The shooting death of Charlie Kirk Wednesday sent shockwaves across Southern California, especially among Republicans and college communities that had invited the conservative activist to their campuses.
Last March, Kirk spoke at University of Southern California (USC) and California State University, Northridge (CSUN) campuses as part of his “The American Comeback Tour” as he went to schools to debate college students and try to engage them in conversations.
He had also finished a roundup of California colleges and universities, including those in Long Beach and Riverside in May before his Utah tour.
David Benning, president of the San Fernando Valley Republican Club, said many people adored him because of his ability to have a conversation without being confrontational.
“For the most part, not always, but usually, his style and his skill evoked a politeness from people in crowds who didn’t adore him,” Benning said.
Another Republican leader called Kirk a “kind man” who is willing to engage in a conversation with anyone.
“He met people where they were. He let anybody talk to them, and he took his time with each and every one of them,” Tim Whitacre of the Republican Party of Orange County said. “It’s not a mean bone in that man’s body. And for him to be murdered in cold blood like this, just beyond words, it’s hard for me to talk.”
When many colleges are accused of being liberal and biased, Kirk was willing to bravely come to the enemy’s territory in the deep blue region of Los Angeles to have civilized discussions.
Roxanne Hoag, chair of the LA County Republican Party, said even when he had to face hostile crowds at USC, Kirk had the attitude of a “cheerful conservative warrior.”
“(He was) like, ‘Hey, that’s the irony of a university that charges people $80,000, $90,000 a year to be a community of inquiry, and you can’t handle a speaker who just talks,” Hoag recalled. “And he joyfully took on all comers and was polite.”
Because the conservatives in Los Angeles remain silent in the region where some 60% of registered voters are Democrats, they welcomed Kirk with open arms.
“I was an actor. That doesn’t go well with being an outspoken conservative,” Hoag explained. “People are scared to put bumper stickers on their car or even fly American flags in front of their houses.”
Turning Point USA, Kirk’s foundation, has chapters on campus throughout the country, including in Southern California.
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
Source: NBC Los Angeles
Be First to Comment