The Charlie Kirk Show: Ask Charlie Anything 58 – Two Reasons Why I Have Hope

Date: April 12, 2021
Host: Charlie Kirk

Episode Overview

In this "Ask Charlie Anything" edition, Charlie Kirk addresses questions from listeners on the current state of American politics and society. He discusses his reasons for remaining optimistic about America's future, explores the uniqueness of America's founding principles, critiques the lack of media accountability towards the Biden administration, and shares his views on foreign aid. The episode is characterized by Kirk's signature unapologetic, conservative outlook with an upbeat and engaging tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the Union Address and Media Accountability

Timestamps: [13:40] – [28:20]

• Question: Blake from Hendersonville, NC asks why President Joe Biden hasn’t given the customary address to Congress in his first year, and why the media is not demanding transparency.
• Kirk explains:
  • Biden is not constitutionally required to deliver a State of the Union in his first year, but the tradition usually calls for an address to Congress.
  • The media is not pressuring Biden, acting more as a communications arm of the White House than as an institution holding the government accountable.
  • Thomas Jefferson is quoted:

    "If I had to choose between a government without newspapers and newspapers without government, I wouldn't hesitate to choose the latter." [17:45]

  • Kirk laments the current lack of journalistic scrutiny, especially compared to how Trump was treated.
  • Argues that billionaires now own media outlets as tools of influence rather than profit, shielding themselves from investigation (example: Jeff Bezos and the Washington Post).
  • The activist press is disinterested in transparency, choosing instead to celebrate the current administration’s worldview.

2. Why America’s Founding Is Unique

Timestamps: [33:00] – [50:00]

• Question: Eric from Pennsylvania inquires about America's exceptional founding compared to other nations.
• Kirk’s response:
  • America’s founding was a unique pushback against tyranny, rooted not in taxes or tea, but in the principle of consent of the governed.
  • “The American Revolution was a moral claim that you can't rule me without my permission.” [34:10]
  • The Founders instituted a government to guard natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
  • Details the presumption of innocence and equal protection under the law, tracing these concepts to biblical and Enlightenment roots.
  • Discusses the influence of social contract theorists:
    • Thomas Hobbes: Human nature is brutal; thus, a dictator is required.
    • Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Prefers utopian visions and a romanticized 'state of nature.'
    • John Locke: Liberty is a moral claim; a government must protect property and freedom.
  • Kirk emphasizes that while America struggles, the experimental nature of a free society remains extraordinary.

3. Two Reasons Why Charlie Kirk Has Hope

Timestamps: [54:00] – [60:30]

• Prompted by questions from multiple listeners: ("Charlie, why are you so optimistic?")
• Kirk’s Two Reasons:
  1. State-by-State Differences
     • Contrasts Florida (prospering, open, conservative governance) vs. New York (closed, scandal-plagued).
     • Emphasizes the resilience of federalism:

       "The states created the federal government. The federal government didn't create the states." [55:15]

     • The diversity among states shows decentralization is functioning, and not all are subject to a single authority.
  2. The U.S. Constitution
     • The Constitution is intentionally designed to make the erosion of rights difficult.
     • Slows down radical change, requires due process, and acts as a firewall against overreach.
     • Kirk is encouraged by the judiciary and Trump-appointed judges upholding constitutional principles:

       "The Constitution was not written for the times. It was written to stand the test of time." [59:00]

4. America’s Foreign Aid Policy

Timestamps: [62:00] – [64:00]

• Question: Sydney from Vero Beach asks about the logic of sending foreign aid with national debt so high.
• Kirk’s stance:
  • Strongly opposes continuing foreign aid while Americans suffer domestically.
  • Attributes the persistence of aid to political kickbacks and global favors.
  • Summarizes:

    "We should not give a dollar of federal aid, foreign federal aid, as long as Americans are out of work, our borders are wide open, and we can't even balance our own budget." [63:30]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Media Complicity:
  "If a media is not asking the correct questions... then corruption and tyranny will run wild." [15:15]
• On Giving Up:

  "They're counting on it. The message is they're doing communication strategies to try to say, you done? Can you tap out? Their fundamental transformation and takeover is only complete when you give up." [28:55]

• On American Exceptionalism:

  "We are freedom loving independent people. We can handle liberty. And that's the thing that's tough."

• On Constitutional Safeguards:

  "The Constitution intentionally makes it hard, almost impossible, to take our God-granted rights away." [58:40]

• On Federalism:

  "There is still a state-based model that is working in our country, and states still have a fair amount of power in our country. That's a really good thing." [56:10]

Episode Structure (Timestamps & Segments)

• [00:00-08:00] — Announcements; thanking supporters ([skip: ads/intro])
• [09:10-13:30] — Personal loss: Tribute to Tom Patrick
• [13:40-28:20] — Q&A: Biden's press approach, media accountability, billionaire media ownership
• [33:00-50:00] — Q&A: What makes America’s founding exceptional, principles behind U.S. Constitution, social contract theory
• [54:00-60:30] — Kirk’s Two Reasons for Optimism: State differences and the Constitution
• [62:00-64:00] — Q&A: Foreign aid and fiscal responsibility

Final Thoughts

Charlie Kirk’s tone throughout is personable, urgent, and combative. He focuses on equipping listeners with arguments for American exceptionalism and conservative optimism despite cultural and political challenges. The core reasons for his hope—resilient state systems and constitutional protections—are posed as the foundation for continued perseverance and engagement.

For further interaction:

• Submit questions: Freedom@charliekirk.com
• Events: tpusa.com/ywls (Young Women’s Leadership Summit), tpusa.com