Podcast Summary: Next Up with Mark Halperin

Episode: The Devastating Loss of Charlie Kirk and the Legacy He Leaves Behind, with Megyn Kelly
Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Mark Halperin, MK Media
Guests: Megyn Kelly, Robert Pape
Theme: Reflecting on the assassination of Charlie Kirk—his influence, personal qualities, and the implications for political violence and the conservative movement. Also includes an extended remembrance and analysis of Kirk's political strategies and legacy.

Episode Overview

This somber episode of "Next Up" is dedicated to the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, the prominent conservative activist who was recently assassinated. Mark Halperin is joined by Megyn Kelly, a close friend of Kirk’s, and later by Professor Robert Pape from the University of Chicago, to discuss Kirk’s impact on conservative politics, reactions to his death, the current threat landscape, and the broader context of political violence in America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Charlie Kirk to Conservatism

(02:05–06:15)

• Megyn Kelly underscores Kirk’s unique talents as a communicator and a political organizer:

  • “He was probably our most effective messenger…He could take the ideas that we debate every day on our shows…condense them into digestible bits, and release them on people in a powerful and persuasive way.” (02:45)
  • Kelly notes Kirk’s effectiveness at reaching young people and converting critics: “He was speaking to a younger generation of kids who were apolitical and explaining to them these issues…that they could understand and access.” (04:27)
  • Kirk was not only influential among adults but deeply impacted the youth, including Kelly’s own children: “They were extremely jarred by this news. They’re 14 and 15, Mark. He was speaking to a younger generation.” (04:27)

• Personal qualities:

  • Kirk was known as a “happy warrior,” warm, giving, and open to genuine debate: “Charlie was kind. He was warm. He was giving. He did not look with disdain upon you if you showed up and you disagreed with him or even if you insulted him.” (03:36)

2. Responding to the Loss and Continuing the Mission

(06:15–07:33)

• Carrying the legacy forward:

  • Kelly argues that the best way to honor Kirk is to “follow his example” and “say all the things that we know are true and right, no matter what the consequences.” (06:15)
  • She calls for increased activism on college campuses and for conservatives to be unafraid to speak up, especially to counter liberal dominance: “You must speak up. If you don’t, they’ve won. Charlie’s not here to lead it anymore. You’re going to have to lead it yourselves.” (07:33)

• Policy recommendations:

  • Kelly emphasizes the need for institutional reforms to address the mental health crisis and prevent future violence:
    • “We need to be more flexible and open-minded to involuntary institutionalization, just as most countries in the West already are.” (10:32)

3. Media Perceptions and Misunderstandings

(11:23–15:03)

• The mainstream media’s view:

  • Halperin and Kelly criticize the “superficial” coverage by the mainstream press, labeling Kirk a “right wing” or “far right” figure without understanding his deeper impact and motivations.
  • Kelly: “It’s such a bastardization by the left…I just feel like they can go fuck themselves. I couldn’t give two shits about what they think of Charlie Kirk. They didn’t know him. They don’t understand any of us. And it’s because of willful blindness they choose to demonize rather than seek to understand.” (15:30)

• Internal critiques from the right:

  • Kelly laments that some on the “establishment right” diminished Kirk for being too “MAGA,” noting his belated acceptance by Fox News and others: “He only got asked back onto FOX within the past four months. He was banned at Fox for...most of his tenure.” (14:18)

4. Charlie Kirk’s Approach and Achievements

(19:58–32:56)

• Halperin’s Monologue/Reflection:
  • Charlie Kirk was described as someone who combined data-driven strategy (“a man of math and science”) with personal charisma and purpose-driven activism.
  • His leadership at Turning Point USA was characterized by relentless work ethic, innovation in outreach, and a refusal to become “smaller” with power.
  • “He carried his success the way a good waiter would carry a tray. Steady, attentive, unselfconscious, consistently like that.” (21:37)
  • He prioritized “clear metrics,” measured outcomes, and sustained organizational growth: “He didn’t like to have meetings where there were no goals or timelines, names next to each task.” (24:55)
  • Charlie was teachable, always seeking to learn even from critics: “Wisdom is found in many fields. And pride. Pride is a poor tutor. Charlie had no pride about learning from others.” (25:55)
  • Kirk is credited with making the critical difference in the 2024 election through voter registration and turnout, especially among young conservatives: “Charlie had done what people said he couldn’t do. And I believe he made the difference in the Electoral College for President Trump through his voter registration efforts.” (26:56)

5. Sampling of Charlie Kirk’s Own Words

(32:56–50:11)

• Entrepreneurial spirit:

  • Kirk described himself simply as an “entrepreneur,” taking pride in building from scratch and being underestimated: “I have probably been underestimated by a lot of people on the left and even on the right at times.” (33:03)
  • On organizational scale: “Well over a thousand full time people on staff now all across the country…over 400,000 donors…Over $100 million.” (34:29, 34:36)

• Media success:

  • “I do a two hour program every single day…which gets turned to a podcast. It’s on hundreds of radio stations across the country…” (33:03)

• Humor and humility:

  • Kirk’s reaction to being parodied on South Park: “I thought it was hilarious. I thought it was awesome…I think we on the right have to be able to laugh at ourselves better.” (49:42)
  • On meeting critics or political opponents: “I love learning. I learned this from Tucker. Sit down with people, even if you disagree. Ask great questions, be curious.” (48:13)

6. Expert Analysis: Political Violence and National Mood

(53:12–77:17)

Professor Robert Pape: Structural Causes and Solutions

• Rising support for political violence:

  • “We are seeing in our national surveys…evidence after evidence that our publics in the United States, both on the right and the left, support political violence at higher levels than at any time since we started doing these quarterly surveys in the summer of 2021.” (53:37)
  • In May surveys: “39% of Democrats said they agreed that the use of force was justified to remove Donald Trump from the presidency.” (55:33)
  • About “violent populism,” drawing analogies to the 1960s but noting today’s mainstreaming of support for violence.

• The demographic shift:

  • The single largest driver cited is the U.S. moving from a white majority to a white minority democracy; other issues include economic anxiety and polarization over social change.
  • “We are now transitioning for the first time in our 250 year history from a white majority democracy to a white minority democracy…” (59:35)

• Mitigating violence—A call for leadership:

  • Pape urges coordinated, bipartisan denunciation of violence:
    • “We need to focus on the short term…what’s most important is our political leaders to condemn violence from their constituents, their side. And you’re seeing this…in their silos. That is the key next step is joint statements.” (62:23–63:39)
  • Supports Halperin’s idea for a joint appearance by former presidents at Kirk’s funeral to set a standard for unity.
  • The real risk: sorrow among millions could evolve into anger and more violence if not handled carefully.

• Role of leadership at all levels:

  • “All Democrats, governors, members of Congress, all former presidents…need to be involved in the statements, just as all Republican leaders need to be involved…” (67:10)

• Short-term security vs. systemic risk:

  • Increased security at events is necessary but not a complete solution due to the wide pool of potential targets.

• Mental illness vs. ideology:

  • Pape emphasizes these are not mutually exclusive: widespread acceptance of political violence can nudge volatile individuals into action.

• Potential for escalation/copycat violence:

  • There is precedent for escalation following political assassinations, though it often unfolds over months, not days.

• Optimism:

  • “70% of the public abhors political violence,” but leadership is required to maintain and build on this consensus.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Megyn Kelly:

  • “Charlie was a happy warrior. Charlie was kind. He was warm. He was giving. He did not look with disdain upon you if you showed up and you disagreed with him or even if you insulted him.” (03:36)
  • “He considered his mission on this earth to fight evil and speak truth. What better way is there to honor him than to do more of that?” (06:15)
  • “I just feel like they can go fuck themselves. I couldn’t give two shits about what they think of Charlie Kirk.” (15:30)

• Mark Halperin:

  • “He carried his success the way a good waiter would carry a tray. Steady, attentive, unselfconscious, consistently like that.” (21:37)
  • “Charlie had done what people said he couldn’t do. And I believe he made the difference in the Electoral College for President Trump through his voter registration efforts.” (26:56)

• Robert Pape:

  • “This is following…a course where we are seeing…both on the right and the left, support for political violence at higher levels than at any time…” (53:37)
  • “We are now transitioning…from a white majority democracy to a white minority democracy.” (59:35)
  • “70% of the public abhors political violence…But that still leaves 30% problematic.” (76:16)

• Charlie Kirk (archive):

  • “I have probably been underestimated by a lot of people on the left and even on the right at times.” (33:03)
  • “I thought it was hilarious. I thought it was awesome. I thought it was hilarious…We on the right have to be able to laugh at ourselves better.” (49:42)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Megyn Kelly on Kirk’s unique role and influence – 02:45–06:15
• How to honor Kirk’s legacy and calls for new activism – 06:15–07:33
• Institutionalization and mental health reforms – 10:32–11:23
• Halperin’s Monologue: What made Charlie special – 19:58–32:56
• Charlie Kirk in his own words / Interview highlights – 32:56–50:11
• Robert Pape explains the political violence landscape – 53:12–77:17
• Call for bipartisan leadership, potential solutions – 62:23–63:39

Conclusion

This memorial episode delivers a multi-layered reflection on Charlie Kirk’s impact - not just as a conservative star, but as a builder, teacher, and exemplar of courage. Through emotional testimonial and rigorous analysis, the guests and host explore why Kirk mattered, how his loss reverberates through the conservative movement and the nation, and the urgent need to counteract the rising tide of political violence with both immediate leadership and long-term civic renewal. The episode closes on the message that while Kirk is irreplaceable, those inspired by him must now carry forward his mission—undaunted and emboldened.