The Dispatch Podcast Charlie Kirk’s Death | Roundtable
45 snips
Sep 12, 2025 
Steve Hayes welcomes an insightful panel featuring Jonah Goldberg and Kevin Williamson from The Dispatch, David French from The New York Times, and Megan McArdle from The Washington Post. They delve into the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the unsettling rise of political violence. The conversation navigates the effects of graphic media, desensitization among youth, and the challenges facing public figures amidst increasing intimidation. They emphasize the urgent need for responsible discourse to counter the prevailing fear in today's political landscape.
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Early Encounters With Charlie Kirk
- Kevin Williamson recalled meeting Charlie Kirk early in his career and described TPUSA's confrontational campus style.
- He emphasized Kirk wasn't a threat and that political disagreement is no excuse for murder.
Timing, Trump, And Media Made TPUSA
- Jonah Goldberg argued TPUSA's rise combined timing with Trump's era and media-savvy branding.
- He credited Kirk's social-media instincts and personality brand for TPUSA's campus dominance.
Hysteria Multiplies Violent Risk
- David French warned that pervasive hateful rhetoric increases the odds of political violence.
- He compared public hysteria's scale to math: more people marinating in hatred raises the chance of attacks.
