Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show – "Andy Biggs for Governor of Arizona!"

Host: Charlie Kirk
Guest: Dr. Thomas West, Professor of Politics at Hillsdale College
Episode Release Date: May 16, 2025

1. Endorsement Announcement

Timestamp: [00:00] – [02:05]

In the opening segment, Charlie Kirk announces the official endorsement of Andy Biggs for Governor of Arizona, emphasizing the full backing of the Turning Point USA machinery behind Biggs. Charlie asserts the importance of uniting behind Biggs to reclaim the governorship in Arizona, labeling him as the "true conservative endorsed by President Trump."

Charlie Kirk [00:00]: "We are planting the flag. And I make the case as to why Andy Biggs will be a phenomenal governor, a great candidate, and why we need to unite behind Andy Biggs to be Governor of State 48."

Andy Biggs expresses gratitude for the endorsement, highlighting Charlie's pivotal role in the conservative movement.

Andy Biggs [00:45]: "Charlie Kirk's running the White House, folks."

2. Arizona's Political Landscape and Biggs' Candidacy

Timestamp: [02:05] – [07:53]

Charlie Kirk delves into the current political scenario in Arizona, pointing out the disconnect between the state's increasing conservative leanings and its Democratic leadership. Despite Arizona voting strongly for President Trump, the state continues to be led by Democrats in key positions.

Charlie Kirk [02:20]: "This state voted for President Trump, more so than any other battleground state. We are increasingly a red state, but we have a Democrat governor..."

Dr. Thomas West elaborates on the deficiencies of the current Democratic administration, citing issues such as border security failures, economic stagnation, lack of deregulation, and declining educational outcomes. He underscores the necessity of electing Biggs to restore Arizona's conservative values.

Dr. Thomas West [02:41]: "We are on the cusp of turning this state red again... This governor has actually hindered the economic growth that we should be having."

Kirk and West discuss the importance of swift electoral changes, using Arizona as a pivotal state for the conservative movement.

Charlie Kirk [05:10]: "We have such untapped potential here in this state. And the people that are moving to Arizona are actually very Republican, very conservative."

3. Campaign Strategy and Future Plans

Timestamp: [07:27] – [12:26]

Dr. Thomas West shares insights into the extensive campaign efforts across Arizona's diverse and expansive counties, emphasizing the strategic focus on both urban and rural areas. He highlights the support from local communities and the alignment of Biggs' policies with the state's needs.

Dr. Thomas West [07:49]: "We have 15 huge counties... The people are great. They've been incredibly supportive, gracious and welcoming."

The conversation shifts to broader economic strategies, including infrastructure improvements like desalination plants and nuclear power, as well as leveraging Arizona's intellectual capital to drive the AI revolution.

Charlie Kirk [08:02]: "We need more desal plants, we need to build more, maybe even another nuclear plant."

4. Budgetary Challenges and Legislative Efforts

Timestamp: [12:26] – [18:05]

Charlie Kirk addresses the recent failure of the "big beautiful bill" in the budget committee, a significant setback in fiscal policy aimed at reducing government spending. He questions the adequacy of the proposed cuts and emphasizes the need for immediate and substantial fiscal reforms.

Charlie Kirk [13:28]: "This does not cut spending enough. Is that fair to say?"

Dr. Thomas West acknowledges the challenges faced but remains optimistic about revising and reintroducing the bill with necessary adjustments to meet fiscal targets.

Dr. Thomas West [12:59]: "I knew the bill might be in trouble, but that there was enough votes to actually kill it in committee surprised me."

The discussion also covers the importance of federalism and reducing indirect subsidies to states with bloated government programs, advocating for a restoration of fiscal responsibility.

Charlie Kirk [16:51]: "It's an indirect subsidy to Democrat policies."

5. In-Depth Interview: Founders' Intent and Birthright Citizenship

Timestamp: [19:22] – [36:05]

Following a series of sponsor messages, the podcast transitions to a comprehensive interview with Dr. Thomas West. The conversation explores the interpretation of birthright citizenship through the lens of the Founding Fathers, challenging contemporary applications and emphasizing original intent.

Andy Biggs [19:41]: "The founders, of course, have been happy with birthright citizenship for children of citizens... citizenship was supposed to be based on consent both ways."

Dr. West articulates that the Founders intended citizenship to entail mutual consent, both from the state and the individual, contrasting sharply with modern practices that extend citizenship automatically to children of non-citizens, including those in illegal statuses.

Dr. Thomas West [22:43]: “It's a denial of the rights of citizens because of their inherent right to liberty... and that's the way that's a violation of their rights as well.”

The discussion delves into the 14th Amendment, with Dr. West arguing that its original application did not intend to include the children of foreign nationals, a stance that has been altered by contemporary judicial interpretations.

Andy Biggs [26:15]: "The 14th Amendment was written by people who were fully conscious of the principles of the founding... subject to the jurisdiction [of the U.S.] meant subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign power."

Charlie Kirk and Dr. West also critique the modern reinterpretation of foundational concepts like liberty and equality, asserting that these terms have been distorted from their original conservative meanings to align with progressive agendas.

Charlie Kirk [30:56]: "That's not true. The Founders themselves were much more conservative than almost anybody today who goes under the name of conservative."

6. Conclusion and Call to Action

Timestamp: [36:05] – [36:57]

As the episode wraps up, Charlie Kirk reiterates unwavering support for Andy Biggs' gubernatorial campaign, encouraging listeners to engage and support the upcoming efforts to transform Arizona's political landscape.

Charlie Kirk [36:35]: "Dr. West, phenomenal work. Thank you for your impact on my life."

The episode concludes with a final endorsement of Biggs and an invitation for listeners to participate in future events.

Key Takeaways:

• Endorsement of Andy Biggs: Charlie Kirk and Thomas West robustly endorse Andy Biggs for Governor of Arizona, highlighting his alignment with conservative values and Trump's support.

• Political Strategy: Emphasis on reversing Democratic control in Arizona through targeted policies on border security, economic growth, deregulation, and educational reform.

• Fiscal Responsibility: Discussion on the failure of the "big beautiful bill," advocating for substantial and immediate government spending cuts to address national debt and deficits.

• Founders' Intent: In-depth exploration of the Founders' vision regarding citizenship, liberty, and equality, arguing for a return to original constitutional interpretations.

• Call to Action: Encouragement for listeners to support Biggs' campaign and engage with Turning Point USA's initiatives to foster conservative change.

Notable Quotes:

• Charlie Kirk [00:00]: "We are planting the flag. And I make the case as to why Andy Biggs will be a phenomenal governor..."

• Dr. Thomas West [02:41]: "We are on the cusp of turning this state red again..."

• Charlie Kirk [13:28]: "This does not cut spending enough..."

• Andy Biggs [19:41]: "Citizenship was supposed to be based on consent both ways."

• Dr. Thomas West [30:56]: "The Founders themselves were much more conservative than almost anybody today who goes under the name of conservative."

This episode serves as a comprehensive endorsement of Andy Biggs for Arizona governor, intertwined with deep dives into constitutional principles and current legislative challenges, all aimed at mobilizing the conservative base to effect meaningful political change.