Chapo Trap House 971 - The Years of Whatever feat. Will Sommer (9/22/25)
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Sep 23, 2025 Journalist Will Sommer from The Bulwark dives into the chaotic aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. He discusses MAGA's dramatic response, framed as a revival at Kirk's memorial, featuring a campaign-style eulogy by Trump. The conversation explores wild conspiracies around the shooting, including claims of no exit wound and speculations on Israel's involvement. Sommer also addresses the ideological factions vying for Kirk's legacy, along with their influence on right-wing media, and the contentious debates over his supposed conversion to Catholicism.
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Memorial As Political-Religious Revival
- The Charlie Kirk memorial was treated by many on the right as a religious revival and recruitment moment.
- Will Sommer says speakers framed it as a spiritual revival even while political actors used it for opportunity and positioning.
Rhetoric Signals Purge Mentality
- Stephen Miller's speech signaled a punitive, us-vs-them mentality aiming to purge enemies and seize cultural power.
- Will Sommer ties the rhetoric to a broader right strategy of using state power to crush opponents.
Assassination Seen As Political Wind
- Right-wing leaders see the assassination as political momentum to reshape media and culture in their favor.
- Sommer notes they feel emboldened about TikTok, broadcast buys, and pushing liberal civil society back.