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Monica Page
This is an iHeart podcast.
Joe Baba
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Over 300 channels, zero bills, that's TiVo plus live news, reality movies and more. No credit card, no signups available on smart TVs powered by TiVo. Grab the remote, press play and start watching T Bow plus free binge worthy always on. Learn more at T bow.com a new NFL season means a fresh start and fresh styles. @nflshop.com you'll find the latest jerseys, hats and sideline gear to rep your team all season long. From rookies making their debut to to legends, NFL Shop.com has it all score exclusive styles you won't find anywhere else and show up ready for every kickoff and big play fan like a pro and shop now@nflshop.com Take a deep dive into the stories making the news headlines across the world. The News Agents we're not just here to tell you what's happening, but why? From me, Emily Maitlis and me, John Sopel with Global's award winning podcast the News Agents Dropping Daily covering everything you need to know about about politics and current affairs and The News Agents USA listening to the News Agents on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search the news agents to start listening.
Joe Bob
Welcome into Turning Point. Tonight, we wish we were here under better circumstances. Last night we couldn't bring ourselves to do a show, and graciously Real America's voice allowed us that time. This evening we are going to do the only thing we can, which is remember an American hero, a conservative movement powerhouse, and my friend Charlie Kirk and I wanted to start this evening off by saying something that maybe ruffles some feathers, but also I believe to be true, and that is this. It wasn't the guns, and truly it wasn't even necessarily the political climate. What happened yesterday was because of godlessness. This country was designed for maximum individual freedom. But as John Adams said, it only works. The country, that is, for a moral and religious people, in order to self govern, the people must first be able to govern themselves. Since people have started asking the philosophical questions of the world, the question has always come up, can man come to virtue on his own? And the answer, quite frankly, is no. Every thought experiment in which man tries to find virtue, it devolves into some form of hedonism. Rationale alone does not and cannot lead to virtue. It is only at the intersection of reason and faith where civilization can thrive. And only through God are we able to direct our aim upward. Western civilization, to its credit, but at the moment to also to its detriment, has built a society so firmly rooted in godly principles that it has allowed an increasing percentage of the population to take the West's triumphs for granted and effectively rendering God unnecessary for far too many people. The rise of godlessness, not weapons, not the political divide, Godlessness is what put us on the path that we are currently on. But we don't have to stay here. It's time that we firmly reject the notion that mankind can create its own truth. The tolerance of depravity leads to evil, and the increasing prevalence of evil, we can all agree left, right and center, is unacceptable. Now, moving forward, it doesn't come without personal difficulty because it would be a failure to not mention what God also requires of us. Forgiveness, which I recognize right now may seem impossible, but in time it's necessary. And I don't mean that you give a free pass from justice or, you know, grant an escape from responsibility. I mean forgiveness in our own hearts, as tough as that might be, only then can we move forward. Can we further the kingdom of God and can we begin to heal? I know that's a very difficult challenge, especially a difficult idea to wrestle with. Even now, I'm even aware of the possibility that at this point, I could have angered pretty much everybody watching this or on any side of this particular argument. But maybe, maybe it's possible that's what Charlie would have done, too, because that's what I believe is the truth. So with that, God bless Charlie Kirk and God bless America. We're going to talk to several of the friends of Turning Point today, several contributors, friends of Charlie, about the man he was and the mission that he was on and how to keep that mission thriving. We're going to check in with Turning Points White House correspondent Monica Page. Monica, I, you know, don't want to. I recognize how you're feeling. I don't want to, you know, ask and say what we already all know. But emotional day. I appreciate you coming on. Before we chat, there's clips that you just sent over of the president talking about Charlie. We want to play those right now, and I want to get some of your response and your thoughts on.
Topher
Everything.
Joe Baba
And we just have to beat the hell out of.
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Charlie was my boss.
Joe Baba
She works for Charlie Kirk. She was part of.
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Charlie Kirk was my boss.
Monica Page
And we were absolutely devastated.
Joe Baba
So I'm wondering if you have a.
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Message for our Turning Point USA family.
Topher
I feel it's a great family.
Joe Baba
They're great friends of mine. He was, I would say, nobody stronger for me than Charlie Craig.
Anthony Watson
This is a devastating moment for us, for the country.
Joe Baba
And as you know, I'm giving him.
Anthony Watson
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is.
Joe Baba
The biggest award outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor. That's the civilian version of the Congressional Medal of Honor. And he deserves another glory to his.
Topher
Do you have a.
Joe Baba
The overall person, the Persona Charlie? I mean, he was unbelievable, especially with you. Now, he was a young guy, but older than the people he was even catering to. I've never seen anybody have such an impact on young people. What is going through your mind today? Delivering the speech of the Pentagon? What was going through that Joe said Charlie was on my mind, even though the speech was initially about Charlie.
Anthony Watson
And then we went on to September 11.
Joe Baba
But more than anything else, Charlie was on my mind. He was a great man. Yes, he was. What's your message to the millions of young Americans who feel like their voice, their political voice was snuffed out? All I can say is hang in there. And I think Turning Point, I spoke with Erica twice, and they have great people at Turning Point, and I think they're going to carry it forward and they're going to make Charlie very proud, looking down on us all. But he was incredible. He really helped me with the election, too. We won youth. We did great with young people, which really doesn't happen very often with Republican candidates. You take a look at Romney and some of these others. They did so badly, and I did so well. And Charlie was a big factor.
Joe Bob
Monica, you work in an industry and with colleagues that sprint across the lawn to get the President's attention. And here Charlie is at the top of mind of the leader of the free world. What I mean, what are your just overall thoughts on Charlie, on his impact on President Trump and being at the forefront of the president's mind just throughout the tenure of Charlie's career?
Monica Page
I mean, something is to be said because today is 9 11. And the fact that Charlie was at the forefront of his mind, even on such a historically tense day, it really says a lot. And it's been a really, really hard 24 hours. I know that I've only been in his presence a small handful of times, but every single time, he made me feel special and that I was always doing the right thing. He always encouraged me to be the best reporter I could be, to always go out there and speak the truth. I wasn't going to come today to the departure because I just wasn't feeling well enough to do it. But something in my heart told me I had to be there. I had to see the President. I had to speak to him. I had to know what he was thinking. It makes me feel really hopeful that he did speak to Erica on the phone, and he truly is. I mean, it's a shock. It just really feels like there's a huge piece missing, not only from our family here at Turning Point usa, but also in the country. And I don't know how you feel something like that, Joe.
Joe Bob
Bob? Yeah, I did. To echo your thoughts. You know, there's a lot of people that, you know, spent, you know, just a handful amount of time with him, but every single person that did would be shocked that he remembered my name. There's no way Charlie knows my name. And all of a sudden, you know, he just remembers your name. Now, that's obviously just a gift of his memory, but he was so intentional about every interaction that he had with, with everyone. Monica, I hope the answer to this is what I hope it to be. But is it safe to assume that everybody there, even the press corps that, you know, ideologically doesn't fall on the same side of things, is mourning this loss and advocating as hard as they can against any sort of political violence.
Monica Page
I will say the mood of the atmosphere here does feel pretty heavy among us reporters, maybe some more than others. There are some mainstream media reporters, so called journalists that have a really hard time looking in the eye of those certain people. But I will say that, you know, at the end of the day, we just got to keep fighting and we have to keep doing our job and keep pushing on. And I know that's what Charlie would have wanted to, for all of us just to just keep doing that and don't let this sway us or stop us from doing the Lord's work, from carrying out his mission. So we're just going to take it day by day. But I will say that it is pretty heavy here. Despite, you know, how certain people felt about him, the mood is heavy. This is a significant icon in our political world.
Joe Bob
Yeah, it's, it's unbelievable, it's shocking. I guess I'll open up last year and don't feel the need to, you know, talk more than you want to. But just any thoughts, any final thoughts that you didn't touch on, didn't get to, that you'd like to get out there.
Monica Page
I just think it's baffling that this was just a man who just wanted to have honest conversations with people and they still went after him. And they don't go after people who lie, they go off people who tell the truth. And Charlie was always made sure that you always tell the truth, speak the truth and educate people. And I think that it's our job as a whole, even as a nation is to keep, keep doing that. We need to keep speaking the truth. And if you are afraid of speaking up about what's right, you shouldn't be afraid anymore. I think we need more voices, more now than ever.
Joe Bob
Yeah. I said in an interview earlier, fear will not be a factor in the conservative movement going forward, which is I think exactly what Charlie would have wanted. Monica Page Turning Points White House correspondent, thank you so much for taking the time. Thank you for asking those questions to the President and getting his replies. Really appreciate all that you do.
Monica Page
Thanks Joe Baba. God bless you guys.
Joe Bob
Thank you.
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Over 300 channels, zero bills that's TiVo plus curated movies, new series and sports highlights. No credit card, no logins, just TV that gets straight to the good stuff. Grab the remote, press play and start watching TiVo plus free binge worthy always on. Check us out@tivo.com a new NFL season means a fresh start and fresh styles. At NFLShop. Com you'll find the latest jersey hats and sideline gear to rep your team all season long. From rookies making their debut to legends, NFLShop.com has it all. Score exclusive styles you won't find anywhere else and show up ready for every kickoff and big play fan like a pro and shop now@nflshop.com Take a deep dive into the stories making the news headlines across the world. The News Agents we're not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. From me, Emily Maitlis and me, John Sopel with Global's award winning podcast the News Agents Dropping daily covering everything you need to know about politics and current affairs and the newsagents USA listening to the newsagents on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search the newsagents to start listening.
Joe Bob
Welcome back to Turning Point. Tonight we are continuing to remember Charlie Kirk. Don't need to reiterate who's passed away yesterday, but is an awful tragedy and it continues to hurt. We'd love to hear any of your well wishes or your thoughts or your memories with Charlie if you ever had an interaction with him. Tptpusa.com well wishes, again, memories are more than welcome there and maybe we can go through some of those as we continue on. We want to chat with another TBSA contributor. We're kind of doing as many of these contributors as we can because the people closest To Charlie, Morgan McMichael joins us. Morgan, I've been doing this with everybody. Just the floor is yours. What are your thoughts? How you feeling? And feel free.
Monica Page
Thanks, Joe Bob. I mean, I think all of us are just our hearts are shattered into a million pieces and it's something that we would never even imagine would be possible. I know you and I have shared countless memories with Charlie on tours, and I think that's something that really hit home. The deepest for me is recently this week, mere hours before this happened yesterday, I was looking at the full tour schedule for this semester and, you know, contemplating how many in which schools, where was I gonna go and film content? And I think those are some of my favorite memories that I've had with Charlie is walking on the tours, going to countless college campuses over the last three years that I've continuously been with Turning Point and always Charlie be smiling and say, hey, Morgan. Because I was always known as Morgan Charlie, not Morgan. And he would always wave to me and be so encouraging and supportive and you know, go get those protesters, go film that content. Can't wait to see your next viral clip. And just his support meant everything. And I mean, my life like, I mean, I feel forever indebted to Charlie. Three years, five years ago. Wow. You know, I was a canceled college student who dropped out of college to work for Charlie Kirk. And I know that story is similar and rings true for a couple dozen other people. And it's just like his captivating messaging, his grit, how much he loved America is what inspired not just me, but millions of people. And granted, you know, having him as a boss, a mentor, a friend, somebody who just supported me and believed in me from early on, it's something I will never take for granted. And just like it just makes me want to know who's going to go on those college campuses next, who's going to pick up where Charlie left off? And I think it needs to be all of us. It needs to be all.
Joe Bob
Yeah, it is. It's again, in devastating times. Good to see the conservative movement rallying around a guy who is doing so much work, positive work, to lead the country in a better direction. Morgan, you mentioned the tours and one of my fondest memories of those, and I'm curious, I think you probably saw this, maybe not necessarily diagnosed what was going on, but he became famous for throwing out those hats, right? You would see like a sea of red hats wherever he was, because he was throwing out those red hats. Well, when he started throwing out the red hats, it wasn't very good. He wouldn't, he wouldn't throw them very well. They'd make it like.
Monica Page
They were hard.
Joe Bob
To throw, they were difficult to throw. But just in classic Charlie mentality, it doesn't matter that the hats don't get thrown. Well, but he did. He over time perfected the art of throwing a hat, which is this, this minuscule little thing, but it gives you an insight into like the kind of guy he was that just everything meticulously perfected as best he could down to throwing of the hats. He would get those things. You saw how far he would get those things.
Monica Page
I remember distinctly Charlie looked at me and goes, morgan, why aren't you throwing hats? Throw some hats. Because I was standing there with like holding, I'm filming like. And gosh, that's another thing with tours is there's this one clip going around of Charlie talking about the gospel and his testimony. And I'm standing right behind Charlie in this clip. And I just, like there were countless, every tour stop, it was like I was standing under that and listening to Charlie nodding along, taking those videos and posting them and sharing what Charlie was saying. And it was like just. He impacted millions of lives. Even today I was down in, in Washington D.C. on the, in walking around the Capitol. And I mean, everybody is just incredibly impacted by Charlie. And I mean, I was even trying to think of the last thing that Charlie had said to me. And other than saying hi, the last time I had a conversation with Charlie, he said, you know, I'm so proud of you and I'm so excited for you and Mitchell to get married.
Joe Bob
Yeah, yeah, I. And that is the sentiment. That is a sentiment that pretty much everyone has shared. He intensely cared about the people around him. He remembered everybody's name to the point where everyone, everybody, anywhere you went all the time. It was fascinating to watch because you've never seen anybody like that. When people ask, oh, what is he? What is he like? I, I would often say, I don't, I don't know how to describe him to you because you don't know anybody like him there.
Monica Page
He.
Joe Bob
There doesn't exist anybody like him.
Monica Page
Most God fearing man, like, no One is like, Charlie. Yeah. You meet him, and he just captivates you and believes in you. Genuinely. Nothing was fake. It was genuine. How are you doing? You know, how can I help you? What's next? What are you working on? And continuously just uplifting you and wanting you to succeed. Succeed.
Joe Bob
Yeah. Morgan, you, at those events, would go around and talk to students kind of on the periphery of the big group. What. What were your interactions mostly like with students that either agreed with Charlie or disagreed with Charlie? And I guess to bridge the gap between those two, how did him being there kind of resonate, really, with anyone or describe how it kind of resonated with everybody? Because I. I felt that, too, when I was there, and I'm sure you did to a greater degree.
Monica Page
I mean, it's very unifying because you see so many people gather on the left, skipping class to go to these tours and say, you know, I don't agree with Charlie, but I'm at least going to be here and listen. A lot of people that I interviewed that were like, I really don't like this guy. I don't like what he has to say. But, like, no harm in listening. You know, he's got free speech, and people respected that about these events. And then obviously, the conservatives that I spoke to adored him and just was always to share so much admiration and, you know, want to be like Charlie one day. And I really think that this just stirred a revival within our generation and the future generations to come that we have to continue his legacy. But, I mean, some of my favorite videos were just in moments over the last three years with Turning Point. And traveling with Charlie is like being on these campuses and engaging with the students, because from three years ago, when these tours really started to gain momentum, to now, I mean, there were crowds like no other. I will never forget Penn State when our microphones were shut down because they said it was too loud to, you know, being face to face in Buffalo, New York, with antifa and transgender activists yelling in my face. And it's just something that, you know, we have always given them the microphone. I've put a microphone in their face. You've put a microphone in their face. Charlie gave them a voice. We have given them a platform, and all we have received in return is disgrace and, you know, disrespect. And it just speaks volumes of who we are and what we stand for and what we will continue to do. And I'm forever grateful for just the three years that I had and numerous college campuses and high school campuses speaking at my own speaking events on behalf of the organization and Charlie and being able to share these stories, it's. It's something I will hold in my heart forever.
Joe Bob
You mentioned I don't have a ton of time here, but you mentioned the crowd sizes. They got bigger and bigger and bigger. And I've. I've told people that sometimes, you know, when you're in it, when you're a part of the organization, and I'm sure you feel this way, too. Sometimes you don't quite get how big it has gotten because it's like, oh, this is the job. This is what we're doing. We're going here, we're doing this. And I'm not sure if you were at Texas A and M, I believe, but that one, to me, Charlie always had audiences. I believe. This was. This last spring semester. I remember walking out on stage and going, whoa, this. The. The growth of the movement, the growth of Charlie as a. As a cultural icon grew way past what I was recognizing because I thought, there's 3, 500 people here. This is sold out, and there's a thousand people waiting outside and couldn't get in. I. I guess just. Sorry, real briefly, what. What. What was that like, watching the momentum just snowball continually year after year?
Monica Page
Well, that momentum has now exploded.
Joe Bob
Yeah.
Monica Page
And it was so beautiful to witness, especially A and M, being from Texas. My sister is a Texas A and M alum. And so being on that campus was even more special to my family. And just seeing how many students were fired up not just for politics, but. But just for culture, for America, for our country. Like, it's not just conservatism. Like, this is just good old American values and restoring truth in this country and loving one another even. And even just being a beacon and a light for Christ, which is something that we will always remember Charlie for is his faith. But yeah, these campus events and the growth is something that is just awe. You're in awe of just how many students continue to gather and are no longer fearful of standing up for what they believe in.
Joe Bob
Yeah. Yeah. He's unique, to say the least, and a cultural phenomenon and an American hero. Morgan. Morgan, as Charlie would say, thanks so much for joining us. I wish it was under better circumstances, but thanks for sharing your. Your memories and perspective.
Monica Page
Of course. Always remember and love, Charlie. Kirk, thanks so much.
Joe Bob
Always. Thank you. We'll be right back after the break.
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Joe Bob
Welcome back to Turning Point. Tonight we are still together charting the course of America's cultural comeback. The ethos of the show has not changed, nor will it. We are remembering Charlie Kirk continually this evening. You can send any of your thoughts, messages, well wishes to tptpusa.com we love to get you engaged in the conversation and then in the remembrance of who I believe is an American hero in Charlie Kirk. We're going to talk to Turning Point contributor Topher. If you're unfamiliar with Topher, he is a phenomenal force in the movement. He is a musician, he is articulate. He's been with the organization for probably about a year now. Topher, is that, is that accurate?
Topher
Yes, it's been a year and two months probably today.
Joe Bob
So I'll just open up the floor to you. You know what, what are your thoughts? What would you like to get out there that people need to hear about Charlie?
Topher
Well, first and foremost, all I'm saying is the out of text context, out of text quotes that I'm seeing so many people post as, as a rebuttal to. I guess remembering his life and just reminds me of how people abuse the Bible and which goes back to the. One of the reasons I think Charlie was assassinated, for the truth. It was nothing more than the truth. He went out there, spoke it boldly time and time again in spite of the threats that were on his life. You know, he didn't pay for full time security for no reason. Right. And, and that's what people don't understand. You know, courage is to do what you need to do in the face of danger. And that's what he did every time I saw him. And I just want to say thank you, Charlie, for believing in the gift God placed in me. You know, I'm a guy from Killmichael, Mississippi that, you know, I had a platform that was growing. But Charlie saw that I could add to this movement that he was already rapidly growing and that I could be a voice for the next generation and help inspire the world changes. And to be a part of this man, you just have to be a part of it. You know, people calling this man racist, just shut up. That's all I can tell people. Just shut up. I mean, how much does he have to do with organizations like Blexic, with best friends like Candace, I mean us, right? Like with people like us, they help elevate our voices. How much must you do to prove that you're not racist? It's so stupid to me, you know, But I do want to remind people, no matter what side of the aisle you're on, don't celebrate death, celebrate life. You know, it's only the angels in.
Joe Baba
The Bible talks about.
Topher
The only time they celebrate anything is when someone gives their life to Christ. That's the only time you hear them celebrating. We should do the same thing when somebody comes over. But this deaf thing is. It's evil. Don't let Satan use you. Don't be a useful idiot for political movements and motors and, and other movements. But also don't be a useful idiot for the devil. You know, we will better than this. We're Americans. And I just, I'm telling you this, though, you know, the mic is still going to be picked up and it's still going to go on. I don't know who's going to take the helm. But I tell you this, they have really done it this time. They have done it this time. You know, I, you know, I wasn't as close as you were to Charlie, but every time I was around Charlie, he was smiling, he was encouraging. Like he was more encouraging than a lot of my friends I grew up with that made fun of me. But it's just, it's. That's the Charlie I knew. And I'm going to remember that legacy today, especially with, you know, 9, 11 and Patriot Day. He was a true American patriot, a true American hero. And I just hope that everybody else sees that too, man. So America do better.
Joe Bob
You know, I'm curious about your thoughts and perspectives about this. This is not at all, in a way, to use a pun, but I genuinely think the most apt and appropriate use of the term turning point is this situation that we're in. As awful as it is, it is a turning point in American culture. And what I've viewed in the couple hours, day, since it's. Since it's happened is the willingness to engage in areas that I wouldn't have otherwise engaged in. And that can be as small as somebody posts something on a social media platform that I usually would just roll my eyes at. But now I think, no, I'm not going to let you get away with that. What is, in your opinion, the kind of the Christian approach to doing that? Because I do think we're at a turning point. We're at an inflection point and it needs to be done. How do we go about doing that?
Topher
In truth, there's a fire real. I Found Charlie Kirk when a young lady asked him about that how do we deal with civil discourse? And he quoted John 8, you know, it's one way to do it with grace and truth. As Christians, we should do that. Like, I'm coming to you gracefully, but I'm also coming at you with truth. Like you, I appreciate your opinion and you have the right to it, but you don't have the right to your own truth. And what you're doing is evil. It's wrong and you need to correct it. We got to start calling out sin. And I think it's more potent when it's not hypocritical. So if you're going to do it from one side, do it for both sides and just stand on it. We all can improve in that area. But I try my best to do the same. And like you, man, if everybody is, you know, they can have their own platforms. So I try not to engage with it because, you know, ironically, because of social media, my name is big. So if I come in anything, it's just going to drive up the algorithm and then it's going to get more attention and they're going to make money. So I try to draw a fine line between calling somebody out on a post and just making my own commentary on my own page and. But we need both. We need both. We need to show the. Show the world and show the devil that we're not gonna stay quiet in this time of evilness. We're gonna rise up and we're gonna stand on truth.
Joe Bob
Topur. I opened this show effectively, I don't know, talking about godlessness in the country, because that's what I think this really comes down to. I think there is a. Yes, the political rhetoric is heated, the political climate, but that's not the root cause. The root cause, I believe, is godlessness. And I'm not assuming that you agree with that, but in so much as that is true that America is becoming an increasingly godless society, what do we do to right that ship? What do we do, you know, with your platform, with, you know, just everyday average people, what do we do to try and reverse course and bring God back into a society that I believe was John Adams said only works this country and the idea of America only works for a moral and religious people.
Topher
I would say what Ephesians 6, 12 and 13 talks about, you know, for wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against cowards, against darkness and. And, you know, evil in high places. So, you know, wherefore put on the Whole armor of God. So did you be able to stand in the day of evil, have it all but stood. Taking a stand is an action and we just need to stand on what God has already said, his promises and his plans. You know, I feel like as Christians we do that. The very simple act of doing that to be monumental. And it could be groundbreaking for so many people. We saw that. That's why once again, this has been Charlton's legacy. He's done things that, you know, makes me feel convicted for how shallow my walk has been. When I was younger, you know, this man waited till he was married to have. Have sex. He. He did everything that he was supposed to do and then follows faithfully. He was a great servant. And, you know, it's a walk today that we don't have to worry about any drama. You know, a lot of these leaders that we have, we got to worry about scandals like that. We don't have that with Charlie. We just, we just get to talk about the great things that he did and, and the great life that he led. So I'm proud and to me, that's, that's what's going to turn heads. Christian music is already making waves. And given the unstableness of culture, I mean, politics and the world, you know, that's why I'm glad. The Bible says the word is never changing. God's the same as he was yesterday, today and forever. And that right there, that stability, if Christians can remain there, man, a lot of people start flocking to us. But we got to stand strong, remain strong in this fight.
Joe Bob
Yeah. Couldn't agree more. Topher Turning Point contributor, among many other hats that he wears in the conservative movement. Thank you so much for joining us. Really appreciate you taking the time.
Topher
Yeah. Thank you for. Have a room.
Joe Bob
Thank you. We'll be right back after the break.
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Over 300 channels, zero bills. That's TiVo plus curated movies, new series and sports highlights. No credit card, no logins, just TV that gets straight the good stuff. Grab the remote, press play and start watching TiVo plus free binge worthy always on. Check us out@tivo.com a new NFL season means a fresh start and fresh styles. @nflshop.com you'll find the latest jerseys, hats and sideline gear to rep your team all season long. From rookies making their debut to legends, NFLShop.com has it all. Score the end at exclusive styles you won't find anywhere else and show up ready for every kickoff and big play. Fan like a pro and shop now@nflshop.com Take a deep dive into the stories making the news headlines across the world. The News Agents we're not just here to tell you what's happening, but why from me, Emily Maitlis and me John Sopel with Global's award winning podcast the News Agents dropping daily covering everything you need to know about politics and current affairs and The News Agents USA listening to the News Agents on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search the newsagents to start listening.
Joe Bob
Welcome back to Turning Point. Tonight we're continuing on in talking about talking about Charlie, how great of a person he was, his stature in the movement as well as personally. If you have thoughts, and I'm sure you do, Turning Point tonight tptpusa.com Send your your thoughts, your fond memories of Charlie. We love to see those as they come in. Right now we want to talk to Turning Point contributor Anthony Watson who has been around Charlie for as many years as I think I have and knew who he was as a person and understood, you know and I don't mean to sound repetitive but the impactful nature of a guy who is irreplaceable, in my opinion. Anthony, what are your. I mean, I know what we're all going through, but I. What? I'll just open the floor up to you. Go ahead.
Anthony Watson
Well, I think everyone is still in a state of shock with everything that's been happening. It's one of those things that nobody wants to believe. But one of the things that I will say about Charlie that most people probably won't highlight or talk about was he when he wasn't on camera, when he wasn't filming, when he wasn't on his show or his podcast, you know, he was a man of very little words, but the words that he spoke were ones that made meant the most to me. You know, he was never someone that I had like intellectual conversations with in depth that most people would have gotten. But I got a lot of memories from him and I think one of my most fondest ones was when we were doing one of our student led organizational meetings and whatnot, and I got to the opportunity to introduce him. You know, we were just chatting with each other backstage and he only told me three things. He said that he was happy that he brought me onto the team. He appreciated my work ethic because he says, you know, you are really hard worker. And then he told me that he was proud of me. And, you know, when Charlie's not on stage, anyone who knows him knows that he was somebody that was very to himself and very quiet because he was always trying to remain focused and on mission. And here, what we have always had is an example of somebody that was willing to stop at nothing to make sure that the truth got forward. So that's the Charlie that I know. It's not the popular Charlie that a lot of people are familiar with, but those are the memories that mean the most to me because it was when nobody else was there and it was just the moments between he and I that he would say things to me that have stuck with me, you know, and this hasn't killed anything inside of me. If anything, it's invigorated and invoked more of a passion and more of a desire to now continue to push back. Because in this conservative movement that we're in, it's never about following somebody until they retire or until they fall off, or in cases like this, when they're taken away from us. It's always next person up because this is a servant's role. It's about who's willing to do the most for the people that need it. The most. And Charlie was somebody that led by example for the next generation. And we saw the move that was happening with that. People in politics, people in all these different positions that dread and desire to have the kind of impact that he did just for simply asking questions that most people disagreed with. And to be honest, it's just like this is what we've all told everybody. At Turning Point, you need to speak the truth, no matter what the cost, because the cost is greater if you stay quiet. And now more than ever, I think through his sacrifice and through everything that he's done for every single person that's been employed at Turning Point, been to any of his events, now more than ever, no, nobody cares about the results or anything that now we considered losing in this because we realized that this is bigger than us. And it's going to take a collective work of us coming together to not continue to move forward. And it's not so much the left that we now have to fight against that, because we already know what their arguments are. We already know what their stances are. It's the people on our side that are stagnant, the ones that aren't getting involved, the ones that aren't doing anything, and the ones that keep passing all the responsibility off to everybody else. Everybody now is grieving. Everybody now is feeling a lot. Because the nature of what happened and the nature of this whole scenario is tragic. You know, nobody deserves to be removed from family or their friends in this manner. But it's also a wake up call for people to know and understand that this is what it might cost if this is the life that you choose to stand for. And I'm here to tell you, Joe Bob, that if my life is to be taken out that way, I. I'm willing and I'm ready to do it because I care far more for what we're fighting for. Knowing that at the end of my life, my goal in my reward is heaven, then if death is victory, how afraid of life do I need to be?
Joe Bob
You know, Anthony, you may. Some people, some of the viewers might not know this. You go to more schools than I think really anybody in the Turning Point family, possibly minus Charlie. Can you describe what his impact, even if he wasn't on campus with you, was there amongst the students that were there? I know you do a lot of high schools. Describe what his impact was, just being there, knowing that he was the head of the head of the organization and what that meant to those students when you were interacting with them.
Anthony Watson
Well, I mean, I spend a Lot of time on the road throughout the school year. There's no denying or question when it comes to anybody that, you know, I try to, you know, would always try in my mind to see if I could outdo Charlie with as many events that I did during the school year. But when you went anywhere and you saw a Turning Point, or you saw Club America now for our high school students, and you went to a college, Charlie's name was attached to all of it. People saw Turning Point, and everyone was like, oh, you follow that Charlie Kirk guy? So even when he wasn't there, he was still stirring the pot. And that's okay. And that is the whole mission to what we at Turning Point are trying to do. It's not rock the boat. It's stir the pot to where you can be yourself and challenge the powers that be. Speak to power. Walk in the truth and not your feelings or your version of it. The ultimate truth, which is Jesus Christ himself. And Charlie, on campuses across America, was invoking courage. And all of these young students, there were so many people that through his videos, on his TV show, through his YouTube channel, all the shorts that people would clip up, where all of the arguments that are universal on campuses around the country, we're finally having people give a lot of feedback and a lot of pushback to where people weren't just supposed to take all of this nonsense anymore. So Charlie definitely had an impact in every aspect of one who does in a grassroots movement. It's about the work that you put in. It's about the message and the mission that you fight for, and it's the tools that you use to now equip yourself to be someone who's useful and valuable in all of those places. So every school that I've went to, everyone was always raving about Charlie. They were always excited to come to our events. They couldn't wait for the semester to be over for YWLS or Student Action or the end of the Year for America Fest, because everybody at the opening bell wanted to see Charlie walk on stage. They wanted to watch him debate. Students would come around everywhere, and they would soak up everything that he said like a sponge so that they could now take the information that he was giving and now find ways to apply that and now use that on their campuses to now start shifting so that all of these college campuses weren't just liberal commie camps. You know, Charlie was somebody who wasn't just a talker. He was a doer. Because you have far too many creators on the Internet that They just live there. But he was amongst the people and he was a people person, which is why you're starting to see such a coming together of a lot of people from college campuses to high schools, to communities, to activism hubs, to churches through tp, Faith through Blexit, through every department that he has now created to now can continue putting the truth in all of the communities that have been affected by the lies and deceitfulness of the left for years. And everyone's been saying, we want somebody to go and do it. And Charlie was the person that not only decided to do that, but he took it upon himself to now lead people by example, which is something that a lot of people don't do, a lot of people talk. But Charlie was somebody that when he says that he's done it, it's something that he's done or something that he was always willing to do. And everybody from every college campus that I've been to, and the two years, that three years that I've worked for Turning Point, Joe Bob I think I'd only been to 10 states. I've been to 49 out of 50 because of Turning Point. And out of those 49 states, I have heard everybody rave about how impactful Charlie was on their family, how many people that used to be liberals that now are strong conservatives because Charlie opened their eyes to things that they know now that they've been deceived and lied to about. And it's up to us now, and in fact, it's more on our shoulders now to carry the mantle of what he started. Because at the end of the day, we're not telling anybody anything new. We're not giving anybody something they haven't heard. We're bringing them back to the basics and telling people that this is what we were created to be. This is the truth of the matter of what we're supposed to do, and this is how we do it, so that if anyone steps away, the work can continue going on. And now we are more fired up and more spurred to keep going to carry out that message.
Joe Bob
Yeah, I couldn't agree more with everything you said. Anthony Watson Turning Point contributor thank you so much for for sharing your thoughts on Charlie and keep up the good fight.
Anthony Watson
So you too, Joe Bob.
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Over 300 channels, zero bills, that's TiVo plus curated movies, new series and sports highlights. No credit card, no logins, just TV that gets straight to the good stuff. Grab the remote, press play and start watching TiVo plus free binge worthy always on. Check us out@tivo.com a new NFL season means a fresh start and fresh styles. @nflshop.com you'll find the latest jerseys, hats and sideline gear to rep your team all season long. From rookies making their debut to legends, NFLShop.com has it all. Score exclusive styles you won't find anywhere else and show up ready for every kickoff and big play. Fan like a pro and shop now@nflshop.com Take a deep dive into the stories making the news headlines across the world. The News Agents we're not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. From me, Emily Maitlis and me, Jon Sopel with Global's award winning podcast the News Agents Dropping daily covering everything you need to know about politics and current affairs and the newsagents USA listening to the newsagents on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free Iheart app and search the newsagents to start listening.
Joe Bob
Welcome back to Turning Point tonight where we are continuing to chart the course of America's cultural comeback. Arguably more fervently than ever before. We are continuing to remember Charlie Kirk this evening. One of the things that you probably haven't heard here on this show is the political interplay that's gone back and forth. I believe there is a time for that that will come. And I will not shy away from all of the things that the left has said in reaction to this horrible tragedy. But for now, like, to continue to focus solely on Charlie and what he meant and specifically what he meant to me. I'm not sure if I've shared this full story of how I got involved at Turning Point, but here it is. I started making videos in my garage, and I had been involved in politics for several years, but on the campaign side, I'd never done the media side, so to speak. One thing led to another. I got picked up by an organization, the Daily Caller. Specifically, that landed me on the couch at what was then called Turning Point Live, or TPUSA Live. And by, you know, whatever reason, Charlie decided we're gonna bring him on to Turning Point. I was overwhelmed with astonishment that he would have enough trust in me to take a gamble on a guy who wasn't really that influential in not only the conservative space, but really any space. I don't even know if I was influential in my own friend group, let alone the. To the level of the magnitude that Charlie was. But nevertheless, he decided to take a chance on me. And by mere circumstance, a couple years later, actually a couple months later, there was a speaker that was late to a YWL event. And Charlie looked at me and said, hey, you do stand up comedy, right? And I said, yep. And he's like, can you go on stage and kill 20 minutes our speakers an hour late? I said, all right. And he had enough confidence in me to put me in front of 2,000 young women at the preeminent women's event in conservative, the conservative movement. And from there, he said, hey, you know, that was pretty good. Why don't you come on tour with me? And so for the last three years, I'd spent on the road going to every college campus with Charlie and speaking in front of him. There would be evening events, and I'd go and I'd do five, ten minutes, and then he'd come on and is, you know, kind of like a one, two punch. Now, obviously, him being the one and much, much bigger punch. But we traveled the country together. And all I mean to say by telling you all this is, for whatever reason, so often, Charlie had more confidence than me than I think I had in myself. He opened Doors for me that most people would never dream of those doors being opened. I got to see how passionate he was, how driven he was, how motivated he was to do all the work that he was doing with his organization and with the conservative movement as a whole. I saw him as a friend and a mentor and am thankful and grateful for everything that he has done for myself, my family, and outside of that, the movement as a whole. And I know we're gonna keep talking about him for as long as it takes for the message to get across, which may be a lifetime. But Charlie was a special, special person. I know you've heard all of that before, but it needs to be reiterated until you can't talk anymore, because that's how important of and special of a guy he was. I want to play you this. I'm not even sure who put this out. I just. I saw this. It caught my wife's eye, because the first clip is Charlie walking down a little aisle at Mar a Lago. And there it was. Say hi to his little girl and him as they walk down. And the overall message of the video is that that's just what caught my wife's eye. And I want you to watch this.
Joe Baba
What advice do you have for me.
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As I move into adulthood in order to become a more informed and involved citizen?
Joe Bob
Well, first of all, thank you for being here. And.
Topher
I have hope, thanks to people like you.
Joe Baba
How old are you again? 13. 13. Here's a couple things I want to encourage you to do. Learn something new every single day and focus on what it means to be a good person and a person in strong character. Aristotle said that courage is the ultimate virtue. Without it, there are no other virtues. If people aren't courageous, you don't have honesty, you don't have justice, you know, beauty. You don't have wonder. And so, at age 2013, I want you to commit yourself to a life of courage.
Joe Bob
Courage is doing the right thing when.
Joe Baba
You don't know how it's going to work out. Courage is committing yourself to the correct course of action, regardless of the cost associated to it. Every human being, I believe, is made in the image of the divine, is sacred, is unique. And if we get away from this.
Topher
Principle as we have, we not only.
Joe Baba
Have moral degradation, we not only have the collapsing society around us, but it's bad for that being itself. That being itself is unique. That being has rights. And who are we to say just because we're older, that we get to murder it? Thank you.
Joe Bob
Glenn. Can we just play the next clip I.
Joe Baba
How do you want to be remembered? If I die, everything just goes away. How would you. If you could be associated with one thing, how would you want to be remembered?
Topher
I want to be.
Joe Baba
I want to be remembered for. For courage, for my faith. That that would be the most important thing. Most important thing is my faith in my life.
Joe Bob
You don't need any more of my commentary. We'll see you tomorrow, same time, same place. God Bless America.
Joe Baba
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Joe Baba
TiVo plus gives you 300 channels of movies, shows, sports, even kids favorites. All free. And no, we don't want your credit card. Watch live Watch on demand watching your PJs, eating pizza? It's all right there on your Tebow home screen. With so much variety, from comedy and action to live news and family programming, you'll never run out of options. TiVo plus free binge worthy and always on. Check us out@tivo.com a new NFL season means a fresh start and fresh styles. @nflshop.com you'll find the latest jerseys, hats and sideline gear to rep your team all season long. From rookies making their debut to legends, NFLShop.com has it all. Score exclusive styles you won't find anywhere else. And show up ready for every kickoff and big play fan like a pro. And shop now@nflshop.com Take a deep dive into the stories making the news headlines across the world. The News agents We're not just here to tell you what's happening, but why? From me, Emily Maitlis and me, John Sopel with Global's award winning podcast the Newsagents Dropping daily, covering everything you need to know about politics and current affairs. And the newsagents USA listening to the newsagents on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search the newsagents to start listening.
Monica Page
This is an iHeart podcast.
Host: Joe Bob
Podcast: Real America’s Voice (iHeartPodcasts)
Date: September 12, 2025
Main Theme:
A poignant episode dedicated entirely to remembering the life, impact, and mission of the late Charlie Kirk—a conservative movement leader and founder of Turning Point USA—following his tragic assassination. The episode features heartfelt recollections from colleagues, addresses the spiritual and cultural implications of his death, and explores how the movement might move forward in his absence.
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination—a tragedy described as both personal and national—Joe Bob and a roster of Turning Point USA correspondents and contributors gather to mourn, honor, and reflect on Kirk’s legacy. The discussion centers not only on Kirk’s achievements and character but also on the cultural and spiritual context of political violence, the critical role of faith and virtue in American society, and the enduring mission to carry forward Kirk's vision for America’s youth and future.
The episode maintains a mix of sincere grief, resolve, and spiritual urgency, frequently employing references to scripture and American foundational philosophy. The contributors speak with emotional candor, personalizing Kirk’s leadership while tying it into broader cultural currents.
This episode of Turning Point Tonight is both a moving tribute and a rallying cry—eulogizing Charlie Kirk not only as a conservative icon but as a figure of faith, courage, and relentless devotion to the truth. While the pain of loss is acute, guests urge viewers to push forward, to reject fear, and to perpetuate the mission that Kirk started—honoring his memory by standing for truth, faith, and the promise of the next generation.