Uncanny Valley | WIRED WIRED Roundup: How Charlie Kirk Changed Conservative Media
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Sep 12, 2025 Jake Lahut, a Senior Politics Writer at WIRED, dives into the controversial legacy of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist who shaped modern conservative media. They discuss the polarized aftermath of Kirk's tragic death and the rise of misinformation fueled by technology. Lahut explores Kirk's impact on young conservatives and how he transformed political discourse. They also touch on the connections between Silicon Valley and political strategies, revealing the fascinating intersection of tech and U.S. politics.
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Kirk's Campus Origin Story
- Charlie Kirk built Turning Point USA by dropping out, touring campuses, and debating students to generate viral clips.
- Jake Lahut describes Kirk's early rise driven by fundraising, oratory, and the 'prove me wrong' shtick.
Personal Charm Built Influence
- Jake Lahut recounts meeting Kirk and finding him charming and eager to debate off the record.
- He says that personal charm helped Kirk build in-person rapport and make politics feel fun for younger conservatives.
Potential Before-And-After Moment
- Charlie Kirk's assassination could become a political 'before and after' moment that ramps up conspiratorial and violent rhetoric.
- Jake Lahut warns the fallout might accelerate polarization and calls for extreme actions across the internet.