In connecting with young people, Charlie Kirk achieved for Republicans what the party attempted to do for decades, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Kirk, the Turning Point USA co-founder and CEO assassinated last week during a rally in Utah, used public appearances and social media to inspire young conservatives. He expressed views that included opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.
Kirk’s Instagram account had more than 12 million followers.
“He’s probably the most influential person in our generation,” said Grand Canyon University student Carlie Jo Ahrenstorff, 21, the Journal reported.
“I thought it was super cool that there’s someone younger who was going to all these universities, and who did believe in God and really made that known,” said Olivia Hubbard, a 19-year-old Christian from Iowa.
Kirk’s speaking style appealed to young Republicans and helped bring them into the party.
“You felt like he spoke to you and he had this skill of making you feel like he was close to you,” Jon Fleischman, a longtime conservative activist and former chairman of California’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, told the Los Angeles Times. “He is irreplaceable. Nobody could beat Charlie Kirk.”
White House assistant press secretary Taylor Rogers, 24, started a Turning Point USA chapter at Clemson University.
“In some way, he influenced everyone who is my age that is working in the White House today,” Rogers said, the Journal reported.
Kirk’s influence also has been felt in Congress.
“Charlie is the reason why I’m in Congress today,” 36-year-old Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., told the Journal.
Kirk recruited Luna to work at Turning Point USA as director of Hispanic engagement in 2018.
Former NCAA swimmer and conservative activist Riley Gaines, 25, credited Kirk with sending her to college campuses to speak with students.
“It’s Charlie who really gave me a platform, inviting me early on to just speak with him about it, offering his advice, his guidance,” Gaines said.
At his 9/11 memorial speech last week, President Donald Trump announced Kirk will be awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“Let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt,” Trump said in brief remarks before remembering 9/11. “Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.
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