Charlie Kirk was a divisive far-right podcaster. Why is he being rebranded as a national hero?

"The streets of Washington DC, are unmistakable. In addition to noting the city's signature architecture and public monuments, one will know they are in the nation's capital when they can barely go half a city block without spotting a US flag. Two weeks ago, those flags were flying at half-staff, but not in recognition of the passing of a high-ranking public official, as would be customary."

"Kirk ruled over an online fiefdom peddling his signature brand of rage-baiting racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic and misogynistic commentary. It wasn't just his vitriolic style, but also his popularization of cruelty, humiliation and dehumanization of political opponents especially college students that attracted millions to his audience. He famously said empathy was a made-up, new age term that does a lot of damage. As a Black woman, I felt no sorrow watching these flags hang limp and lifeless from chrome posts in the stiff, humid summer heat"

Flags in Washington, D.C., flew at half-staff two weeks after the 10 September killing of Charlie Kirk following a White House order. Charlie Kirk was a 31-year-old podcaster, hard-right party operative, and MAGA youth influencer who promoted racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic, and misogynistic commentary. His online influence relied on rage-baiting and the popularization of cruelty, humiliation, and dehumanization of political opponents, especially college students. He declared empathy a made-up, new age term that does damage. Official memorial gestures including a House moment of silence, a prayer request, and a 310-58 House resolution prompted no mourning from the narrator.

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