmFest showcases where the Republican Party is headed culturally and politically.
Owens Capitalized On Kirk's Death
- Candace Owens began promoting conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk's assassination soon after his death and built audience engagement around it.
- Will Sommer observed her charisma made the conspiracies compelling to many despite their baselessness.
Path From Gamergate To Turning Point
- Candace Owens rose from Gamergate and anti-bullying beginnings into a prominent right-wing influencer through Turning Point USA.
- Her racial identity and charisma made her a distinctive recruit for Charlie Kirk's outreach efforts.