Kirk’s killing exposes void of unifying leader: Politico
4 Min Read
Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparked grief and warnings about the lack of a unifying US leader to cool tensions, according to Politico.
-
A hearse containing the body of Charlie Kirk leaves after being removed from Air Force Two at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Thursday, September 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP)
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has drawn broad condemnation but highlighted the absence of a national leader able to calm tensions, Politico reported.
Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said he could not identify anyone positioned to calm tensions. Bill Daley, a onetime chief of staff to President Barack Obama, told the outlet that only President Donald Trump “represents everyone,” while Rep. Don Bacon hoped Trump would rise to the moment, though “populists dwell on anger,” he noted.
Trump condemned the shooting at Utah Valley University in an Oval Office address, decrying the “demonizing” of opponents but also blaming “radical left lunatics” for vilifying Kirk, saying they compared him to "Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals." The president’s history of incendiary rhetoric and threats against political foes has led some to question whether he can serve as "consoler-in-chief," as dubbed by Politico.
What Trump accuses the left of doing, which is demonizing Kirk, Trump himself has long done to his opponents and political foes, making long rants on social media and even threatening to hold back federal funding from certain causes with which he has ideological disagreements.
Civil rights leader William Barber told Politico that cooling today’s violence may require “presidents, pulpits, and politicians” rather than a single figure. Others, such as former Bush Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, argued that leadership can still rally the country, citing post-9/11 unity.
Past presidents issued statements urging peace. George W. Bush said violence must leave public life; Barack Obama called the attack “despicable,” and Bill Clinton urged Americans to debate “passionately, yet peacefully.”
Yet analysts told Politico that few public figures now command trust across ideological lines. Michael Wear, a former Obama faith advisor, said Kirk’s death exposed a shift in politics: leaders once sought to persuade beyond their base, but today many win praise for channeling anger at opponents.
Key voice for US conservatives, pro-'Israel'
Kirk, 31, rose to prominence in US conservative politics as one of the most influential right-wing youth activists. Through his organization Turning Point USA, he has sought to spread conservative values on college campuses and mobilize a new generation of right-leaning voters.
He is also known for his unwavering support for "Israel", positioning himself as one of the most vocal defenders of the occupation within the US conservative movement.
Kirk was among the first of his generation to harness social media platforms to shape American public opinion, using them to amplify both pro-"Israel" narratives and far-right political causes.
Turning Point USA organizes student trips to "Israel", presenting participants with curated perspectives on its history, politics, and society, aimed at strengthening US-"Israel" ties.
The organization also promotes an “Israel Support Package," which provides American students with educational materials, media strategies, and training sessions to counter boycott campaigns and present favorable narratives about "Israel" on campuses.
Additionally, TPUSA hosts conferences to bring pro-"Israel" activists to prominence, runs training programs for young influencers, and coaches them on how to effectively promote positive messaging about "Israel" while responding to criticism.
Democrats, allies decry Kirk’s assassination
Kirk was killed after being shot in the neck while delivering a speech during his “American Return” tour at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday evening. He was speaking under a tent outside the Sorensen Center when he was struck, with videos circulating online showing the moment he collapsed to the ground as the audience looked on in shock.
A wave of condemnation followed Kirk’s assassination, with notable voices from the Democratic Party and allied political circles leading the response.
Former US President Joe Biden stated that “there is no place in our country for this kind of violence.” His remarks were echoed by former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
“I’m horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah,” Mamdani posted on X, stressing that “political violence has no place in our country.”
