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1300-word feature about Charlie Kirk's beliefs doesn't specify them or quote him [1]
['Rob Beschizza']
Date: 2025-09-12
Since the horrific murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, U.S. media have eulogized him to the point of competitive saturation. The recent assassinations of Democratic Party lawmakers, the killing of a former U.S. Marine at the CDC, and this week's antisemitic school shooting all slipped quickly and quietly from coverage. This act, though, represents a unprecedented crisis for the Republic. But why?
The answer is not straightforward. Political media have parasocial relationships with MAGA influencers and Kirk was the brightest star on the beat. Pundits spend all day on social media and the algorithmic preferences of Twitter/X fill their media diets. Kirk's "debate me" branding serviced an ideal of superficial civility and manners that the media class considers more valuable than accuracy or truth. His success validates their growing inclination to accomodate far-right ideas about women, minorities, and queer people. They expect such ideas to shape their professional environments soon and to prevail in public life eventually, and they're governing themselves accordingly.
But there's a funny aspect to this: despite all the praise, they avoid describing things Charlie Kirk said. Instead, it's paraphrased or polished in abstraction. No somber compilations of beloved orations. Instead, he is presented through other people's commentary about him. This dynamic reaches its peak in How Charlie Kirk Connected With Young Men, last night in The New York Times.
This is a 1,350 word feature item about Charlie Kirk's beliefs that describes none of them in any detail and never quotes him. You will read not a word clearly uttered or written by Charlie Kirk in this lengthy review of what made his utterings and writings politically relevant to those who love him most. You will read only about how he made people feel.
"Mr. Kirk engaged controversial topics," write the multiple bylined authors required to finesse this achievement. He was "willing to engage on the thorniest topics, from abortion rights to race."
"He espoused traditional family values," they add, "like prioritizing marriage." What happens in the marriage? Who marries? No, move on, we have only 800 words left. We are at least told that he was no fan of trans rights. The most specific example given is that he endorses "the so-called Great Replacement Theory, which claims immigrants will displace white Americans." And what is the displacer in this theory? Kirk was clear about it. But the New York Times has no space for such details. Instead, vibes.
"Growing up as an active Christian, a lot of his values resonated with me," says one interviewee. Another: "It was a relief to see that other people do have the same values and ideas as me." Which values would those be? Oh, you know the ones.
"It's kind of scary to say what you believe in, especially in this cancel culture," says a medical student. Many in the media won't say what he believed in either—it goes all the way to the top!
[END]
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