The Good Fight Damon Linker on The Spiral of Violence in America
Sep 16, 2025
Damon Linker, a senior lecturer in political science at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'Notes from the Middleground,' dives into the chilling implications of Charlie Kirk's assassination. He discusses the rise of political violence fueled by divisive narratives, especially on social media. The conversation highlights distressing parallels with historical conflicts, emphasizes the urgent need for civil discourse, and explores pathways to heal an increasingly polarized America. Linker warns of the consequences of extreme rhetoric and the vital importance of civic responsibility.
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Small Minorities Can Topple Democracies
- Three million committed to political violence can do enormous damage in a democracy.
- Small committed minorities amplified by tech can destabilize political systems quickly.
Classroom Reaction To The Assassination
- Damon Linker recounts a student saying "oh, good" after hearing about the shooting in class.
- He used the moment to warn that normalizing joy at violence erodes democratic civility.
Clear Condemnation Prevents Moral Slippage
- Defending free speech doesn't excuse condoning murder or muddying condemnation of violence.
- Linker argues resisting semi-exculpatory rhetoric is crucial to prevent a spiral into abuse of power.
